When the weeknight grind has you craving something a little lighter and brighter, look no further than these Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Bursting with fresh, crunchy veggies, tender chicken, and a bold, flavorful sauce, this dish delivers big taste while keeping calories and carbs in check.
The secret to the incredible flavor lies in the teriyaki marinade, which infuses the chicken with a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and umami notes. By mixing up a simple sauce of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar, you create a tantalizing glaze that coats the chicken in mouthwatering flavor.
1. Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into small pieces
- 2 tbsp sesame oil, divided
- 2/3 cup shredded carrots
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 (8 oz) can sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 2/3 cup cashews or peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1 cup Teriyaki Sauce, divided
- Romaine, iceberg or butter lettuce leaves
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
In a medium bowl, toss the diced chicken with 1 Tbsp of the sesame oil to lightly coat. Pour in 1/2 cup of the teriyaki sauce, cover, and let marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Heat the remaining 1 Tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
Add the shredded carrots, minced garlic, sliced green onions, diced red bell pepper, chopped water chestnuts, and chopped nuts to the pan. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce and toss to coat the chicken and veggie mixture evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes more, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
To serve, spoon the teriyaki chicken and vegetable mixture into individual lettuce leaves. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
These Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps make for a fantastic main course, or they can be served as a fun, interactive appetizer at your next gathering. The combination of tender, flavorful chicken, crunchy veggies, and that out-of-this-world teriyaki sauce is truly hard to beat.
So the next time you’re looking for a delicious way to lighten up your dinner routine, give these Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps a try. With fresh, wholesome ingredients and big, bold taste, it’s a recipe that’s sure to have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
