Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, delicious, and healthy alternative to traditional wraps. This easy recipe combines savory chicken, fragrant basil, and crisp vegetables in lettuce leaves.
Hello, friend! Get ready to experience a burst of flavor with this refreshing Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe. It’s a light and healthy meal packed with protein, fresh veggies, and aromatic herbs.
Ditch the heavy carbs of tortillas and embrace the crispness of lettuce leaves filled with juicy chicken and a burst of basil goodness.
Let us whip up this delicious dish!
Utensils You Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create these tasty wraps:
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
The Recipe
Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup chopped water chestnuts
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet.
- Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped water chestnuts, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook for 2-3 minutes more, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped basil.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves and serve.
Notes
- If you don’t have water chestnuts, you can substitute them with bamboo shoots or chopped mushrooms.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as carrots or zucchini.
- For a spicier filling, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Alternative Ingredients:
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below:
| Ingredient | Alternative |
| Ground chicken | Ground turkey or pork |
| Water chestnuts | Bamboo shoots or chopped mushrooms |
| Butter lettuce | Bibb lettuce or iceberg lettuce |
| Red bell pepper | Any color bell pepper or other vegetables |
What to Serve with Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps:
You can pair these delicious Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps with the following:
- Brown rice or cauliflower rice for a heartier meal.
- A side of fresh fruit or a simple salad.
- A dipping sauce, such as peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce leaves crisp. However, you can prepare the chicken filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use ground beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I omit the fish sauce?
Yes, you can omit the fish sauce if you don’t have it or prefer not to use it.
Can I make these wraps spicy?
Yes, you can add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
Are these wraps gluten-free?
Yes, these wraps are gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
