If you are craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and just the right touch of sweetness, then this Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Light, Easy & Delicious! Recipe is exactly what you need. These wraps combine tender, juicy chicken with crisp veggies and crunchy nuts, all wrapped snugly in fresh, cool lettuce leaves. They are the perfect harmony of lightness and indulgence, and I promise they’ll become a go-to whenever you want a quick yet memorable meal that’s both healthy and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a brilliant example of how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component adds its own unique flair—from the savory chicken and colorful vegetables to the nutty crunch and that unmistakable teriyaki glaze. Here’s everything you’ll want to have ready:
- 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Tender, lean protein that soaks up the teriyaki flavor beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided: Adds a rich, nutty aroma and perfect for sautéing the ingredients.
- ⅔ cup carrots, shredded: For a touch of natural sweetness and a lovely pop of orange color.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Infuses a sharp, fragrant depth to every bite.
- 1 cup green onions, sliced: Brings a fresh, mild oniony crunch to the mix.
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced: Vibrant red hues and a subtle sweetness.
- 1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped: For an irresistibly crisp texture that stands out.
- ⅔ cup cashews or peanuts, roughly chopped: Adds a buttery crunch that elevates the wraps.
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce, divided: The star player that ties all flavors together with that perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- Romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce leaves: Crisp, cool, and sturdy enough to hold your filling with ease.
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish: A toasty finishing touch for both flavor and visual appeal.
How to Make Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Light, Easy & Delicious! Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it’s perfectly cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. You want an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe and juicy. Once cooked, set the chicken aside – this first step sets the foundation for the rich flavors to come.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ⅔ cup of sliced green onions, sautéing for roughly 30 seconds. You’ll instantly notice how the kitchen fills with that warm, irresistible aroma that gets your appetite going.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Next, introduce your diced red bell pepper and chopped water chestnuts to the skillet. Cook everything for about 2 minutes until the veggies soften just a bit but still maintain their pleasant crunch. This mix provides a perfect contrast to the tender chicken and sets a beautiful vibrant scene.
Step 4: Add Teriyaki Sauce
Pour in ⅔ of the teriyaki sauce, reserving the rest for serving. Give the mixture a good stir and let it cook for another minute or so, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and completely coat the chicken and veggies. That glossy teriyaki coating is the highlight you’re after.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Carrots
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the shredded carrots. Stir everything thoroughly and cook just until heated through. This step brings all components together and lets the carrots soften gently while retaining their fresh crunch.
Step 6: Assemble the Wraps
Now for the fun part! Spoon the warm chicken mixture directly into the crisp lettuce leaves. Top each wrap with the remaining green onions, chopped cashews or peanuts, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle the reserved teriyaki sauce on top. Each wrap is a beautiful bite of flavor, texture, and freshness.
How to Serve Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Light, Easy & Delicious! Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can elevate your wraps from tasty to unforgettable. Try fresh cilantro or a few thin slices of red chili for a subtle kick. A squeeze of lime juice before serving adds a bright, zesty note that complements the teriyaki perfectly. These little additions bring layers of flavor that make every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Keep it light and balanced with a simple side of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa, which soaks up the extra teriyaki sauce beautifully. If you want a veggie-packed side, a quick cucumber salad or edamame pods tossed with sea salt makes a refreshing pairing that won’t overshadow the star of the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For serving at parties or meal prep, set up a build-your-own wrap station with the chicken mixture, lettuce leaves, nuts, and garnishes laid out buffet-style. This creates a fun, interactive experience where everyone can customize their wraps exactly how they like. Alternatively, stack a few wraps on a colorful platter arranged with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for an inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cooked chicken mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to maintain their crispness. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken mixture and assemble your wraps fresh for best texture.
Freezing
This teriyaki chicken filling freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep beautifully for up to two months. When you want a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the texture, especially of the veggies. Once hot, spoon it into fresh lettuce leaves and enjoy that fresh, flavorful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of diced chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and cooks even faster. Just brown it thoroughly in the skillet before moving on to the next steps, and you’ll still get those mouthwatering teriyaki flavors in every bite.
What type of lettuce is best for wraps?
Romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce are all great choices. Romaine is sturdy and slightly crunchy, iceberg offers that classic crispness, while butter lettuce’s soft leaves give a silky texture. Choose based on your texture preference and availability.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, as long as you use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce. Many store-bought brands have gluten-containing soy sauce, but there are excellent gluten-free options available. Always double-check labels to be safe.
Can I make these wraps vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with diced tofu or tempeh and follow the same cooking steps. The teriyaki sauce and veggies will provide that same delicious flavor and satisfying texture without meat.
How spicy are these lettuce wraps?
This recipe is mild by default, perfect for all palates. If you like a bit of heat, you can add minced fresh chili or a few drops of hot sauce either during cooking or as a garnish.
Final Thoughts
These Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Light, Easy & Delicious! Recipe truly bring joy to any meal with their perfect blend of fresh, crunchy, savory, and sweet elements. They are a fantastic way to enjoy something both wholesome and exciting without a ton of effort. I hope you have as much fun making and eating them as I do sharing this recipe with you!
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Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Light, Easy & Delicious! Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a light, easy, and delicious meal featuring tender diced chicken cooked in sesame oil with fresh vegetables and a savory teriyaki sauce. Served in crisp lettuce leaves and garnished with crunchy cashews and sesame seeds, they make a perfect low-carb, flavorful dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into small pieces
Vegetables & Nuts
- ⅔ cup carrots, shredded
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup green onions, sliced (divided use)
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- ⅔ cup cashews or peanuts, roughly chopped
Sauces & Oils
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce, divided
Others
- Romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce leaves
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the minced garlic and ⅔ cup of sliced green onions, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the diced red bell pepper and chopped water chestnuts to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Teriyaki Sauce: Stir in ⅔ of the teriyaki sauce, reserving the rest for later. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Carrots: Return the cooked chicken and shredded carrots to the skillet. Mix thoroughly and cook until everything is heated through.
- Assemble Wraps: Spoon the chicken mixture into fresh lettuce leaves. Garnish with the remaining green onions, chopped cashews or peanuts, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with the reserved teriyaki sauce as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use crisp lettuce varieties such as romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce for the best wrap experience.
- Make sure to cook the chicken fully to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- You can substitute cashews with peanuts or omit nuts for a nut-free option.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha or chili flakes to the teriyaki sauce.
- These wraps are best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the lettuce.
