These Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fun and tasty meal! You’ll enjoy the juicy chicken mixed with a sweet and spicy honey sauce, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.
They’re like a party for your taste buds! I love how quick they are to make when I’m hungry. Just whip them up, and you’ve got a delicious, healthy dinner in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein and provides a tender texture. If you prefer, use ground turkey or even crumbled firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Honey: Honey gives these wraps their signature sweetness. If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar works well. You may need to adjust quantities based on taste.
Hot Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite hot sauce! Sriracha is a popular choice, but if you want it less spicy, consider using a milder sauce or reducing the amount. You could also use a dash of chili powder as a substitute.
Bibb Lettuce: This lettuce is great for wraps because of its cup-like shape. You can substitute with romaine or iceberg lettuce, but make sure the leaves are large and sturdy enough to hold the filling!
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken is Flavorful and Juicy?
The key to juicy chicken is proper cooking and seasoning. Start by cooking the ground chicken in a skillet, breaking it apart as you go. Make sure it gets a nice browning for added flavor.
- Use medium heat; avoid cooking too high as it can dry out the chicken.
- Season it throughout the cooking process. Add salt and pepper early and taste as you go.
- The sauce at the end not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist, so let it thicken slightly to coat the meat well.
Remember, taste is key! Adjust ingredients in the sauce to your preference for a perfect balance of flavors.
Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 head butter lettuce or bibb lettuce, leaves separated and washed
- 1 cup shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds, extra chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 15 minutes of cooking time. So, you’ll be enjoying your Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps in just about 25 minutes—perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté these for about 1 minute until they become fragrant—this step adds a lovely base flavor to your dish!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it’s fully cooked and browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so the chicken cooks evenly.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). This sweet and spicy sauce will give your wraps amazing flavor!
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and really clings to the chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
5. Assemble the Wraps:
Grab your butter lettuce leaves and lay them out on a serving plate. Place a spoonful of shredded coleslaw mix in each leaf. Top with the hot honey chicken mixture. This is where the magic happens!
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
For an extra touch, garnish your wraps with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. Wrap the lettuce around the filling and enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps right away!
These wraps are a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, plus they come with a satisfying crunch from the fresh lettuce and slaw. Happy eating!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute! It will give a similar texture and flavor, so feel free to use it in the same quantity as the ground chicken for the wraps.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, you can increase the amount of hot sauce or add more crushed red pepper flakes. For an extra kick, try incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper in the sauce!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just reheat in a skillet before serving it in the lettuce wraps.
What Should I Do with Leftover Sauce?
If you have extra sauce, you can store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Use it as a marinade for grilled meats or drizzle it over vegetables for added flavor!