If you’re craving something crunchy, saucy, and altogether irresistible yet light enough for a weeknight meal, this Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen repertoire. Juicy ground chicken gets tossed with snappy veggies, aromatic ginger and garlic, and golden cashews, all folded into fresh lettuce cups. Each bite delivers a burst of savory, sweet, and just a hint of spice, making these wraps feel like a treat, whether you serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or the main event.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe lies in the way simple staples transform into something downright craveable. Every ingredient serves a purpose: crunch, color, umami, or just pure flavor bliss.
- Sesame oil: Toasty and aromatic, just a tablespoon is all you need to build flavor right from the start.
- Ground chicken: Lean, protein-packed, and perfect for soaking up bright Asian-inspired sauces.
- Garlic (minced): A must for deep savory backbone — use freshly minced for maximum punch.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Offers zing and warmth, balancing the richness of the chicken and nuts.
- Yellow onion (diced): Brings sweetness and a gentle crunch as it softens in the skillet.
- Red bell pepper (diced): Adds gorgeous color and a crisp, sweet bite.
- Water chestnuts (chopped): For a clean, refreshing crunch in every mouthful.
- Unsalted cashews (roughly chopped): The nutty star of the show, they offer both taste and texture.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Delivers salty umami without overwhelming the delicate greens.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a little sweetness and lovely depth to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Balances everything with a touch of acidity.
- Sriracha (optional): For those who like a gentle kick, a swirl of sriracha does wonders.
- Butter lettuce or romaine (leaves separated and rinsed): Each leaf acts as a tender cup — choose crisp or soft based on your mood.
- Green onions (sliced, for garnish): Sprinkle on top for a sharp, bright finish.
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish): For extra crunch and eye appeal, a pinch goes a long way.
How to Make Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground chicken, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. You want the chicken cooked through and nicely browned, which gives your filling fabulous flavor and hearty texture.
Step 2: Build the Aromatics
Toss in the garlic, fresh ginger, and diced onion. Stir everything together and cook for a few minutes until the kitchen smells impossibly good and the onions turn translucent. This combo forms the irresistible base of flavor for your Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe.
Step 3: Stir in the Crunch
Add diced red bell pepper, chopped water chestnuts, and those glorious cashews. A couple of minutes in the pan is all it takes for the veggies to brighten up and the cashews to toast slightly, elevating both crunch and flavor.
Step 4: Whisk and Pour the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and a dash of sriracha if you like some heat. Pour this mixture over your chicken and veggies, stirring to coat everything in that glossy, savory-sweet sauce. Let it simmer briefly so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens just a bit.
Step 5: Assemble and Garnish
Remove the filling from heat, then spoon generous helpings into your prepared lettuce leaves. Finish with a flourish of sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you want a pop of color and nuttiness. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite of freshness!
How to Serve Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping each wrap with extra sliced green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds for the perfect crunch. For a splash of heat and color, a little more sriracha or even a few shredded carrots make great finishing touches. Feel free to get playful depending on your mood!
Side Dishes
These wraps pair beautifully with a bowl of steamed jasmine or brown rice (if you’re looking to make it a bit more filling). Sautéed broccoli, snap peas, or a light Asian cucumber salad work wonderfully alongside, complementing the Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the lettuce leaves and filling separately on a large platter so people can build their own wraps — it’s interactive and fun for casual gatherings. Or, fill mini lettuce cups for party-ready finger food. You can even pile the filling on a large leafy green salad for an unexpected (and utterly delicious) twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover filling from your Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Store the washed lettuce leaves separately to keep them nice and crisp when you’re ready to assemble.
Freezing
The chicken-cashew-veggie filling freezes beautifully! Cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to two months. When the craving hits, just thaw overnight in the fridge and you’re halfway to a quick, healthy meal.
Reheating
Reheat the filling gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if it looks a little dry. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until hot. Assemble your fresh lettuce wraps right before eating for best results.
FAQs
Can I make this Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground chicken for extra-firm tofu, finely crumbled, or try plant-based ground “meat” alternatives. The sauce and veggies work perfectly with either option.
What’s the best type Main Course
Butter lettuce has delicate, cup-shaped leaves that are tender and easy to fold, but romaine (or even iceberg) work well for crispier, sturdier wraps. Use whatever’s freshest at your store.
How spicy is the recipe?
As written, the Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is mild, but you can dial up the heat by adding extra sriracha or your favorite chili-garlic sauce to the filling or as a drizzle on top.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
Yes! The filling can be made a day or two ahead and refrigerated, and you can wash and separate the lettuce leaves in advance too. Just assemble the wraps right before serving for the best crunch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It certainly can be! Just substitute gluten-free tamari for the soy sauce and double-check that your hoisin sauce is labeled gluten-free, and you’re set for a Celiac-friendly Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s quick to prep, jam-packed with flavor, and always fun to eat, I can’t recommend this Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe enough. It’s a delightful way to brighten up any table — so gather your ingredients and get wrapping!
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Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delightful blend of savory chicken, crunchy cashews, and flavorful vegetables, all wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts
- 1/2 cup unsalted cashews, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
For Serving:
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated and rinsed
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook until no longer pink. Add garlic, ginger, and onions, cook until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Cashews: Stir in bell pepper, water chestnuts, and cashews. Cook briefly.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Pour into the skillet and simmer until thickened.
- Assemble Wraps: Spoon chicken mixture into lettuce leaves. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve: Enjoy these delicious lettuce wraps immediately!
Notes
- For a low-carb option, use iceberg or romaine lettuce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or tofu for the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 lettuce wraps
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
