These Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fun twist on dinner! Juicy chicken mixed with a sweet and spicy honey sauce is wrapped in fresh, crunchy lettuce leaves. Yum!
They’re perfect for sharing, but I’ll be honest—I usually keep them all to myself! 😂 Just grab some rice on the side for a tasty meal that’s light and satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but you can easily swap them for chicken breasts. Ground turkey or tofu works well for a lighter or vegetarian option!
Honey: Honey is key for sweetness, but if you’re looking for a lower sugar option, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Just remember that it may change the flavor a bit.
Red Chili Flakes: Adjust the heat according to your taste. If you don’t have chili flakes, sriracha or your favorite hot sauce can work in a pinch. You could also leave it out for a milder dish.
Vegetables: I usually use whatever veggies I have on hand! Bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even diced bell peppers can add great color and crunch. Feel free to mix and match your favorites.
Lettuce Leaves: Butter lettuce is soft and perfect for wrapping, but if you can’t find it, romaine or even collard greens can do the trick.
How do I Get the Chicken Just Right?
Getting the chicken cooked perfectly is important for these wraps! Make sure to cut the chicken into even, small pieces. This helps it cook evenly and become tender. Here are the steps:
- Heat the skillet until hot, then add oil. This helps sear the chicken, giving it a nice color.
- Cook the chicken without stirring for the first few minutes to allow it to brown. Then, stir occasionally to make sure all pieces are cooked through.
- When the chicken is golden and no longer pink inside, pour in the honey sauce. Let it cook a little longer so the sauce thickens and coats the chicken well.
Don’t rush this part! Take your time for flavorful, sticky chicken that shines in your wraps.
Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced
– 1 tbsp vegetable oil
– 3 tbsp honey
– 1-2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
– 2 cloves garlic, minced - For the Wraps:
– 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple)
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1/2 cup shredded carrots
– 3 green onions, thinly sliced
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
– 8-10 large butter lettuce leaves or romaine leaves, washed and dried
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes for cooking. So, in just 30 minutes, you can have a tasty, fresh meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, red chili flakes, garlic, and ginger. This will be your flavorful sauce! Set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken. Cook for about 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. Remember to stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the pan!
3. Add the Sauce:
Pour your honey-chili sauce mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir it well so every piece of chicken gets coated in that sticky goodness. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove the skillet from heat.
4. Prepare the Lettuce Wraps:
On a serving platter, lay out the washed and dried lettuce leaves. In the bottom of each leaf, add a small handful of shredded cabbage, diced cucumber, and shredded carrots. This will add crunch and freshness!
5. Assemble the Wraps:
Take a spoonful of the hot honey chicken and place it right on top of the veggies in each lettuce leaf. Make it as generous as you like!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off your wraps by garnishing them with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro leaves. If you’d like even more flavor, drizzle a little extra honey or sprinkle additional chili flakes on top.
7. Enjoy!
Serve these yummy wraps immediately while they’re warm and fresh. They’re a great light appetizer or you can pair them with steamed rice for a satisfying meal!
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with ground turkey, beef, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for tofu, which cooks quickly.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Ginger or Garlic?
No problem! You can use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger and garlic powder as a substitute. They won’t have the same freshness, but they’ll still add flavor to your dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover hot honey chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate until you’re ready to make your wraps to avoid soggy lettuce!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the honey-chili sauce mixture. You can also increase the amount of red chili flakes according to your preference for spiciness!
