Asian BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Introduction

Asian BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful and refreshing dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and spicy elements. This recipe takes tender, marinated chicken and combines it with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a savory BBQ sauce for a delicious and light meal. The lettuce wrap adds a crunchy, crisp texture that perfectly complements the savory filling, making each bite an exciting blend of flavors and textures.

These wraps are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next party. Packed with vibrant ingredients and bold flavors, Asian BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps offer a lighter alternative to traditional wraps or sandwiches, without sacrificing any taste. This guide will walk you through each step to make these wraps, offer tips for perfecting the recipe, and suggest variations to make this dish even more versatile.

Why You’ll Love Asian BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and herbs creates a vibrant, juicy filling that’s bursting with flavor. The Asian BBQ sauce gives the dish a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it irresistible.
• Healthy and Light: Wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of tortillas or bread, these wraps are lighter and lower in calories. The dish is naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted for a keto or paleo-friendly diet.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These wraps are easy to prepare and can be stored in the fridge for a quick, on-the-go meal. The chicken filling stays delicious and tender even when reheated.
• Customizable: The filling can be modified to suit various dietary preferences. Whether you prefer a bit more heat, extra veggies, or a different protein, you can tailor the wraps to your liking.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can have a fresh and flavorful meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The dish is quick to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings (8 wraps)
• Calories per Serving: Around 220-250 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 220-250 kcal
• Fat: 9-11g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12g
• Protein: 25-27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 7-9g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs recommended for juiciness)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• ¼ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

For the Wraps:

• 1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, separated into large leaves (washed and patted dry)
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ cup cilantro, chopped
• ½ avocado, sliced (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade

Start by cutting the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces or strips. This helps the chicken cook evenly and allows the marinade to infuse more flavor. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, hoisin sauce, lime juice, and sriracha (if using). Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring to combine. This sauce creates a rich, sweet-savory glaze that will coat the chicken beautifully.

Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it’s well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor absorption. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will be.

2. Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks through evenly. The chicken should be browned on the outside and tender on the inside.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the remaining sauce for 1-2 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the chicken more evenly. Remove the skillet from the heat.

3. Prepare the Lettuce Wraps

While the chicken cooks, prepare the toppings and fillings. Take your washed lettuce leaves and carefully cut out any tough stems at the base, leaving the leaves intact for easy wrapping. Lay the leaves on a large plate or platter.

Julienne the carrot, cucumber, and red bell pepper into thin strips. You can use a mandoline for uniform slices or a sharp knife for a more rustic look. Slice the avocado, if using, and chop the cilantro and green onions.

4. Assemble the Wraps

Once the chicken is cooked and the fillings are ready, it’s time to assemble your wraps. Place a large lettuce leaf on a plate, then spoon a portion of the chicken mixture into the center. Top with the julienned vegetables, cilantro, and avocado slices, if desired.

Carefully fold the sides of the lettuce leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly to form a wrap. Repeat the process for the remaining lettuce leaves and filling. Garnish the wraps with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Your Asian BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps are now ready to enjoy! Serve them immediately as a fresh, delicious meal. You can also serve these wraps with a side of steamed rice, a small bowl of dipping sauce, or even a light salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Asian BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor: While 15 minutes is sufficient, marinating the chicken for an hour or two will result in a more flavorful and tender filling.
• Use the Right Lettuce: Choose lettuce leaves that are sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing. Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce works best because of their large, flexible leaves.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you love spice, feel free to add more sriracha or a dash of chili flakes to the chicken marinade. You can also serve with extra sriracha or chili sauce on the side for those who want more heat.
• Customize the Fillings: While this recipe uses carrots, cucumbers, and peppers, you can add other vegetables like shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, or thinly sliced mushrooms to customize the wraps to your taste.
• Serve Immediately: Lettuce wraps are best served fresh, as the lettuce can wilt if left to sit for too long. If you’re preparing them for later, store the chicken filling separately and assemble the wraps just before serving.

Variations of Asian BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Beef Lettuce Wraps: Swap out the chicken for ground beef or thinly sliced beef steak for a different protein. Ground beef pairs particularly well with the Asian BBQ flavors.
• Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Marinate the tofu in the same BBQ sauce and pan-fry it until crispy for a hearty, plant-based alternative.
• Shrimp Lettuce Wraps: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a lighter seafood version. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a deliciously sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the Asian BBQ sauce.
• Spicy Peanut Sauce Wraps: If you love peanut butter, try using a spicy peanut sauce instead of the traditional BBQ sauce. Blend peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and chili paste for a creamy, spicy alternative.
• Crispy Chicken Wraps: For extra crunch, fry the chicken pieces in a light batter before assembling the wraps. This will give the chicken a crispy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the fresh veggies and lettuce.

Storage and Shelf Life

While these wraps are best enjoyed fresh, you can store the chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the filling in a skillet or microwave and assemble the wraps with fresh lettuce and toppings.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken filling. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stove before assembling the wraps.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Asian BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These wraps are delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary dishes can elevate the meal:

• Steamed Rice: Serve the wraps with a side of jasmine or basmati rice. The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce from the chicken and makes for a well-rounded meal.
• Edamame: Steamed edamame with a sprinkle of sea salt or soy sauce is a simple and tasty side dish to accompany your wraps.
• Asian Slaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a sesame-ginger dressing complements the freshness of the wraps.
• Miso Soup: A bowl of warm miso soup is a comforting side dish that pairs wonderfully with the light, fresh flavors of the lettuce wraps.

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Conclusion

Asian BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory Asian BBQ sauce makes for a deliciously satisfying meal. Whether you’re enjoying them for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or as an appetizer at your next party, these wraps are sure to impress.

With a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, you can create a meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious. The tips, variations, and storage ideas provided ensure that you can make these wraps just the way you like them every time. Enjoy these light, flavorful wraps as a part of your weekly meal rotation—they’re bound to become a favorite!