Oh, hello there! Are you tired of those heavy dinners that leave everyone sluggish halfway through the evening? Me too! That’s why I’m sharing my absolute favorite secret weapon for busy nights: these bright, fresh Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps. They come together faster than most takeout orders and they’re packed with protein without weighing you down. It’s exactly the kind of quick, healthy swap I love teaching families to make in their own kitchens.
I’m Sophia Reed, by the way, and as the Family Cooking Specialist here at Sena Recipes, I believe the best meals are the ones we share easily, without spending hours over the stove. These wraps truly embody that—they are light, flavorful, and honestly, they’re just plain fun to eat straight from the lettuce cup!
Why You Need These Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps for Dinner
If your weeknights feel frantic, you need this recipe in your rotation. Seriously, these delicious Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the answer to that 5:30 PM panic when you realize dinner needs to happen *now*.
Here’s what makes them totally non-negotiable for quick, healthy eating:
- They are lightning fast—we’re talking 30 minutes start to finish, which is perfect. You can even find more easy family dinner recipes over here on the blog!
- They’re naturally low carb, so you get big flavor without the heavy aftermath.
- The hands-on assembly means everyone, even the kids, wants to dig in right away. It’s dinner and an activity rolled into one!
Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Okay, I know scanning a giant ingredient list can feel overwhelming, but trust me here—this recipe is built on pantry staples and fresh crunch! We’re separating the sauce components from the main filling stuff, which is the only way to keep things super organized.
For the amazing sauce that brings everything together—and I mean *everything*—you’ll need:
- About 3 to 5 tablespoons of hoisin sauce (If you love a deep flavor, lean toward 5!)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar.
- 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil.
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch – but only if you want that extra thick, clingy sauce!
Now for the body of our Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps. This is where the texture really comes from:
- 1 pound of ground chicken (I use 93% lean, but use what you prefer).
- 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil, split up for two different frying stages.
- 8 ounces of white button or cremini mushrooms, and you absolutely must chop these finely!
- Feel free to toss in some optional bells and whistles: finely diced onions, finely diced bell peppers, or even grated carrots if you have them lying around.
- 1 (8-ounce) can of water chestnuts, drained well and chopped finely. This adds vital crunch!
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced up small.
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, peeled and minced—don’t skip the fresh stuff here!
- 1/2 cup of thinly sliced scallions (that’s about 6 of those little green guys), saved for later.
Finally, you need the vessel! Grab 2 small heads of either Bibb lettuce or butter lettuce. These leaves are sturdy enough to hold a big spoonful of filling. For serving, keep the red pepper flakes and Sriracha hot sauce nearby, just in case you like a little kick!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Now that we have all our fresh ingredients prepped, let’s get cooking! This is so fast, honestly. Since these are Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps, we want the filling hot and flavorful when it hits that cool, crisp lettuce. The whole process moves really quickly once you get your rhythm down. I love that this only takes about 15 minutes of active cooking time!
Preparing the Flavorful Sauce for Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
First things first: mix that sauce! Grab a small bowl and whisk together 3 tablespoons of your hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, the 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and that teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. Whisk it all until it’s perfectly smooth. Now, here’s my little test: if you like your filling really thick—almost sticking to the chicken—whisk in that optional teaspoon of cornstarch now. If you prefer it a little saucier, skip the cornstarch. My advice? Try it with the cornstarch the first time; it really helps the filling coat the lettuce better!
Cooking the Ground Chicken and Vegetables for Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Heat up one teaspoon of your vegetable oil in a big skillet over medium heat until it’s shimmering. Toss in your pound of ground chicken. You need to cook this until it’s completely done, breaking it up into little crumbles as you go—that usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes. Once it’s cooked through and no longer pink, you’re going to scoop that chicken out into a clean bowl and set it aside. Don’t wipe the pan clean! Next, add the other teaspoon of oil to that same pan. Now add your finely chopped mushrooms and any other veggie extras you decided to use. Stir those around until they start getting tender, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes.
Right when those veggies are smelling good, stir in your finely chopped water chestnuts, your minced garlic, and that fresh ginger. You only need to cook this aromatics mix for about 30 seconds until you can really smell them. That fragrant smell means the base for our amazing Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps is ready!
Combining and Finishing Your Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps Filling
Time to reunite the party! Put that cooked chicken right back into the pan with the veggies. Then, toss in half of those thinly sliced scallions. Pour that flavorful sauce you whipped up earlier right over everything. Cook it, stirring gently, until it starts bubbling and the sauce thoroughly warms through, maybe just 30 to 60 seconds maximum. Always taste your food before you serve it. This is my golden rule! Stir it and taste it; if you think it needs more zip or saltiness, now is the time to add another drizzle of hoisin sauce. Don’t be shy about adjusting it to your family’s liking!
If you need more ideas on boosting protein in your meals, check out some of my other favorite easy healthy chicken dinners or even explore my favorite high protein recipes for dinner!
Assembling and Serving the Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
This is the fun, interactive part! Take all those beautiful lettuce leaves off the heads and pile them onto a big platter. You want everyone to serve themselves right out of the main pan or transfer the filling to a nice serving dish. Set out little bowls with the remaining scallions, your Sriracha hot sauce, and those red pepper flakes. Everyone spoons a generous helping of the hot chicken mixture right into the center of a crisp lettuce leaf. Top it with a few more scallions and a drizzle of spice if they want it, and eat it right away! It’s so satisfying to eat something this fresh and crunchy.
Tips for Perfect Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps Every Time
Even though these Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps are super quick, a couple of little tricks can take them from “good” to “making-it-again-next-week” amazing. It’s all about how you handle your textures here. Pay attention to these details, and you’ll always nail the satisfying crunch.
My first tip is all about the lettuce cup—don’t try to save time by grabbing iceberg lettuce! Iceberg is just too brittle and tends to shatter when you try to pick it up. You really want Bibb or butter lettuce, just like the recipe calls for. They have that perfect gentle curve and just enough flexibility to hold all that savory filling without breaking apart. Plus, they’re softer, which feels nicer!
Second, and this is crucial for texture: when you chop your mushrooms and water chestnuts, chop them *finely*. I mean it. We aren’t looking for big chunks here; we want them almost blending with the ground chicken so that every single bite gets a little bit of that surprising crunch without feeling like you’re chewing on a big piece of mushroom. It needs to be uniform!
For flavor boosting, don’t be heavy-handed with the oil when you cook the chicken. We only use one teaspoon to brown the chicken, and then the second teaspoon for the veggies. Since we aren’t deep-frying, keeping the oil light ensures the flavor comes from the sauce and aromatics, not grease. If you end up with rendered fat after cooking the chicken, drain most of it out before you start frying the mushrooms. Healthy eating is key, remember?
If you are looking for other quick protein boosts for your meals that don’t require a skillet, you might want to check out some of my favorite easy air fryer chicken recipes for future weeknights. But for these wraps, focus on that fine chop and the soft lettuce!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
I get so many questions every time I post these amazing Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps about swapping out ingredients, which I totally get! We all have different things in the fridge, right? The good news is this recipe is incredibly flexible, though there are a few non-negotiables if you want that authentic flavor and texture.
If you’re out of ground chicken, please don’t panic! Ground turkey works just as beautifully. In fact, it tends to brown up a little faster, so keep an eye on that timing. Lean ground pork is another fantastic substitute if you want something richer. However, if you are trying to keep this recipe as light as possible—perhaps looking for some inspiration for low-calorie foods for weight loss recipes—sticking to chicken or turkey is your best bet.
What about those water chestnuts? Those little guys are the secret powerhouse for unbelievable crunch! If you absolutely cannot find them, or you’ve run out, you can substitute them with finely chopped celery or even jicama if you happen to have that on hand. It won’t be exactly the same—water chestnuts have a unique, watery snap—but celery will give you a nice savory crunch to replace that texture.
Don’t feel limited by the optional vegetables, either! If you’ve got some finely shredded cabbage that needs using up, throw it in with the mushrooms. The main thing is that whatever you add, you need to chop it small, smaller than you think, so it blends nicely with the ground chicken. This keeps the filling homogenous and makes scooping into those lettuce cups much easier. Nobody wants a giant piece of carrot falling out halfway through eating!
Remember, since we are using fresh, crisp lettuce instead of tortillas or bread, this already keeps us squarely in the low-carb, high-protein zone, making it super easy to fit into most healthy eating plans without needing major adjustments to the filling itself!
Making it a Complete Meal: Serving Suggestions for Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Honestly, these Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fantastic all on their own, especially when you’re aiming for a lighter, high-protein dinner. I mean, the filling is so packed with flavor from the hoisin and ginger, sometimes I think it doesn’t need anything else! But when you’re feeding a crowd or just want to make it feel like a proper feast, pairing it with a simple side dish really makes the meal feel complete, without tipping you into feeling overly full.
Since we kept these wraps low carb and light, we want to look for sides that offer a little texture contrast or complementary freshness. Forget heavy rice or noodles if you’re sticking to the low-carb goal! I usually lean toward bright, crisp vegetable preparations.
If you want something green that has a little warmth to balance the cool lettuce, you absolutely have to try my recipe for maple-glazed Brussels sprouts with pecans. Now, I know sprouts might sound intense, but when you roast them just right, and you add that touch of maple—it’s the perfect sweet and salty counterpoint to the savory chicken filling. It sounds a little sweet, but trust me, it works beautifully with the Asian-inspired flavor profile!
Another really simple way to flesh out the plate is with some quick-pickled cucumbers. All you do is thinly slice cucumbers, toss them in a mix of rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar (or sweetener if you’re keto), and a few sesame seeds. They take five minutes to make while the chicken is cooking, and they provide amazing, slightly acidic brightness that cuts through the richness of the hoisin sauce. They are the ultimate fresh side dish!
For a really simple, almost no-cook option, you can’t go wrong with edamame steamed lightly and tossed with just a sprinkle of sea salt. It’s another great protein/fiber addition that keeps everything clean and healthy. It’s all about building a plate that feels abundant without being heavy, which is just what these Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps were made for!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
We all know that sometimes cooking for two results in leftovers for three, and that’s perfectly fine with this recipe! The great thing about these Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps filling is that it keeps really nicely, but you have to handle the components separately. The crispness of the lettuce is sacred, and trying to reheat soggy lettuce is just a tragedy waiting to happen—so we keep them apart!
First rule of storing leftovers: the lettuce cups do not store well at all. They are best used immediately. As soon as dinner is over, you need to scoop any leftover chicken mixture out of the leaves and into its own storage container. I like to use glass containers because they hold heat nicely when reheating, but any airtight container works.
If you made a big batch of this filling, it will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for three to four days. You can find some other great tips for planning ahead over on my post about make-ahead casserole recipes, but the storage principle is the same: airtight is best!
Now, reheating is where we need a little care, especially if you want to keep that lovely texture we worked so hard to create. I strongly discourage the microwave if you can possibly avoid it. Microwaving tends to make the chicken a bit rubbery, and any fresh veggies might get steamy and limp. This filling is best revived on the stovetop to get it perfectly hot and fragrant again!
Toss the leftover filling into a skillet over medium heat—no extra oil needed since there’s always a little residual fat left over. Stir it around constantly until it’s heated through completely, which usually takes about five minutes. If it seems a little too dry after sitting in the fridge, just splash in about a tablespoon of water or a tiny bit of soy sauce to create a little steam and loosen it up. Then, grab some fresh lettuce for the cups, and you’re right back to enjoying a fresh, fast dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
I get so many lovely messages after people try these wraps, and usually, there are a few questions that pop up again and again. I’ve gathered the most common ones right here so you can feel totally confident before you even get out your skillet. Knowing these little details helps you tailor them perfectly for your family’s needs!
We are always aiming to keep things light, packed with protein, and simple, which is why I love that these fit into so many different healthy eating styles. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your meals light, feel free to browse my other Keto Dinner Recipes here on the site!
Are these Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps considered Keto High Protein Meals?
That’s a great question, and the answer is a resounding yes! These wraps are absolutely perfect if you’re clocking your macros and looking for Keto High Protein Meals. Think about it—we skip the sugar-heavy sauces sometimes found in traditional Asian-inspired stir-fries, we use chicken breast for lean protein, and our “carb” base is literally zero-calorie lettuce instead of rice or noodles. They are naturally low in carbs and very high in protein, making them a fantastic choice for a high protein low carb dinner.
Can I make the filling ahead of time for a quicker weeknight dinner?
Yes, you totally can, and I highly recommend it for those super hectic evenings! You can cook the entire ground chicken filling—the chicken, veggies, aromatics, and sauce—and keep it stored airtight in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it thoroughly in a skillet as I mentioned before. The only thing you must do fresh is rinse and separate your lettuce cups right before serving. That way, you cut your active cooking time down to less than ten minutes!
What lettuce works best for these Healthy High Protein Recipes?
I preach this a lot, but the lettuce choice really makes or breaks the experience in these Healthy High Protein Recipes! You absolutely must use Bibb or butter lettuce. They have that perfect cup shape and a lovely, soft, slightly pliable texture. They aren’t prone to cracking when filled. Iceberg lettuce is too stiff and watery, and romaine leaves are often shaped too narrowly to cradle a hearty spoonful of chicken filling. Stick with Bibb or butter lettuce; they are sturdy enough to handle the filling but delicate enough to enjoy!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
I always try to give you a good ballpark idea of what you’re looking at nutritionally, because knowing what’s in your food is part of mindful cooking. Please remember these numbers are just estimates, and they change wildly based on whether you use leaner chicken, how much hoisin sauce you load on, or if you use mushrooms versus adding bell peppers.
The details below are based on 4 servings of the core recipe, without extra toppings or highly rich additions:
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 (Pretty low for a filling dinner!)
- Fat: 18 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 30 grams (That’s the star of the show!)
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 650 mg
See? High protein, low carb—it checks all the boxes for a balanced, light meal. Keeping sodium in check is easy if you use low-sodium soy sauce in your mix. I always try to find ways to make family meals fit our goals, and this recipe, found over on our high protein recipes for weight loss page, really delivers!
Share Your Family’s Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps Creations
I truly hope that when you make these Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps, they bring as much joy and easy, breezy dinner time to your house as they do to mine. It means the world to me when I hear how you’ve adapted these recipes for your own crew!
Once you try them out, please come back and leave a rating for me—five stars if you loved the fresh crunch! And if you snap a picture of your family enjoying them—maybe even struggling slightly to keep the filling inside the lettuce cup (that’s the fun part!)—please tag us on social media! You can get in touch with me directly here through the contact page, or share your photos using our favorite family cooking hashtags. Happy wrapping, everyone!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
I always try to give you a good ballpark idea of what you’re looking at nutritionally, because knowing what’s in your food is part of mindful cooking. Please remember these numbers are just estimates, and they change wildly based on whether you use leaner chicken, how much hoisin sauce you load on, or if you use mushrooms versus adding bell peppers.
The details below are based on 4 servings of the core recipe, without extra toppings or highly rich additions:
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 (Pretty low for a filling dinner!)
- Fat: 18 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 30 grams (That’s the star of the show!)
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 650 mg
See? High protein, low carb—it checks all the boxes for a balanced, light meal. Keeping sodium in check is easy if you use low-sodium soy sauce in your mix. I always try to find ways to make family meals fit our goals, and this recipe, found over on our high protein recipes for weight loss page, really delivers!
Share Your Family’s Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps Creations
I truly hope that when you make these Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps, they bring as much joy and easy, breezy dinner time to your house as they do to mine. It means the world to me when I hear how you’ve adapted these recipes for your own crew!
Once you try them out, please come back and leave a rating for me—five stars if you loved the fresh crunch! And if you snap a picture of your family enjoying them—maybe even struggling slightly to keep the filling inside the lettuce cup (that’s the fun part!)—please tag us on social media! You can get in touch with me directly here through the contact page, or share your photos using our favorite family cooking hashtags. Happy wrapping, everyone!
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Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Make these quick and fresh ground chicken lettuce wraps for a light, high-protein dinner that is easy for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 3 to 5 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided
- 8 ounces white button or cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
- Optional vegetables: finely diced onions, finely diced bell peppers, finely diced or grated carrots
- 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from about 6 scallions), divided
- 2 small heads Bibb or butter lettuce
- Red pepper flakes, for serving
- Sriracha hot sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Place 3 tablespoons of the hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil in a small bowl and whisk. Whisk in 1 teaspoon cornstarch if you want a thicker sauce.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 pound ground chicken and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until cooked through and no longer pink, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean bowl and set it aside.
- Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil to the same pan. Add 8 ounces finely chopped white button or cremini mushrooms and any optional vegetables, and cook, stirring occasionally until tender, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in finely chopped water chestnuts, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon peeled and minced fresh ginger. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Return the chicken to the pan and add 1/2 of the scallions.
- Add the sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, until bubbling and the sauce is warmed through, 30 to 60 seconds.
- Taste the mixture and add more hoisin sauce if you want more flavor.
- Break off all the lettuce leaves and pile them on a plate. Place small dishes with sriracha hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and the remaining scallions nearby. Transfer the hot chicken mixture to a serving dish or serve straight from the skillet. Give everyone a spoon. Place a generous spoonful of chicken mixture in the middle of a lettuce leaf, top with scallions and sriracha hot sauce or red pepper flakes, and eat right away.
Notes
- This recipe is great for families looking for light, flavorful meals.
- It offers a quick alternative to standard stir-fry dishes.
- The presentation is fun for both children and adults.
- You can easily adjust the vegetables based on what you have available.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 90
Keywords: Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps, healthy lettuce wraps recipe, family-friendly chicken wraps, easy weeknight chicken dinner, light and fresh chicken meals, high protein, low carb