If you’re looking for a dish that’s as fresh and vibrant as it is satisfying, these Easy Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Savory ground chicken, infused with the zesty punch of garlic and ginger, gets tossed with crunchy water chestnuts and green onions, then bundled into crisp lettuce for a refreshing, light, yet utterly craveable meal. The combination of flavors and textures, along with a quick prep time and a low-carb profile, makes this recipe a weeknight hero you’ll want to share with everyone.

Easy Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Easy Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps so fantastic is how each ingredient has a purpose, from the bright notes of ginger to the crunch of lettuce. Every element helps build layers of flavor and texture, proving that simple really can be spectacular.

Ground chicken: Lean, protein-rich, and soaks up all those flavorful seasonings for a juicy filling.
Sesame oil: Adds aromatic depth and a subtle nuttiness that screams classic Asian flair.
Garlic, minced: Provides a punchy, savory backbone for the filling—fresh is best!
Fresh ginger, grated: Brings a warm zing that wakes up the chicken and balances the sauce.
Soy sauce or tamari: Offers savory umami and saltiness; use tamari for gluten-free wraps.
Hoisin sauce: Lends a sweet-salty kick that makes every bite irresistible.
Rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang and brightness to keep the flavors lively.
Sriracha (optional): For anyone who loves a touch of heat—tailor the amount to your spice preference.
Chopped water chestnuts: Bring a delightful, juicy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
Green onions, chopped: Freshens up the mix and provides a mild onion bite.
Butter or romaine lettuce: The perfect “cup” for these wraps—cool, crisp, and sturdy enough to hold all that goodness.
Sesame seeds and extra green onions (for garnish): Sprinkle for a pop of color and a toasty finish!

How to Make Easy Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This fragrant oil sets the stage for the whole dish. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds until their scent fills your kitchen. This step unlocks the essential flavors that will carry through every bite of these Easy Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add your ground chicken directly to the skillet, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. Let it brown and sizzle, stirring often to ensure it cooks evenly. The chicken should be fully cooked and nicely golden in about 5 to 6 minutes—no pink bits left!

Step 3: Add the Sauces and Simmer

Once your chicken looks just right, pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha if you’re using it. Give everything a good mix to coat each morsel in that rich, glossy sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and intensify. The kitchen should smell incredible at this point!

Step 4: Stir in Water Chestnuts and Green Onions

Add the chopped water chestnuts and green onions to the skillet, folding them in gently. Cook for another couple of minutes until the onions are just softened and the water chestnuts stay crisp. This is where the texture magic happens, creating a perfect filling for your lettuce wraps.

Step 5: Fill the Lettuce Leaves

Separate and rinse your butter or romaine lettuce leaves, patting them dry so they hold the filling well. Scoop a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture into each leaf, creating a vibrant, hand-held wrap. They’re ready to eat—or ready to be artfully garnished!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

To finish, sprinkle each wrap with sesame seeds and extra green onions. The extra touch adds flavor, color, and just a hint of drama to the plate. Serve immediately for the crispest, most refreshing Easy Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps experience.

How to Serve Easy Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

Don’t skip the garnishes! A scattering of toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onion turns these wraps into something restaurant-worthy. For extra flair, a squeeze of lime or a sprig of cilantro adds color and a burst of fresh flavor, making your Easy Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps even more inviting.

Side Dishes

For a well-rounded meal, pair your Easy Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps with a side of steamed jasmine rice, a crunchy Asian slaw, or a bowl of miso soup. If you’re in the mood for more veggies, lightly sautéed snap peas or edamame make a fabulous addition to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

These wraps are perfect for casual gatherings—set out the chicken mixture and lettuce leaves “DIY style” so everyone can assemble their own. For a party twist, offer assorted toppings like chopped peanuts, shredded carrots, or chili flakes so guests can customize their wraps. Stack them on a colorful platter for a family-style dinner, or serve bite-sized wraps as a fun appetizer at your next get-together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover filling, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It tastes just as bold and savory the next day, making for a seriously easy lunch or midweek snack fix. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to maintain their crispness until you’re ready to assemble more Easy Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken filling (without lettuce) for up to two months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers, flattening for easy stacking and faster thawing. When you’re in need of a quick meal, simply defrost and reheat before filling fresh lettuce leaves!

Reheating

Gently reheat the filling on the stove over medium heat, stirring until warmed through. If you’re in a rush, a microwave works as well—just cover to avoid splatters. Be sure to add the filling to crisp, cold lettuce leaves after reheating so your Easy Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps stay fresh and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey and ground beef both work beautifully in this recipe. Just keep in mind that higher fat meats may render more juice, so you might need to drain some fat before adding the sauces. The flavors still shine.

What’s the best lettuce for holding the wraps?

Butter lettuce is wonderfully soft yet sturdy, making it a top pick for wraps. Romaine hearts also hold their shape and have a satisfying crunch. Avoid iceberg, as it’s harder to separate the leaves and can crack easily.

Are Easy Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps gluten-free?

They sure can be! Simply swap soy sauce for tamari or your favorite gluten-free alternative, and double-check your hoisin sauce label. With those minor tweaks, these lettuce wraps are a perfect gluten-free meal.

How spicy are these wraps—can kids enjoy them?

The spice comes from optional sriracha, so you’re in full control of the heat level. Leave it out for a mild, kid-friendly version, or serve it on the side so everyone can add their own preferred kick.

Can I make these wraps ahead for meal prepping?

Definitely! Cook the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just warm it up and spoon into fresh lettuce leaves. They hold up great as an easy, on-the-go lunch or dinner.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Easy Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a weeknight favorite: they’re simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. With fresh crunch, vibrant flavor, and easy assembly, this dish delivers on every front. Give it a try—you’ll love how quickly these wraps become your go-to for healthy, delicious bites the whole family will devour!

Easy Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe