Chicken lettuce wraps
Refresh your lunch or dinner with our easy chicken lettuce wraps. We have filled crisp iceberg lettuce leaves with minced chicken and black beans, flavoured with hoisin and soy sauce. The addition of tender carrot ribbons and red pepper provides a natural sweetness, while crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs finish the wraps with a bit of bite and freshness.
Ingredients
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8
Iceberg lettuce leaves
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Filling
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5 g
Oil or butter, for frying
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400 g
Minced chicken
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50 g
Hoisin sauce
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20 g
Soy sauce
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1 tsp
Coarse salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
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1 can
Black beans (265 g drained weight)
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4
Carrots (300 g)
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1
Large red pepper, cut into strips (180 g)
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Toppings
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40 g
Peanuts, roughly chopped
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Fresh herbs, for example, mint and/or coriander
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Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Use weight as your guide when choosing an iceberg lettuce. Pick one that feels surprisingly heavy and keeps its shape when you press it gently. Look for leaves that sit tightly together, with no large gaps, browning, or dark patches. Check the base as well, as any softness there usually signals that the iceberg is past its best. Store the iceberg whole in the fridge, then peel off the leaves right before filling to keep them crisp and make them easier to roll.
Use a mandoline slicer to cut the carrots into long, even ribbons that fold easily inside the lettuce leaves. Set it to a thin setting and slice lengthwise for the best result. Stop before you reach the core, as it stays firmer and can make the wraps harder to roll.
Assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and sturdy. Once the filling sits in the leaves for too long, moisture from the chicken and vegetables begins to soften the lettuce, making rolling and eating more difficult.
FAQ: Questions about chicken lettuce wraps
Just below, we answer the most-asked questions about chicken lettuce wraps, including which lettuce to use, how to handle the filling, and how to store them.
Which lettuce works best for chicken lettuce wraps?
Iceberg lettuce works best for chicken lettuce wraps because the leaves are firm, flexible, and naturally shaped for wrapping. If iceberg is not available, romaine lettuce is a good option as well, especially the inner leaves, which are wider and more pliable. Butter lettuce also works, although the leaves are softer and need careful handling to avoid tearing. Avoid very thin or frilly lettuces, as they struggle to hold the filling securely.
Should the filling be warm or cold when assembling the chicken lettuce wraps?
Assemble the chicken lettuce wraps while the filling is still warm. A warm filling settles more easily into the lettuce and makes folding smoother. Cold filling tends to feel dense and uneven, especially with minced chicken and beans. Aim to keep the filling warm, but not straight off the heat, for the best result.
Can I make chicken lettuce wraps in advance?
You can prepare the components for the chicken lettuce wraps ahead of time, but assemble the wraps just before serving. Cook the filling in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also wash and cut the vegetables a few hours ahead of time, keeping everything separate and chilled. When you are ready to serve, gently reheat the filling until warm. Avoid overheating, as very hot filling can cause the lettuce to lose its structure.
How should I store leftover chicken lettuce wraps?
If you have already assembled the chicken lettuce wraps, place them in a sealed container lined with kitchen paper and store them in the fridge. Eat them within 24 hours, as the lettuce releases moisture and quickly loses its structure. For better results, store the components separately instead of assembling everything at once. Transfer the chicken filling to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Wrap the lettuce leaves loosely in kitchen paper and place them in a sealed container or bag to keep them crisp. When ready to eat, gently reheat the filling and assemble fresh wraps.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
521 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
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| Fibre | - | 7 g |
| Protein | 28.4 % | 36.4 g |
| Fat | 34.1 % | 20.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 37.5 % | 48 g |
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Deliciously fresh and easy chicken lettuce wraps
Say hello to your new favourite chicken lettuce wraps. It is incredibly easy to pull together, as you only need to prepare the savoury filling and slice your vegetables before nestling them into the crisp lettuce leaves. While the effort is minimal, the result is incredibly satisfying.
Each wrap combines warm, well-seasoned chicken with crisp lettuce, black beans, and fresh vegetables. An easy option for lunch or dinner when you want something fresh but incredibly scrumptious.
Savoury chicken and bean filling built on umami and sweetness
The filling is packed with umami, thanks to the combination of hoisin and soy sauce. These two ingredients create a glossy glaze that coats the chicken and black beans with ease, bringing together sweetness, saltiness, and a mild savoury note.
Hoisin sauce is a staple in Chinese cooking and has a rich, slightly sweet profile with notes of fermented soy and spices. Paired with soy sauce, which adds savoury depth and balance, it creates a familiar, comforting flavour that works particularly well with minced chicken and beans.
Fresh crunch from iceberg lettuce, carrot ribbons, and red pepper strips
To offset the filling's deep notes, we have added a trio of fresh vegetables. Red pepper and carrots introduce sweetness with clear differences, as the pepper carries a mild bitter undertone and the carrot is more earthy. By wrapping them in chilled iceberg leaves, you get a double dose of juicy crunch that keeps the whole wrap feeling pleasantly refreshing.
A great choice for a light lunch or speedy dinner
When dinner needs to happen within 30 minutes, these delicious chicken lettuce wraps are the perfect solution. The filling cooks incredibly quickly, and the vegetables take just a few moments to prep, making it a fantastic choice for a busy evening. They are also brilliant for lunch at work or school. Simply pack the filling, vegetables, and lettuce in separate containers and assemble them just before you eat to keep everything light, fresh, and lively.
If these wraps hit the spot, there are plenty more worth exploring. Try our high-protein chicken wraps with carrots and cabbage.
Make the recipe your own
Put your own stamp on these chicken lettuce wraps with a few simple swaps. Replace the chicken with minced beef for a deeper savoury flavour, use prawns for a lightly sweet seafood note, or go with crispy fried tofu, which soaks up the seasoning while staying crisp on the outside.
Want to shift the seasonings? Grate a small piece of ginger for a sharp, citrusy note or add some sriracha, gochujang, or chilli flakes for a slow-building heat. A bit of brown sugar provides caramel-like sweetness and creates a glossy, sticky glaze, while a spoonful of peanut butter makes the wraps feel more filling.
Add extra vegetables to round things out. Stir in peas for sweetness, cucumber for crunch, or spring onions for a delicate peppery kick. You can also introduce a tropical sweetness with mango or pineapple, which pairs well with the Asian-inspired seasoning.
If you are looking for more amazing recipes, you can explore our high-protein meals and high-fibre lunch collection. You might also enjoy browsing our articles on high-fibre vegetables, foods high in protein and fibre, and sources of protein for vegetarians, which offer plenty of ideas for mixing flavour, freshness, and balance in your cooking.
