These Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a flavor explosion! Juicy chicken combined with sweet and spicy honey sauce makes each bite truly special.
Wrapping it all up in crisp lettuce adds a fun crunch. I love how it feels like a little party in your hands. Perfect for a quick dinner or tasty snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the dish! Ground chicken gives a nice texture. If you prefer, you can use chopped chicken breast. It’s a great way to use leftover cooked chicken too!
Hot Honey: The sweet heat really makes these wraps pop! If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to achieve a similar effect.
Vegetable Oil: I use vegetable oil for its high smoke point, but olive oil works fine too. Just be cautious about the flavor it adds—it’s stronger than vegetable oil.
Lettuce: Butter or Bibb lettuce is ideal for wrapping because it’s soft and flexible. Romaine hearts are a sturdy alternative, but they can be crunchier and less pliable.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Flavorful?
Cooking the chicken correctly ensures it’s both tasty and moist. Here are some steps to keep in mind:
- Start with medium-high heat to get that nice browning on the chicken.
- Make sure to break up the chicken as it cooks to ensure even cooking throughout. You’re aiming for no pink and a slight golden color.
- Don’t rush it! Letting the chicken sizzle allows flavors to develop. It usually takes about 6-8 minutes.
Once you stir in the soy sauce and hot honey, let everything cook together for a few minutes. This thickens the sauce and infuses flavor into the chicken!
Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken (or chopped chicken breast)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4-5 tbsp hot honey (honey infused with chili flakes or a spicy honey sauce)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
For The Wraps:
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- 1 head butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce, leaves separated and washed
Optional Extras:
- Red chili flakes or a splash of sriracha for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. In just about 25 minutes, you can enjoy these fresh and flavorful lettuce wraps!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Flavor Base:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant—this will give your dish a delicious aroma!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Now, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook it evenly. Keep stirring until the chicken is fully browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes. This step is important for making sure your chicken is nice and juicy!
3. Add Sauce and Continue Cooking:
Next, stir in the soy sauce and half of the hot honey. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken a little. If you love a bit more sweetness or spice, this is a great time to adjust to your taste!
4. Assemble the Wraps:
Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Now, onto the fun part! Take a lettuce leaf and place a spoonful of the spicy chicken mixture in the center. Top it off with julienned carrots, diced cucumber, sliced green onions, and some fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of flavor and crunch.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Wrap it up and take a big bite! These Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh, crunchy, and packed with sweet-spicy goodness. They’re perfect for a healthy, tasty meal!
Enjoy your Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps, and savor each delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute turkey, ground beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, you can stir in extra red chili flakes or a splash of sriracha while cooking the chicken. You could also drizzle more hot honey on top before serving to amp up the spice!
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Hot Honey?
No worries! You can mix regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to create your own spicy honey. Alternatively, a bit of agave syrup with hot sauce can also work in a pinch!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Assemble fresh lettuce wraps right before serving for the best crunch!