If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and downright addictive, this Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, juicy chicken marinated in a sweet teriyaki glaze, paired with crisp, refreshing veggies, all wrapped up in delicate Boston lettuce leaves and finished with a creamy, nutty peanut sauce that ties it all together perfectly. It’s a brilliant balance of textures and tastes that’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an explosion of flavor and texture. Each element is essential, whether it’s the crunchy vegetables for a fresh bite, the sweet teriyaki marinade adding that irresistible umami punch, or the peanut sauce bringing creamy richness and a hint of ginger spice.
- Boneless chicken breasts: The star protein, best marinated for juicy, flavorful meat.
- Teriyaki marinade: Opt for versions with pineapple for a subtle sweetness that complements the chicken.
- Boston lettuce: Its soft, wide leaves make perfect edible wraps that hold all the fillings.
- Carrots: Add vibrant color and a natural sweetness, ideally julienned or grated for texture.
- Radishes: Bring a peppery crunch that balances the rich flavors.
- Jicama: This crisp root vegetable adds unexpected freshness and bite.
- Cilantro: Provides a bright herbal note that lifts the whole dish.
- Low-fat ginger sesame dressing: Gives the peanut sauce a zesty, tangy base packed with flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter: The key for that luscious, nutty sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken
Start by marinating your boneless chicken breasts in about half a cup of teriyaki marinade for 20 minutes. This step infuses the chicken with a sweet and savory depth that’s crucial to the overall flavor. Once marinated, grill or sauté the chicken until it’s perfectly cooked through and has those gorgeous charred edges or golden crusts. Setting the chicken aside to rest for at least five minutes ensures the juices settle, making each bite moist and delicious.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken is cooking, get your veggies ready. Peel and julienne the carrots, jicama, and radishes into delicate matchstick strips. If time is tight, grating the carrots and pulsing the radishes in a food processor is a fantastic shortcut that still delivers great texture. These crunchy, fresh vegetables add a lively contrast to the tender chicken wrapped inside the soft lettuce.
Step 3: Prepare the Lettuce Leaves
Next, prep the Boston lettuce by cutting off the bottom stem and carefully separating each leaf. Rinse them well and dry thoroughly using a salad spinner or towels to avoid soggy wraps. The lettuce leaves act as natural vessels for the fillings — their gentle crispness and slight sweetness play perfectly against the filling’s flavors.
Step 4: Make the Peanut Sauce
To create the star peanut dipping sauce, pour one cup of your low-fat ginger sesame dressing into a jar or container with a lid, then add two heaping tablespoons of creamy peanut butter. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously until you reach a smooth, creamy consistency. This sauce is a brilliant blend of nutty richness, zesty ginger, and sesame goodness that elevates every bite of the wraps.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Slice the rested chicken into thin strips, then arrange everything — chicken, veggies, lettuce leaves, and peanut sauce — on a large platter for self-serving. To enjoy, simply spoon some chicken and crunchy vegetables onto a lettuce leaf, drizzle or dip with peanut sauce, and fold it up. It’s interactive, inviting, and endlessly customizable to your taste.
How to Serve Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can transform your Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe into a standout dish. Sprinkle shredded cilantro over the top for a fragrant herbaceous lift. Toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts add a delightful crunch that complements the creamy sauce. If you like a little spice, thinly sliced fresh chili or a drizzle of sriracha will add a zingy kick that dances on your tongue.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, consider serving these wraps alongside a light cucumber salad or steamed jasmine rice that soaks up any extra peanut sauce. A miso soup or simple edamame beans make wonderful sides that keep the meal balanced yet exciting. The goal is to keep things fresh and vibrant, letting the wraps remain the star while the sides provide lovely supporting roles.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a casual get-together or want to impress guests, arrange the wraps on a large wooden board with separate bowls of peanut sauce and toppings. This makes it feel like a fun build-your-own experience, encouraging everyone to personalize their wraps. Another great idea is serving the wraps on individual plates with a colorful side salad to elevate the presentation and make each plate look inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, separate the components before storing: keep the cooked chicken in an airtight container, store the fresh vegetables in a separate container, and keep the peanut sauce sealed tightly. Store everything in the refrigerator and consume within two days for the best freshness and texture.
Freezing
While the chicken freezes well on its own, the fresh veggies and lettuce leaves do not freeze nicely and will become soggy upon thawing. If you want to freeze the chicken, do so before slicing, wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer bag for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating as it can dry out the meat. Assemble your wraps fresh after reheating and always use fresh lettuce and veggies for that crisp, refreshing crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Boston lettuce is ideal for its size and tenderness, butter lettuce, Bibb lettuce, or even large, sturdy spinach leaves make excellent alternatives as wrap vessels.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, swap out the chicken for marinated tofu or cooked chickpeas. Use a vegan teriyaki marinade and ensure your peanut sauce ingredients are plant-based. It’s just as delicious and packed with flavor.
How spicy is the peanut sauce?
The peanut sauce in this Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe is mild, with gentle ginger and sesame notes. You can easily add chili flakes or hot sauce to customize the heat level to your preference.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Marinate and cook the chicken ahead, prep and store your veggies, and make the peanut sauce in advance. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp for your guests.
What other proteins work well with these lettuce wraps?
Besides chicken, ground turkey, shrimp, or even beef are excellent with peanut sauce. Adjust cooking times and marinades accordingly, but the concept remains just as tasty and fun.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe is a delightful combination of fresh, savory, and creamy elements that’s sure to brighten up your meal rotation. It’s easy to prepare, fun to eat, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you make it, I guarantee it won’t be the last time you enjoy these vibrant, wholesome wraps. So grab your ingredients, get your peanut sauce ready, and dive into this deliciously satisfying dish tonight!
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Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Chicken Lettuce Wraps combine juicy marinated chicken with fresh julienned vegetables and a creamy peanut dipping sauce, all wrapped in crisp Boston lettuce leaves. Perfect for a light, tasty, and refreshing meal that’s quick to prepare and ideal for sharing.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup Teriyaki marinade (Yoshibas or Lawry’s teriyaki with pineapple recommended)
Vegetables
- 1 head Boston lettuce (also known as Bibb or Butter lettuce)
- 2 carrots
- 1 bunch radishes
- 1 small jicama
- 1/2 bunch cilantro
Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup low-fat ginger sesame dressing (Newman’s Own brand)
- 2 heaping tablespoons creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Marinate and Cook Chicken: Marinate the chicken breasts in 1/2 cup of teriyaki marinade for 20 minutes. Then, grill the chicken or sauté it in oil over medium heat until fully cooked through. Set aside to rest for at least 5 minutes.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, wash and julienne the carrots, jicama, and radishes into matchstick strips. If short on time, grate the carrots and pulse the radishes in a food processor for speed.
- Prepare Lettuce: Cut off the bottom of the head of Boston lettuce and carefully separate the leaves. Rinse them thoroughly and dry using a salad spinner to ensure crispness.
- Make Peanut Dipping Sauce: In a container with a lid, combine 1 cup of low-fat ginger sesame dressing with 2 heaping tablespoons of creamy peanut butter. Cover and shake vigorously until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Slice Chicken: After resting, slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips suitable for wrapping.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange the chicken strips, julienned vegetables, and lettuce leaves on a large platter for self-serving. To eat, place desired amounts of chicken and vegetables in a lettuce leaf and add the peanut dipping sauce to taste.
Notes
- If pressed for time, grate carrots and use a food processor for radishes to speed up preparation.
- Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing ensures juicier and more tender meat.
- Use a salad spinner to dry lettuce leaves thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
- The peanut dipping sauce can be adjusted for thickness by adding more dressing or peanut butter according to preference.
