If you’re seeking a fresh, flavorful, and fun dish to brighten up your dinner table, the Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is just the ticket. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken with a luscious blend of peanut butter, honey, and tangy soy sauce, all tucked into crisp, crunchy lettuce cups. The burst of textures and harmonious flavors makes this dish a superstar for weeknight meals or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, packing a punch without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create such a mouthwatering experience. Each element plays an important role, balancing taste, texture, and color to craft the perfect bite every time.
- 4 cups shredded chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and ensures tender, juicy meat.
- ¼ cup soy sauce or Tamari: Adds depth and a savory umami punch that ties the dish together.
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter: Brings richness and a creamy texture that enhances the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Balances savory flavors with a hint of natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy note that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides smoothness and helps marry the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha: Introduces just the right amount of heat to keep things lively.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Enhances subtle spice and complexity.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a comforting, aromatic background.
- 1 red bell pepper (finely diced): Adds a pop of vibrant color and crunch.
- 1 head butter lettuce (Romaine or Iceberg): Provides crisp, sturdy cups perfect for wrapping.
- â…“ cup chopped roasted and salted peanuts: Delivers satisfying crunch and a touch of saltiness.
- ½ cup thinly sliced green onions: Brings freshness and subtle sharpness as a topping.
How to Make Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Shred the Chicken
Start by taking your pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and shredding it into bite-sized pieces. This step is wonderfully simple, and using rotisserie chicken means you get juicy, flavorful meat without the fuss of cooking it yourself. Plus, shredded chicken mixes better with the sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce and Mix
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce (or tamari), creamy peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, olive oil, sriracha, pepper, and garlic powder. This combination creates the signature sauce that makes this Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe so irresistible—the richness of peanut butter perfectly balanced by the tangy rice vinegar and a gentle kick from the sriracha.
Once fully mixed, add the shredded chicken and finely diced red bell pepper. Toss everything carefully until the chicken and pepper are thoroughly coated with the sauce, trapping that delicious flavor in every morsel.
Step 3: Assemble the Wraps
Take your fresh butter lettuce leaves and spoon generous amounts of the chicken mixture right into the center of each leaf. Top with chopped roasted peanuts and sliced green onions for an added layer of crunch and freshness. The crisp lettuce creates a delightful contrast with the creamy, saucy chicken, and these wraps are just waiting to be eaten!
How to Serve Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling chopped peanuts and green onions on top gives your wraps an inviting crunch and fresh zest. You can also add a few fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime to bump up the brightness even more. These little touches transform simple wraps into a feast for the eyes and palate alike.
Side Dishes
Keep it light and balanced with sides like steamed jasmine rice, a crisp cucumber salad, or even quick pickled carrots and daikon. These options complement the wrap’s bold flavors and keep the meal fresh and satisfying without overpowering the main star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe buffet-style, letting guests build their own wraps with assorted toppings such as shredded carrots, sliced chilies, or crunchy water chestnuts. Alternatively, arrange finished wraps on a bright platter garnished with edible flowers for a stunning, party-ready presentation sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover shredded chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the lettuce separately to avoid it getting soggy, and add fresh toppings just before serving for maximum crunch.
Freezing
The chicken and sauce mixture freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the thawed shredded chicken mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the peanut sauce creamy and smooth. Then, simply scoop into fresh lettuce leaves and add your garnishes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce for these wraps?
Absolutely! While butter lettuce is popular for its soft, pliable leaves, romaine or iceberg also work well. Just pick leaves that are sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can easily be made gluten-free by choosing tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Always check the labels to ensure all your ingredients fit your dietary needs.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
You can swap the shredded chicken for shredded tofu or cooked jackfruit for a plant-based twist. Adjust cooking time and seasoning as needed to suit these alternatives.
How spicy is this recipe?
The sriracha adds a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount according to your heat preference or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
What can I use if I do not have peanut butter?
For a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter or tahini. These alternatives will change the flavor slightly but still provide the creamy texture essential to the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly delightful about this Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe—it’s a simple, wholesome meal that feels special every time you take a bite. Whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch or impressing friends at a gathering, it always brings smiles to the table. Give it a try, and you might just discover your new favorite go-to recipe packed with vibrant flavors and wonderful textures.
Print
Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5.5 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that features tender rotisserie chicken tossed in a flavorful peanut-soy sauce. Wrapped in crisp butter lettuce and garnished with crunchy peanuts and fresh green onions, they offer a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch. Ideal for a light lunch or dinner, these wraps require no cooking and come together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups shredded chicken (from 1 rotisserie chicken)
- ¼ cup soy sauce or Tamari (or tamari)
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 red bell pepper (finely diced)
For Serving
- 1 head butter lettuce (Romaine or Iceberg)
- â…“ cup chopped roasted and salted peanuts
- ½ cup thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Shred chicken: Using your hands or two forks, shred the pre-cooked rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces, removing any skin or bones to ensure tenderness.
- Prepare sauce and mix: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, creamy peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, olive oil, sriracha, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. Add the shredded chicken and finely diced red bell pepper to the bowl, and toss everything until the chicken is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Assemble wraps: Separate the lettuce leaves carefully, rinse and pat dry. Spoon the chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf to make individual wraps. Garnish the top with chopped roasted peanuts and thinly sliced green onions for added crunch and freshness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust sriracha amount to control the spiciness.
- Leftover chicken mixture can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Butter lettuce works best for wraps due to its soft texture and flexibility.
- For a vegan alternative, substitute chicken with shredded jackfruit and use a plant-based peanut butter.
