Lettuce Wrap With Hoisin Chicken
Enjoy a light and flavourful snack with our lettuce wraps, featuring tender chicken in a zesty, hoisin-infused sauce. Each wrap is filled with crisp lettuce, fresh herbs, crunchy cashews, and creamy skyr dressing, creating a delightful mix of textures and tastes. For an extra zing, serve them with a squeeze of lime. Easy to prepare and delicious to eat, these wraps are the perfect snack for any time of the day.
Ingredients
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450 g
Chicken
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5 tbsp
Sweet hoisin sauce (approx. 90 grams)
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2
Garlic cloves
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1 tsp
Sugar
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1 tbsp
Soy sauce
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2 tbsp
Lime juice
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2 cm
Ginger, freshly grated
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1 tbsp
Olive oil
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Dressing
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1
Garlic clove
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Lemon zest ½
Lemon
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2 tbsp
Finely chopped herbs (e.g. dill, mint, basil, chives)
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1 tbsp
Olive oil
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½ tsp
Dijon mustard
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½ tsp
Sugar
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Salt and pepper to taste
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To serve
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1 head
Lettuce (12 leaves)
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100 g
Red scallions
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1
Carrot, large
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2
Spring onions
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2 tbsp
Fresh coriander
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2 tbsp
Fresh mint
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30 g
Cashews
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2
Limes
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Instructions
Chicken
Dressing
Assembly
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
Start with crisp, fresh lettuce leaves that have been washed and patted dry. Lay each leaf flat and add the shredded hoisin chicken in the centre, leaving space at the edges for easy folding. Next, layer on the carrot and spring onion, followed by the fresh herbs. Drizzle with a spoonful of creamy skyr dressing, then top with a sprinkle of toasted cashews. To finish, fold the sides slightly and roll from the bottom up, like a small burrito, to keep everything neatly wrapped. Serve with a lime wedge for a zesty final touch.
Toasting the cashews adds a rich, nutty flavour and a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the fresh vegetables and tender chicken. Simply heat a dry pan over medium heat and add the cashews, stirring frequently for three to five minutes until they turn golden and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. Let them cool before adding to the wraps so they stay crisp. For an extra touch of flavour, you can toss the warm nuts with a pinch of salt or a drizzle of lime juice right after toasting.
To keep your lettuce wraps crisp and fresh, make sure all your ingredients are as dry as possible before assembling. Pat washed lettuce leaves completely dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner. Let the warm chicken filling cool slightly before adding it to the wraps, excess heat can wilt the lettuce. If you're prepping ahead, store the filling, lettuce, and dressing separately, then assemble just before serving. For extra crunch, add ingredients like shredded carrots or nuts right before eating.
Questions about lettuce wrap
Have questions about making and serving your lettuce wraps? Here’s how to choose the best lettuce, plan ahead without losing freshness, and find the perfect sauces or dressings to complement every bite.
What sauces or dressings pair well with lettuce wraps?
The skyr dressing in this recipe works beautifully because its creamy texture and mild tang balance the rich, savoury hoisin chicken while adding freshness from herbs and lemon zest. You can also switch things up with a few other options. A yoghurt dressing with fresh herbs brings a light, zesty note that complements the crunchy vegetables, while a blue cheese dip adds bold, tangy depth for a richer wrap. For something milder, try a sour cream and chive dip, which offers cool creaminess and subtle onion flavour. To make any of these dips easier to drizzle, simply thin them with a splash of water, milk, or lime juice until they reach your desired consistency.
How far in advance can I make these wraps?
For the freshest texture, it’s best to assemble the lettuce wraps just before serving, as the lettuce can soften once filled. However, you can prepare all the components up to a day in advance. Cook and refrigerate the chicken, chop the vegetables and cashews, and make the skyr dressing. Store each element separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken gently and assemble the wraps fresh. If you need to pack them ahead to snack on later, layer the lettuce and vegetables first, add the chicken last, and keep the dressing in a small container to drizzle just before eating.
Which lettuce types hold up best for wrapping?
The best lettuce for wraps is sturdy, crisp, and flexible enough to fold without tearing. Iceberg lettuce is a classic choice for its refreshing crunch and cup-like shape, while romaine offers a slightly sturdier texture and mild flavour. For a more delicate but flavourful option, try butter lettuce (also called gem or Bibb lettuce), its soft, rounded leaves wrap easily and hold fillings well. Always choose leaves that are large, unbroken, and freshly washed and dried for the best results.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
1428 Kcal
| Fibre | - | 9.9 gram fibers |
| Protein | 25.9 | 90.9 gram |
| Fat | 58.9 | 95.2 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 15.2 | 53.3 gram |
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Customise your lettuce wrap with these tasty add-ins
Make your snack your own by mixing in extra flavours and textures. Add sliced avocado or cucumber for creaminess and freshness, or pickled red onions for a tangy kick. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed peanuts add more crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
For extra heat, add finely chopped fresh chilli or chilli flakes to the hoisin sauce, drizzle the filling with sriracha, or layer in a spoonful of kimchi.
What are some good protein swaps for chicken in this recipe?
You can easily switch up the protein in these lettuce wraps to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Prawns or shrimp make a light, juicy alternative that pairs beautifully with hoisin sauce. Beef strips or pork mince bring a richer, savoury depth, while tofu or tempeh work well for a vegetarian option, simply pan-fry until golden so they absorb the sauce.
Tips for separating and cleaning lettuce leaves
To keep your lettuce leaves crisp and intact, start by cutting off the stem end and gently loosening the leaves from the base instead of pulling from the middle. Separate them one at a time to avoid tearing. Rinse each leaf carefully under cold water to remove any dirt or grit, then lay them on a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to dry thoroughly — excess moisture can make your wraps soggy.
For extra crispness, chill the cleaned leaves in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before assembling your wraps.
Can the lettuce wrap filling be frozen for later?
Yes, the chicken hoisin filling can be frozen for later use. Let it cool completely after cooking, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Label it with the date and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the filling in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in a pan over medium heat until hot. Avoid freezing the lettuce, herbs, or dressing, they lose their texture and freshness. Instead, prepare those fresh when you’re ready to assemble your wraps.
Sauté garlic and ginger to boost the hoisin flavour
Before adding the shredded chicken and sauce, lightly sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger in olive oil for 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant. This quick step deepens their flavour and mellows any sharpness, creating a richer base for the hoisin sauce. Be careful not to let them brown, gentle heat brings out their aroma without turning bitter. Once sautéed, stir in the sauce ingredients and then add the chicken for a well-balanced, savoury coating.
