If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and utterly fun to eat, this Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Ginger Sesame Sauce Recipe will become your new go-to. Imagine tender, slightly sweet teriyaki-marinated chicken paired with crisp, refreshing jicama, cucumber, and carrot, all wrapped in cool, crunchy lettuce leaves. What really pulls it all together is the luscious, creamy peanut ginger sesame sauce that adds a delightful zing and silkiness to every bite. This dish is a perfect balance of textures and flavors that feels light yet satisfying — ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful combination of ingredients. Each component contributes a unique texture or flavor, making every wrap explode with freshness and savoriness. From the juicy chicken to the crunchy vegetables and that unforgettable peanut-ginger sauce, these ingredients are all stars of the show.
- 1 lb chicken breast or chicken tenders: Opt for tender cuts that absorb the marinade nicely and cook quickly.
- 1/2 cup Teriyaki marinade: A sweet and savory base that infuses the chicken with rich flavor; pineapple-infused options add a tropical twist.
- 1 small/medium jicama (peeled and julienned): Adds a crisp, mildly sweet crunch that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
- 2 small cucumbers (julienned or finely sliced): Refreshing and cool, cucumbers bring a clean bite that balances the richness.
- 2 medium or 1 large carrot (grated): Bright orange color and subtle sweetness provide a lovely contrast in texture and taste.
- 1 head of Boston, Bibb, or butter lettuce (about 12 leaves): These tender, flexible leaves are perfect for wrapping and holding all those delicious fillings.
- 1 cup Newman’s Own low-fat ginger sesame dressing: The saucy foundation of the peanut ginger sesame sauce, giving a zingy, creamy base.
- 2 heaping tablespoons creamy peanut butter: Enriches and thickens the dipping sauce with a luxurious nuttiness and smooth texture.
How to Make Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Ginger Sesame Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by placing your chicken in a medium bowl and pouring half a cup of teriyaki marinade over it. Make sure every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge to soak up all those sweet and tangy flavors for 20 to 30 minutes. While the chicken marinates, you’ll have plenty of time to prep the fresh veggies that will add a crisp, refreshing crunch to each wrap.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Lettuce
Peeling and julienning that jicama is key for texture, and its subtle sweetness complements the savory chicken beautifully. Next, grate the carrots and julienne the cucumbers into thin strips. Don’t forget to remove the core from your head of lettuce, then rinse and spin the leaves dry so they’re crisp and ready to hold your delicious fillings. Arrange all your prepped vegetables and lettuce on a large serving platter — this will make assembly a breeze.
Step 3: Whip Up the Peanut Ginger Sesame Sauce
For the sauce, pour one cup of ginger sesame dressing into a container with a lid, then add two heaping tablespoons of creamy peanut butter. Seal and shake vigorously until the sauce becomes smooth, thick, and beautifully emulsified — this magical sauce ties all the ingredients together with its sweet, salty, and nutty notes.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the marinated chicken for about three minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it cool slightly; this rest makes slicing easier and keeps the chicken juicy.
Step 5: Slice and Assemble
When the chicken has cooled enough to handle, slice it into thin, bite-sized strips and add them to your serving platter alongside the veggies and lettuce. Everything is now perfectly prepped and just waiting for assembly at the table!
Step 6: Build Your Wraps
To serve, scoop a generous spoonful of chicken and a colorful mix of vegetables onto a lettuce leaf, then drizzle or dip into that irresistible peanut ginger sesame sauce. Each bite is a burst of vibrant flavors and delightful textures that will have you coming back for more.
How to Serve Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Ginger Sesame Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or chopped green onions gives the wraps an herbal brightness that enhances the overall flavor. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nuttiness and crunch, or add thinly sliced red chili for a gentle heat that contrasts beautifully with the rich peanut sauce.
Side Dishes
These wraps are light but packed with flavor, so pairing them with a simple side like steamed jasmine rice or a crisp Asian cucumber salad rounds out the meal perfectly. For a little extra indulgence, coconut rice adds a sweet, fragrant touch that complements the savory chicken and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not set up a DIY lettuce wrap bar for a casual party or family dinner? Lay out all components — chicken, veggies, sauce, and lettuce — so everyone can customize their perfect wrap. For an elegant twist, serve the chicken and vegetables in small bowls with lettuce cups arrayed on a large platter, inviting guests to assemble their own wraps. Either way, it’s an interactive and festive way to enjoy this dish together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers — though they rarely last long — store the cooked chicken and prepared vegetables separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep the lettuce leaves dry and wrapped in paper towels inside a plastic bag to maintain crispness.
Freezing
This Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Ginger Sesame Sauce Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce or lettuce) in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for easy reheating.
Reheating
Rewarm your thawed or refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through to preserve its tenderness. Avoid microwaving directly on lettuce or vegetables; always reheat components separately for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and cooks quickly. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, breaking it up in the skillet until fully cooked and nicely browned.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh marinated in the same teriyaki sauce, then cook until crispy. The peanut ginger sesame sauce and veggies make for a delicious vegetarian wrap.
Can I make the peanut ginger sesame sauce from scratch?
You certainly can! Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh ginger, garlic, honey, and peanut butter to create a homemade version that’s just as vibrant and flavorful.
What type of lettuce is best for wraps?
Boston, Bibb, or butter lettuce leaves are ideal because they’re tender, wide, and have just the right amount of flexibility to hold the fillings without tearing.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, with a focus on sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. You can add heat by incorporating sliced chilies or a dash of sriracha into the peanut sauce if you like things spicy.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Ginger Sesame Sauce Recipe. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a fresh, flavorful meal without any fuss. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these wraps bring people together with every delicious bite. Give it a try and watch how quickly they disappear from the table!
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Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Ginger Sesame Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe features tender, marinated chicken breast paired with fresh, crisp vegetables and a creamy peanut-ginger dipping sauce, all wrapped in refreshing Boston lettuce leaves. A quick and healthy meal perfect for light lunches or dinners, ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or chicken tenders
Marinade
- 1/2 cup Teriyaki marinade (Yoshibas or Lawry’s teriyaki with pineapple recommended)
Vegetables
- 1 small/medium jicama, peeled and julienned
- 2 small cucumbers, julienned or finely sliced
- 2 medium or 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 head of Boston/Bibb/Butter lettuce (about 12 leaves), core removed, rinsed and dried
Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup Newman’s Own low-fat ginger sesame dressing
- 2 heaping tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken breast or tenders with 1/2 cup of your favorite teriyaki marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken marinates, peel and julienne the jicama, grate the carrots, and julienne or finely slice the cucumbers. Remove the core from the lettuce, then rinse and spin dry the leaves. Arrange all the prepared vegetables and lettuce leaves on a large serving platter for easy assembly.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: Pour 1 cup of Newman’s Own low-fat ginger sesame dressing into a container with a lid. Add 2 heaping tablespoons of creamy peanut butter, then cover and shake or stir vigorously until the mixture reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan, then add the marinated chicken. Sauté for about 3 minutes per side or until fully cooked through and browned.
- Slice the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly so it can be handled safely. Slice the chicken into thin strips and arrange them on the serving platter alongside the vegetables and lettuce leaves.
- Assemble and Serve: To enjoy, spoon some chicken and a selection of vegetables onto a lettuce leaf. Add your desired amount of the creamy peanut-ginger dipping sauce, wrap, and eat.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs or turkey breast if preferred.
- If jicama is unavailable, water chestnuts or additional cucumber can be a crunchy alternative.
- This recipe is versatile and can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring the teriyaki marinade is gluten-free.
- Adjust the peanut sauce consistency by adding a splash of water or sesame dressing if too thick.
- Lettuce wraps are best served fresh to keep the leaves crisp and prevent sogginess.
