Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Let me introduce you to Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps, an irresistible dish that wraps tender, saucy chicken and crisp veggies in cool, fresh lettuce leaves for a hand-held meal that’ll wake up your taste buds. The combination of the umami-rich teriyaki sauce, crunchy water chestnuts, sweet bell peppers, and a sprinkle of nuts leads to texture perfection. Whether you want a fuss-free weeknight dinner or an appetizer worth sharing, these wraps come together quickly and can easily be adjusted to your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The real beauty of Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps is how such simple staples each bring something special—flavor, texture, or crunch. Every ingredient plays a piece in creating the perfect bite, and a few little tips will help you make the most of them.

• Chicken breasts: Lean, juicy, and diced small for quick, even cooking and easy wrapping.
• Sesame oil: A must for deep, toasty aroma; divide for sautéing chicken and veggies.
• Shredded carrots: Provide sweetness and bright orange color, plus a lovely crunch.
• Garlic: Just one clove is enough to perfume the entire dish with savory warmth.
• Green onions: Sliced for subtle sharpness, they add a pop of color and plenty of zip.
• Red bell pepper: Diced for sweetness and a gorgeous ruby hue; choose a firm one for best texture.
• Water chestnuts: These canned gems deliver unbeatable crunch and soak up delicious sauce.
• Cashews or peanuts: Roughly chopped, they provide buttery crunch and make every bite interesting.
• Teriyaki sauce: The heart of the flavor—store-bought works wonders, but homemade is great if you have time.
• Lettuce leaves: Romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce all work; choose sturdy, wide leaves for easiest wrapping.
• Sesame seeds: For garnish; they look pretty and add a subtle nutty finish.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Warm 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add your diced chicken breasts, spreading them out so they sear nicely. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and no longer pink in the center. For food safety, check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF before removing it from the skillet. Transfer to a bowl and set aside for now.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

In the same skillet (no need to clean it out!), pour in the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss in the minced garlic and 2/3 cup of sliced green onions. Stir and sauté for 30 seconds—just long enough for everything to become fragrant but not browned. Next, add the diced red bell pepper and the chopped water chestnuts, and cook for another 2 minutes to soften slightly and develop flavor.

Step 3: Introduce the Teriyaki Magic

Pour in 2/3 cup of the teriyaki sauce, making sure to reserve the other 1/3 cup for drizzling later. Stir everything together and let cook for about 1 minute, letting the veggies absorb that beautiful sweet-savory sauce.

Step 4: Combine and Heat Through

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the shredded carrots. Stir everything together so that the chicken and carrots are fully coated in the teriyaki-sauced veggie mixture. Heat until everything is steaming hot, about 1 to 2 minutes. You’re almost there!

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

To build your Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps, spoon the chicken mixture into sturdy lettuce leaves. Garnish generously with the chopped cashews or peanuts, remaining green onions, sesame seeds, and an extra drizzle of that reserved teriyaki sauce. Serve immediately for best crunch and flavor.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

Don’t hold back with the garnishes! Scatter sesame seeds and extra sliced green onions over the wraps for a burst of color. Chopped cashews or peanuts deliver crunch, while an extra drizzle of teriyaki sauce makes each wrap glossy and extra flavorful. For a little heat, a dash of sriracha or chili flakes never hurts.

Side Dishes

Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps pair beautifully with steamed rice, simple cucumber salad, or a light miso soup. If you want to keep things fresh, add a slaw of shredded cabbage and carrots dressed in rice vinegar. Edamame or crispy wontons also make tasty, fun sides to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Set up a wrap-making bar and let everyone assemble their own Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps—kids especially love this! Pile the chicken mixture in a big bowl, set out lettuce leaves and toppings in pretty dishes, and watch dinner become a hands-on party. For fancier occasions, arrange each assembled wrap on a platter, drizzle with a zigzag of sauce, and place a few edible flowers for a stunning, restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are no trouble at all! Store the cooked teriyaki chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep the lettuce leaves and fresh garnishes separate to preserve their crispness. Only assemble the wraps right before serving to avoid wilting.

Freezing

If you want to freeze extra filling, cool it completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that lettuce doesn’t freeze well, so only freeze the chicken filling—not the wraps themselves!

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat or pop it in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until hot and steamy. Stir a bit of extra teriyaki sauce in if it seems dry and serve in fresh lettuce leaves as always.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of diced chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Ground chicken cooks quickly and gives the filling a softer, almost “takeout-style” texture. Just brown it as you would the diced chicken, breaking it up with a spatula until fully cooked.

What are the best types of lettuce for Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Romaine, iceberg, and butter lettuce are all great options. Look for large, sturdy leaves that can hold the filling without tearing—romaine is especially easy for wrapping, while butter lettuce offers a delicate, velvety feel.

Is it possible to make Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the chicken for pan-fried tofu, tempeh, or even an extra helping of crunchy veggies or mushrooms. Make sure your teriyaki sauce is vegetarian as well.

How can I make these wraps spicier?

A squeeze of sriracha, a spoonful of chili garlic sauce, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes will spice things up instantly. You can even add extra fresh jalapeños or Thai chilis to the filling for that fiery kick.

Can I use homemade teriyaki sauce?

Definitely! Homemade teriyaki sauce gives you control over flavor and sweetness. If making your own, opt for a sauce that’s slightly thick so it clings well to the chicken and veggies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s fresh, flavorful, and totally satisfying, you truly can’t go wrong with Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps. I hope you’re as obsessed with them as I am! Give them a try, play with your favorite add-ins, and don’t forget to share with someone you love—it’s a meal best enjoyed with great company.

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