Kung Pao Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Skip takeout! This Kung Pao chicken lettuce wraps recipe is a weeknight winner. Savory, slightly sweet, and oh-so-easy. Get the recipe (and secret sauce!) here.

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for takeaway but want something a bit lighter? this chicken lettuce wraps recipe is your answer.

Honestly, it’s got all the flavour of your favourite asian dish but without the guilt!

Brief Overview

These asian chicken lettuce wraps are inspired by the classic flavors of kung pao chicken. it's a dish that's surprisingly quick to make and rooted in chinese cuisine.

Ready in just 35 minutes, this chicken lettuce wraps recipe is perfect for a speedy dinner that feeds four hungry people.

Main Benefits

Packed with protein and fresh veggies, this recipe is a nutritional winner. it makes a perfect weeknight meal when you need a quick, satisfying dish.

What makes this recipe special? it is the explosion of flavours – savoury, sweet, and a little bit spicy, all in one bite!

Craving Asian Flavours?

Let's be real, sometimes you just need that p.f. chang's chicken lettuce wraps vibe, right? but what if you could make something just as good (or even better!) at home? this recipe isn’t exactly p.

F. changs chicken lettuce wraps , but it definitely scratches that itch, and you know exactly what's going into it.

What You’ll Need for This Kung Pao Chicken Lettuce Wraps

This chicken lettuce wraps recipe calls for simple ingredients you can easily find. from juicy chicken thighs to crunchy water chestnuts, and of course, a vibrant lettuce wrap sauce , it's all about fresh and flavourful components.

You will also need crunchy peanuts, bell peppers and of course your lettuce. make sure you have good quality soy and hoisin sauces for the authentic taste.

The Secret's in the Sauce

The heart of these asian chicken lettuce wraps is definitely the sauce. we're talking a delicious blend of soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, and a touch of sesame oil.

It’s what brings that signature kung pao flavour to life. don’t be shy with the sriracha, unless you are shy – then go easy!

Right then, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of what you'll need for my kung pao chicken lettuce wraps recipe . honestly, it's all pretty straightforward, nothing too fancy.

We're aiming for a healthy and asian chicken wraps vibe here.

Let's Talk Ingredients, Shall We?

Main Ingredients: Chicken Power!

• Chicken Thighs: You'll need 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
  • Quality tip: Make sure they're nice and pink, not greyish or slimy. Nobody wants dodgy chicken, alright?
• Soy Sauce: Go for 1 tbsp (15ml) .
• Rice Vinegar: Same as the soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15ml) .
• Cornstarch: 1 tbsp (15ml) to help thicken things up.
• Sesame Oil: Just a touch, 1 tsp (5ml) .
• Ground Ginger: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) .
• White Pepper: A pinch, 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) . Skip it if you haven't got any.

Sauce It Up: The Magic Potion

• Soy Sauce: 2 tbsp (30ml) .
• Hoisin Sauce: 2 tbsp (30ml) . This is what gives it that Pf Changs chicken lettuce wraps feel.
• Rice Vinegar: 1 tbsp (15ml) , balances the sweetness.
• Honey (or Maple Syrup): 1 tbsp (15ml) for a touch of sweetness.
• Sriracha: 1 tbsp (15ml) , or more if you're feeling brave. Adjust to your liking!
• Sesame Oil: 1 tsp (5ml) , a little goes a long way.
• Cornstarch: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) to thicken the lettuce wrap sauce .

Stir-Fry Time: Veggie Fiesta!

• Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) for cooking.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Gotta have garlic, right?
• Ginger: 1 inch , minced. Fresh is best!
• Red Bell Pepper: 1 , diced.
• Green Bell Pepper: 1 , diced.
• Water Chestnuts: 1/2 cup (75g) , sliced. Adds a nice crunch.
• Roasted Peanuts: 1/4 cup (35g) , chopped. Salty and delicious.
• Green Onions: 2 , thinly sliced. For garnish, fancy!
• Lettuce: 1 head of butter or romaine, leaves separated. Obviously! This is the "wrap" part of the Asian chicken lettuce wraps . I've tried it with iceberg before and it works just fine, tbh.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Okay, so this recipe is all about balance. the soy sauce and hoisin give you that savory umami flavor. the rice vinegar adds tang, and the honey (or maple) balances it with sweetness.

And then there's the sriracha. honestly, i sometimes add a tiny bit of chili oil as well if i am feeling extra sassy.

• Essential Spice Combo: Ginger, garlic, sriracha – don't skimp!
• Flavor Enhancers: Sesame oil is your best friend here.
• Quick Subs: No hoisin? Try soy sauce + brown sugar + molasses. Close enough!

Gear Up: What You'll Need

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for stir-frying.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, but still.
• Mixing Bowls: For the marinade and sauce.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: Accuracy is key, my friend!

Common Household Alternatives

Don't have a wok? a large skillet will do just fine. no fancy measuring cups? use your spoons and eyeball it – we're not baking a cake here! remember, this chicken wrap recipes is about ease.

Alright, with that sorted, you’re ready to rock this chicken lettuce wraps recipe ! Let's get cooking!

Okay, let's dive into making some seriously tasty kung pao chicken lettuce wraps . honestly, this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights.

You know those nights when you just can't face cooking? yeah, this is your answer. forget calling for takeout, these asian chicken wraps are faster and way healthier.

Plus, they taste incredible!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic!

Alright, listen up. the secret to any quick recipe? mise en place . that's fancy french for "everything in its place.

" chop your veggies beforehand. mix the sauce. get your chicken ready. trust me, it'll save you so much time.

• Essential mise en place : Dice 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper. Mince 2 cloves garlic and 1 inch ginger. Slice 1/2 cup water chestnuts. Chop 1/4 cup roasted peanuts. Thinly slice 2 green onions. Wash and separate butter lettuce leaves.
• Time-saving organization tips : Use small bowls to hold prepped ingredients. It keeps things tidy!
• Safety reminders : Always use a clean cutting board for chicken. Wash your hands after handling raw poultry.

Kung Pao Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Step-by-Step

Here's how we turn those prepped ingredients into magic. don't stress, it's super simple! i swear, the first time i made this, i thought i'd messed up, but it turned out amazing.

Now, it's on the menu nearly every week. ready? let's go!

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix 1.5 lbs chicken pieces with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes .
2. Whip up the Lettuce Wrap Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp sriracha, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp cornstarch.
3. Sauté those Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds , until fragrant.
4. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5- 7 minutes . The internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
5. Veggie Power!: Add the diced bell peppers and water chestnuts. Cook for another 3 minutes , until slightly softened.
6. Sauce it Up!: Pour the Lettuce Wrap Sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2- 3 minutes .
7. Nutty Goodness: Stir in the chopped peanuts.
8. Assemble your Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the Asian Chicken mixture into the lettuce cups. Garnish with green onions. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips & Tricks for Chicken Wrap Recipes

Want to take your chicken wrap recipes to the next level? here are a few secrets i've learned along the way.

These tips will make your chicken lettuce wraps recipe shine! maybe even rival pf changs chicken lettuce wraps (okay, maybe not, but they'll be close !)

• Don't overcook the chicken! Overcooked chicken is dry and sad. Cook it until just cooked through.
• Adjust the spice level. Love heat? Add more sriracha! Not a fan? Reduce it. You're in charge!
• Make-ahead magic. Chop the veggies and make the Lettuce Wrap Sauce ahead of time. Dinner will be ready in minutes!
• Common Mistake Avoidance: I was there! - not marinating the chicken long enough, resulted in bland. This Kung Pao Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is not just a meal; it's an experience! The vibrant flavors, the satisfying crunch, and the sheer simplicity make it a winner every time. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe will have you saying "Wow!" Enjoy the journey and remember, cooking should be fun!

Okay, mate, so you've decided to dive headfirst into the world of chicken lettuce wraps recipe . Smart move! They are flipping fantastic.

Recipe Notes

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. These little tips will elevate your Asian Chicken Wraps from "meh" to "OMG!".

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating On!

Alright, first impressions, yeah? plating matters. think vibrant! i like to scatter some extra peanuts and green onions over the chicken lettuce wraps recipe after i've piled them high.

Use nice lettuce – think butter lettuce, the kind you see at pf changs chicken lettuce wraps . a drizzle of extra lettuce wrap sauce never hurt anyone either.

And to make it a proper meal, serve with a cool glass of iced green tea.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh, Bruv!

Right, leftovers. we all have them. keep the cooked chicken separate from the lettuce. honestly, the lettuce goes soggy otherwise.

The chicken mixture will happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days. freezing? yeah, you can freeze the cooked chicken, but i reckon it’s better fresh.

Reheat it gently in a pan or microwave.

Variations: Spice It Up, Darling!

Feeling adventurous? for a veggie twist, swap the chicken for tofu. crispy fried tofu works a treat! if you want low carb lettuce wrap recipes , try using stevia instead of honey.

Seasonal swaps? in the summer, add some fresh mango salsa for a tropical kick. that would be something, wouldn't it?

Nutrition Basics: Guilt-Free Grub!

Each serving's around 350 calories, give or take. you are getting a good whack of protein (about 35g!) and not too much fat (around 15g).

There are around 15g of carbs. but hey, don’t quote me on that – it depends on your portion sizes.

But trust me, compared to a takeaway, this asian chicken lettuce wraps is way healthier.

Honestly, whipping up this chicken lettuce wraps recipe is easier than ordering a pizza. and it tastes a million times better.

So give it a go! you might just surprise yourself. there are a lot of chicken wrap recipes to choose from, but this is a great start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chicken lettuce wraps recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and sauce separately a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge. Just be sure to keep the lettuce fresh and crisp. When you're ready to eat, simply heat the chicken mixture and assemble your wraps. Think of it as your very own "Ready Steady Cook" moment!

What are some good substitutes if I don't have all the ingredients for this chicken lettuce wraps recipe?

No worries, let's play "Ready, Steady, Substitute!". If you don't have hoisin sauce, try a mix of soy sauce, a bit of brown sugar, and a dash of molasses. Water chestnuts can be swapped for bamboo shoots, and if peanuts are a no-go, cashews or almonds work well. Just wing it – that's what cooking's all about!

How can I make this chicken lettuce wraps recipe spicier?

Fancy a bit of a kick? Easy peasy! Just up the sriracha in the sauce to your desired level of heat. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili to the stir-fry. Remember, a little goes a long way, so taste as you go unless you're a glutton for punishment!

What's the best way to store leftover chicken lettuce wrap filling?

Store any leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it thoroughly in a skillet or microwave before serving. Keep the lettuce separate until you're ready to assemble your wraps to prevent it from getting soggy. Nobody likes a soggy lettuce cup, do they?

Are chicken lettuce wraps recipe healthy? What's the nutritional information?

These Kung Pao Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fairly healthy option! Each serving is estimated to be around 350 calories, with a good dose of protein (35g) and moderate fat (15g) and carbs (15g). They're lower in carbs than traditional Kung Pao chicken because you're using lettuce instead of rice. Of course, this will depend on portion size and specific ingredients, but generally, they are a good choice for a light and nutritious meal.

What kind of lettuce works best for this chicken lettuce wraps recipe?

Butter lettuce (also known as Boston lettuce) and romaine lettuce are the MVPs here. Butter lettuce is soft and pliable, making it easy to form into cups, while romaine has a sturdier texture that holds up well to the filling. Avoid iceberg lettuce, as it's mostly water and doesn't offer much in terms of flavor or structure. Think of it as choosing between a Bentley and a Reliant Robin!

Previous Recipe: Boston Roll Sushi: Your Easy, Delicious Home Recipe
Next Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl!