Savory Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

$To make delicious teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps, gather these ingredients: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped - 1/2 cup carrot, grated - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted - 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated - Salt and pepper to taste When selecting your ingredients, freshness is key. Look for: - Chicken: Choose bright pink, firm chicken breasts. - Vegetables: Pick crisp, colorful bell peppers and firm carrots. - Lettuce: Select fresh leaves without browning or wilting. - Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option. You can switch some ingredients if needed: - Chicken: Try tofu or shrimp for a different protein. - Honey: Maple syrup works well for a vegan option. - Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a soy-free dish. - Veggies: Add cucumbers or shredded cabbage for extra crunch. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need diced chicken, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, green bell pepper, carrot, green onions, sesame seeds, and lettuce. This dish is quick and easy, so having everything ready is key. Next, wash and dry your lettuce leaves. Butter or romaine lettuce works best. You need about 12-16 leaves, depending on size. Set them aside carefully to keep them whole. Heat one tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes. You want it browned and no longer pink in the center. While the chicken cooks, mix the sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and minced garlic. This sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor to your chicken. After the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over it. Stir well to coat the chicken. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and soak into the chicken. Add chopped green bell pepper and grated carrot to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want the veggies tender but still crisp. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds to finish. Now, it’s time to assemble your wraps. Take a lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the teriyaki chicken mixture into the center. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling. This creates a neat little wrap. Serve the wraps on a large platter. You can garnish with extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a nice touch. If you like, add some extra teriyaki sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious and healthy teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps! To boost flavor in your teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps, use fresh ingredients. Fresh ginger and garlic make a big difference. Toasting sesame seeds brings out their nutty taste. For added crunch, you can use water chestnuts. They add a nice texture and pair well with the chicken. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Cook it just until it is no longer pink. This keeps the meat juicy. Another mistake is not letting the sauce thicken. Give it time to simmer after adding it to the chicken. This step ensures your wraps have a rich flavor. Lastly, don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. This simple step can elevate your dish. Serve your wraps on a large platter for a beautiful display. You can garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions for color. Consider adding a small bowl of teriyaki sauce for dipping. This adds fun and flavor to each bite. You might also include pickled vegetables on the side for contrast. The tangy taste will complement the sweetness of the chicken wraps. Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For an even richer taste, marinate the diced chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply. Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. Fresh ginger and garlic can significantly enhance the dish's aroma and flavor profile. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add more honey or a splash of pineapple juice. Conversely, for a less sweet version, reduce the honey or substitute with a sugar-free alternative. Serve Immediately: These lettuce wraps are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them right after assembling to maintain the crisp texture of the lettuce and the warmth of the chicken mixture. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Instead of chicken, use tofu or tempeh. Both options absorb flavors well. Use the same teriyaki sauce from the recipe. Cut the tofu or tempeh into small cubes. Sauté until golden brown, then add the sauce. This way, you keep the sweet and savory taste. You can also try using mushrooms for a hearty texture. If you want to switch proteins, you have choices. Ground turkey or beef works well. For seafood lovers, shrimp or salmon are tasty options. Just adjust cooking times. Ground meat cooks faster, while fish needs less time than chicken. Make sure to use the same teriyaki sauce to enjoy that signature flavor. Feel free to get creative with flavors! Add some crushed red pepper for heat. You can also mix in chopped water chestnuts for a nice crunch. Want more veggies? Bell peppers and carrots are great, but try adding zucchini or snap peas too. For a fresh taste, add chopped cilantro or mint. These small changes make the dish new and exciting every time you make it. Store any leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice any change in smell or color, it’s best to throw it out. To freeze the teriyaki chicken, first let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as you can. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use the microwave. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Make sure it is heated through before serving. Enjoy your wraps fresh and tasty! I recommend using butter or romaine lettuce. Both types have soft leaves. They hold the filling well. Butter lettuce is tender and easy to fold. Romaine adds a nice crunch. Choose fresh leaves without any brown spots. Yes, you can make teriyaki sauce at home! It's simple and quick. Just mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and garlic. This mix gives your chicken a great flavor. You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness to fit your taste. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to seal them in an airtight container. The chicken will stay tasty, but the lettuce may wilt. It's best to eat the wraps fresh. If you keep the filling and lettuce separate, they will stay fresh longer. You learned about key ingredients for tasty lettuce wraps. Choosing the right items and making smart substitutions is crucial. I shared tips for cooking the chicken and assembling the wraps. Use flavor tricks and avoid common mistakes for the best results. Plus, we explored fun variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. Enjoy making these wraps your own. With practice, you can create great meals that everyone loves. Let your cooking skills shine!$

Savory Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Delicious and healthy chicken wraps with a savory teriyaki sauce, served in fresh lettuce leaves.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
0.25 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
0.5 cup carrot, grated
0.25 cup green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
1 head butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook until browned and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes.
While the chicken cooks, in a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and minced garlic.
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the chopped green bell pepper and grated carrot to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
To serve, spoon the teriyaki chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf, folding it like a wrap.

Notes

Arrange the filled lettuce wraps on a large platter. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant look. Consider serving with extra teriyaki sauce on the side for dipping.

Keyword chicken, easy, healthy, lettuce wraps, teriyaki