Name: Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 Tbsp vegetable oil; 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion; 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper; 1 Tbsp minced garlic; 1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger; 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup water; 2 1/2 Tbsp packed light-brown sugar; 1 Tbsp honey; 1 Tbsp rice vinegar; 1 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 Tbsp water; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and diced; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated; Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

This dish delivers all the savory‑sweet flavors of teriyaki in a light, fresh lettuce wrap — making it a perfect quick dinner or fun meal for sharing. It’s versatile, full of texture (crisp lettuce + crunchy veggies + tender chicken + nuts), and comes together in about 30 minutes. Great for weeknights when you want something satisfying but not heavy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into small pieces
olive oil (divided)
teriyaki sauce and marinade
water
cornstarch
honey
green onions (sliced, divided)
garlic (minced)
red bell pepper (cored, seeded, diced)
canned sliced water chestnuts (chopped)
shredded carrots
Romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves, for serving
roughly chopped unsalted cashews

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the chicken and sauté for about 3.5–4 minutes, until cooked through, tossing occasionally. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with another tablespoon of oil and the remaining chicken.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together the teriyaki sauce, water, cornstarch, and honey; set aside.
In the same skillet, heat ½ tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ¾ cup of the green onions; sauté ~20 seconds.
Add the diced bell pepper and chopped water chestnuts; sauté for about 2 minutes. Whisk the sauce mixture again and pour it into the skillet. Stir constantly for 1 minute.
Add the chicken back into the skillet (leaving excess juices on the plate) along with the shredded carrots. Toss everything together and warm through.
Serve the chicken mixture over lettuce leaves. Sprinkle the remaining green onions and the chopped cashews on top.

Servings and timing

Serves about 5. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Total time: ~30 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store the chicken filling separately from the lettuce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The filling can be reheated in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or in the microwave until hot. Lettuce leaves are best stored separately so they stay crisp.

FAQs

What kind of lettuce works best for the wraps?

Romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves are ideal for these wraps because they’re crisp and sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing.

Can I use a different protein besides chicken breast?

Yes — you could substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I make the teriyaki sauce from scratch instead of using store‑bought?

Yes; a homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, a sweetener (like honey), garlic, a bit of water and cornstarch for thickening will work well if you prefer a more natural sauce.

What if I don’t like water chestnuts?

You can leave them out or substitute with a different crunchy vegetable, such as diced celery, red onion, or even chopped cucumber for added freshness.

Can I add more vegetables to the wraps?

Absolutely. Feel free to add zucchini, broccoli slaw, shredded cabbage, or extra bell peppers — whatever you have on hand for extra crunch and color.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

You could add red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce, or sprinkle some sliced chili peppers or sriracha on the wraps when serving.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group or leftovers?

Yes — this recipe scales well. Just double the ingredients and use a larger skillet or cook in batches.

Is it possible to freeze the chicken mixture?

Yes, you can freeze the cooled chicken filling in an airtight container. Reheat gently from frozen, then serve with fresh lettuce.

What sides pair well with these lettuce wraps?

They go great with steamed rice, rice noodles, or a simple side salad. You could also serve them with dipping sauce on the side for extra flavor.

Are these wraps suitable for meal prep?

Yes — you can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time (store in fridge or freezer), then assemble with fresh lettuce when ready to eat. It makes lunch or dinner quick and easy.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps make a fantastic mix of savory, sweet, crunchy, and fresh — all wrapped in crisp lettuce for a lighter take on a classic stir-fry. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is fast, flexible, and full of satisfying flavors and textures. Give it a try — it may become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps