Description

Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a healthy, flavorful, and fun-to-eat meal! With tender chicken, savory vegetables, and crunchy cashews, all wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves, this dish is perfect for a light dinner or a snack that’s both satisfying and packed with protein. The mix of Asian-inspired sauces adds just the right balance of sweet and savory.

Ingredients

Scale

For the filling:

1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp chili paste or sriracha (optional for heat)
½ cup roasted cashews, roughly chopped
2 green onions, sliced
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

For the wraps:

1 head of iceberg or butter lettuce (for wrapping)

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and browned, about 6–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

3️⃣ Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4️⃣ Create the sauce: Add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and chili paste (if using) to the pan. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes.

5️⃣ Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and heat through.

6️⃣ Finish the dish: Stir in the chopped cashews and sliced green onions, then remove from heat.

7️⃣ Assemble the wraps: Carefully separate the lettuce leaves, wash them, and pat them dry. Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

8️⃣ Serve: Enjoy your Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps immediately, served with extra soy sauce or chili paste on the side if desired.

Notes

Lettuce Tip: Iceberg lettuce works best for its crunch and ability to hold the filling. Butter lettuce is a softer option for a different texture.
Substitute Protein: Feel free to swap chicken for ground turkey, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Make It Spicy: Adjust the level of heat by adding more chili paste or sriracha to your liking.

Storage: Store leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Assemble the wraps just before serving.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 15 min