FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You Need My Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• My Recipe Tips
• Chicken Lettuce Wraps (20 Minutes) Recipe card
• More Asian-Inspired Lunch Ideas
• Recipe Reviews

Who says quick, healthy lunches have to be boring? Not me! After making my Thai shrimp lettuce wraps one too many times, I needed another spin that was just as fresh and speedy — but different. The idea for my Asian chicken lettuce wraps recipe sprang from PF Chang’s amazing chicken lettuce wraps (if you know, you know). But, I stripped back the classic to make it healthier and simpler… and in my opinion, even better. My version ditches the extra sugar and fried rice noodles — I focus on all that umami flavor instead. Make it with me and see what your lettuce wraps really need!

Why You Need My Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

• Bold Asian flavors – Coconut aminos, tahini, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a splash of lime juice make the most irresistible sauce. I think it’s the perfect little package of Asian-inspired flavors.
• All about the texture – There’s something about combining crisp lettuce with a tender chicken filling that makes you come back for another bite. I ate 4 chicken lettuce wraps in one sitting and am not one bit sorry about it.
• Ready in just 20 minutes – Like so many of my favorite meals, this one is quick and made in one pan. Whip them up for lunch, a quick appetizer, or a light dinner — I promise, you have time for this one!
• Simple, natural ingredients – The whole point of a lettuce wrap is a healthier meal, so why ruin it with processed ingredients? You won’t find any gluten, refined sugar, or heavy starches in my recipe.
• Better than takeout – My chicken lettuce wraps will satisfy your takeout cravings, but I think they taste better than PF Chang’s, anyway! And I love how this dish can swing from a quick lunch to a fun, interactive dinner. Just lay out the ingredients and let everyone build their own wrap!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my chicken lettuce wrap recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

Almost all the healthy recipes on my site use fewer than 10 ingredients, but every now and then, I bend the rules for a fabulous dish. These Asian chicken lettuce wraps include a few extras to nail those perfect flavors. But don’t worry, they’re all everyday items you can find in one grocery trip.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps:

• Ground Chicken – I made ground chicken lettuce wraps, but you can totally switch it up with ground beef, ground turkey, or ground pork. Got some leftover teriyaki chicken , shredded chicken or cooked chicken breast ? Toss that in after the veggies are done cooking.
• Oil – For sauteing. I like avocado oil here, but olive oil works great, too.
• Mushrooms – I used cremini mushrooms this time, but sometimes grab white button or shiitake mushrooms (my fave!). Just chop them up nice and small, so they blend seamlessly with the chicken.
• Bell Pepper – I usually go for a red bell pepper for that sweet crunch, but orange or yellow are just as good. Again, dice it finely.
• Aromatics – Fresh garlic and ginger really amp up the flavor here, but if you’re in a pinch, jarred garlic or ginger work fine, too. And for the onion? I typically use white, but yellow onions are a great substitute.
• Water Chestnuts – If you’ve never cooked with water chestnuts , they add fantastic crunch to these wraps. You can omit them if you prefer, though.
• Butter Lettuce – I’m a big fan of butter lettuce (sometimes calls Boston or bibb lettuce) for chicken lettuce wraps, because the leaves are just the right size and shape for rolling up. But if you’ve got romaine or iceberg lettuce, those work, too.
• Optional Toppings – Sprinkle on some green onions, sesame seeds , or peanuts for extra texture and flavor. And if you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of my peanut sauce really makes them pop.

The Sauce:

• Coconut Aminos – This is the base of the sauce. I love using coconut aminos , because it’s gluten-free and soy-free, but low-sodium soy sauce, tamari, or another soy sauce alternative would work if that’s what you have.
• Toasted Sesame Oil – For the right swirl of nutty flavor. I like this brand .
• Rice Vinegar – I prefer rice vinegar here to balance the flavors without being too sharp, but white vinegar or white wine vinegar make decent substitutes.
• Tahini – Tahini is a sesame seed paste (like a nut butter but with sesame seeds) and gives the sauce a creamy texture. I like this one . (Got extras? Make my tahini sauce with it!) If you don’t have any, cashew butter or peanut butter can step in, but it’ll change the flavor.
• Lime Juice – This helps brighten up the sauce. I use fresh juice, because I always need lime wedges anyway to squeeze on top of my chicken lettuce wraps!
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper – If you want more heat than the black pepper offers, sriracha also makes a nice addition.

VARIATION: Make the sauce a little sweet!

Just drizzle in 2-3 tablespoons of honey (or use my sugar free honey ) if you want a touch of sweetness.

How To Make Chicken Lettuce Wraps

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Mix the sauce. In a small bowl, stir or whisk together the coconut aminos, sesame oil, rice vinegar, tahini, lime juice, sea salt, and black pepper.
2. Sauté the vegetables. In a large skillet , heat the oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the bell peppers and mushrooms, until the veggies are softened, and the moisture has evaporated. Set aside.

1. Cook the chicken. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes. Add the onions, garlic, ginger, and water chestnuts. Cook until the chicken is cooked through.
2. Simmer in sauce. Add the mushrooms and peppers back to skillet, and pour the sauce over everything. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the chicken and veggies absorb the sauce.

1. Assemble your chicken lettuce wraps. Separate the lettuce leaves and spoon the chicken mixture inside. Don’t forget the garnishes if you have them!

My Recipe Tips

• Medium-high heat works best, but it depends on your pan. I usually use a nonstick skillet for this chicken lettuce wraps recipe for easy cleanup, and find that medium-high is ideal to ensure that excess moisture evaporates. But if you use cast iron, you might be better off at medium heat after you preheat your pan.
• I’ve made these with 2 texture types for the chicken. Higher heat can leave delicious crispy bits, whereas medium leaves the chicken more moist. Prioritize what is more important to you. I love both ways.
• Don’t overfill the wraps. If they are too full, you won’t be able to pick them up to eat them! I find that 2-3 tablespoons per lettuce leaf is the perfect amount.
• Fill the leaves only as you eat them. They can get soggy after a while. In my family, I just place the skillet on the table and the leaves on a plate, then everyone can stuff their wraps as they go.
• Want these more hearty with extra protein? Swap the lettuce leaves for a cottage cheese wrap . I just wrap it like a burrito to keep the filling from falling out.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Sauce:

• 1/4 cup Coconut aminos ▢
• 3 tbsp Tahini paste ▢
• 2 tbsp Toasted sesame oil ▢
• 1 tbsp Rice vinegar (or white vinegar) ▢
• 1/2 tbsp Lime juice ▢
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt (to taste) ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper (to taste) ▢

Lettuce Wraps:

• 1 lb Ground chicken ▢
• 2 tbsp Avocado oil ▢
• 1 1/2 cups Cremini mushrooms (diced) ▢
• 1/2 cup Bell pepper (diced) ▢
• 1/3 cup White onion (diced) ▢
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1/2 tbsp Ginger (grated) ▢
• 4 oz Water chestnuts (drained and diced, optional) ▢
• 1 head Butter lettuce ▢

Optional Toppings:

• Green onions (sliced) ▢
• Sesame seeds ▢
• Peanuts ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a small bowl, mix the sauce ingredients. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet , heat the avocado oil over medium heat, until shimmering. Add the bell peppers and mushrooms. Saute for 2-4 minutes , until vegetables soften slightly and any moisture evaporates. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Heat the same skillet over medium-high heat. (Add more oil if needed.) Cook ground chicken for 5 minutes .
4. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes , until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Return the mushrooms and bell peppers to the skillet. Add the water chestnuts (if using). Stir in the sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 2 minutes .
6. Separate the leaves from the head of lettuce. Fill the leaves with chicken filling, about 2-3 tablespoons per lettuce wrap.
7. Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and peanuts, if desired.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 3 lettuce wraps

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the right heat level for your pan, and the best ways to fill the lettuce wraps.
• Store: Keep any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It stores and reheats well, so I also love it for meal prep!
• Reheat: Warm the chicken mixture in a hot skillet or in the microwave, then assemble your chicken lettuce wraps with some fresh lettuce.
• Freeze: You can keep the filling in a zip lock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Don’t freeze the lettuce, though.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

More Asian-Inspired Lunch Ideas

If you like my Asian chicken lettuce wraps, you might like some of my other Asian-inspired dishes for quick lunches:

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

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1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

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Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Chicken Lettuce Wraps (20 Minutes)

This Asian chicken lettuce wraps recipe is better than PF Chang’s! Make it in 20 minutes with ground chicken, veggies and irresistible sauce.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/chicken-lettuce-wraps/

Ingredients

Sauce:

• 1/4 cup Coconut aminos
• 3 tbsp Tahini paste
• 2 tbsp Toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp Rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1/2 tbsp Lime juice
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper (to taste)

Lettuce Wraps:

• 1 lb Ground chicken
• 2 tbsp Avocado oil
• 1 1/2 cups Cremini mushrooms (diced)
• 1/2 cup Bell pepper (diced)
• 1/3 cup White onion (diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tbsp Ginger (grated)
• 4 oz Water chestnuts (drained and diced, optional)
• 1 head Butter lettuce

Optional Toppings:

• Green onions (sliced)
• Sesame seeds
• Peanuts

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix the sauce ingredients. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet , heat the avocado oil over medium heat, until shimmering. Add the bell peppers and mushrooms. Saute for 2-4 minutes , until vegetables soften slightly and any moisture evaporates. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Heat the same skillet over medium-high heat. (Add more oil if needed.) Cook ground chicken for 5 minutes .
4. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes , until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Return the mushrooms and bell peppers to the skillet. Add the water chestnuts (if using). Stir in the sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 2 minutes .
6. Separate the leaves from the head of lettuce. Fill the leaves with chicken filling, about 2-3 tablespoons per lettuce wrap.
7. Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and peanuts, if desired.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 3 lettuce wraps

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the right heat level for your pan, and the best ways to fill the lettuce wraps.
• Store: Keep any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It stores and reheats well, so I also love it for meal prep!
• Reheat: Warm the chicken mixture in a hot skillet or in the microwave, then assemble your chicken lettuce wraps with some fresh lettuce.
• Freeze: You can keep the filling in a zip lock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Don’t freeze the lettuce, though.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)