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It has since become one of our family’s most requested meals because it’s incredibly fast, packed with flavor, and has that perfect balance of savory filling and crisp, cool lettuce. These healthy chicken lettuce wraps feel special enough for guests but are simple enough for any night of the week.

Why This Recipe Is a Keeper

I could go on and on, but here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with this recipe too:

• Flavor Without the Fuss: The sauce is the star here. It’s a simple combination of pantry staples that creates a perfectly balanced sweet, savory, and tangy glaze. No complicated steps, just maximum flavor.
• A 30-Minute Wonder: From prep to plate, this meal comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy evenings when you want something healthy and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
• So Fresh and Satisfying: The crunch is everything! The cool, crisp butter lettuce paired with the crunchy water chestnuts and cashews make every bite an incredible mix of textures. It’s light, yet completely filling.

A Quick Look at the Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these lettuce wraps to life. The list is simple, and you might already have most of these ingredients on hand!

• Avocado Oil: A great neutral oil for sautéing. Olive oil works too!
• Reduced-Sodium Tamari: This is my go-to for a rich, gluten-free umami flavor. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness that beautifully balances the saltiness of the tamari. Please use the real stuff, not pancake syrup!
• Rice Vinegar & Toasted Sesame Oil: These two are essential for that classic Asian-inspired flavor profile. A little goes a long way.
• Lean Ground Chicken: I use 93/7 lean ground chicken, but ground turkey is also a fantastic substitute.
• Aromatics: Fresh garlic, ginger, and shallot create the fragrant base of this dish. Don’t skimp on the fresh ginger—it makes a huge difference.
• Veggies & Crunch: Shredded carrot, water chestnuts, and scallions add color, nutrients, and that all-important crunch.
• Butter Lettuce: This is the ideal vessel. The leaves are tender, naturally cup-shaped, and have a mild, buttery flavor. Bibb or living lettuce works great, too.
• Garnishes: Toasted sesame seeds and chopped cashews are the perfect finishing touch for extra flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First things first, prep your components. This makes the cooking process smooth and quick. Carefully separate, wash, and pat dry 12 of the largest outer leaves from the lettuce. Set them aside. Go ahead and get all your chopping done—dice the shallot, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, shred the carrot, chop the water chestnuts, and slice the scallions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: the tamari, maple syrup, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sea salt, and red pepper flakes. Set it aside.
3. Heat the avocado oil in a wide Dutch oven or a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and transfer the chicken to a plate for now.
4. In the same pan, turn the heat to medium and add the diced shallot and shredded carrot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Now, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for about 90 seconds more until you can smell that amazing, fragrant aroma.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the aromatics. Pour that delicious sauce you made all over the mixture.

6. Stir everything together and allow the sauce to bubble gently and reduce for 3-4 minutes. It will thicken into a beautiful glaze that coats every bit of the chicken.
7. Remove the pan from the heat. Fold in the chopped water chestnuts and sliced scallions. I love adding these at the end so they stay super crisp and fresh.
8. It’s time to assemble! Spoon the warm chicken mixture into your prepared lettuce cups. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds, chopped cashews, and a few more scallions. Serve them immediately!

Expert Tips for Success

• Substitutions: Don’t have ground chicken? Ground turkey or even finely crumbled firm tofu would be delicious here.
• Make-Ahead: You can cook the chicken filling a day in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just gently reheat it on the stove and assemble the fresh lettuce cups.
• Storage: Leftover filling will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s great for a quick lunch the next day, either in more lettuce cups or served over rice.
• Don’t Skip the Drying Step: Make sure your lettuce leaves are completely dry. This is key to preventing soggy wraps and ensuring a perfectly crisp bite.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

These lettuce wraps are a fantastic meal all on their own, but they also play well with others! They make a wonderful appetizer for a dinner party or a potluck. For a more substantial dinner, serve them alongside a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice or some steamed edamame.

As for drinks, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors. A light lager or even a glass of iced green tea would also be a perfect match.