If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and packed with a delightful mix of textures, this Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce and Vegetables Recipe will quickly become your go-to meal. It combines tender shredded chicken with a creamy, slightly sweet peanut sauce and crisp vegetables, all wrapped up in crunchy lettuce leaves for a bite that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. Whether you want a speedy weeknight dinner or a vibrant appetizer to impress guests, these wraps bring together simple ingredients that create an unforgettable flavor explosion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but crucial, each adding a distinct layer of taste, texture, or color that makes this dish truly shine. From the savory soy sauce to the crunchy nuts, every component plays a special role.
- 4 cups shredded chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds rich, savory flavor.
- ¼ cup soy sauce or Tamari: Provides the salty, umami backbone of the peanut sauce.
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter: Gives a smooth, nutty creaminess that ties the wrap together.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Balances the saltiness with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds brightness and slight tanginess to elevate the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to blend the sauce and keep the chicken moist.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha: Adds a subtle kick of heat — adjust to your spice preference.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory depth without overpowering.
- 1 red bell pepper (finely diced): Provides a fresh crunch and vibrant color contrast.
- 1 head butter lettuce (Romaine or Iceberg): Crisp, sturdy leaves perfect for wrapping the flavorful filling.
- ⅓ cup chopped roasted and salted peanuts: Adds an extra layer of nuttiness and satisfying crunch.
- ½ cup thinly sliced green onions: Brings a mild sharpness and bright green visual appeal.
How to Make Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Shred the Chicken
Start by pulling apart the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized, tender pieces. Using a pre-cooked chicken cuts down your prep time and ensures the meat is juicy and flavorful—no need to fuss over cooking it yourself.
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, creamy peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, olive oil, sriracha, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and well blended. This luscious mixture strikes a perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and a little heat.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Add the shredded chicken and finely diced red bell pepper into the bowl with the peanut sauce. Toss everything thoroughly until every piece of chicken is coated with the sauce and the pepper pieces are evenly spread for bursts of crunch and color.
Step 4: Prepare the Lettuce Wraps
Carefully separate the butter lettuce leaves, making sure each leaf is whole and sturdy enough to hold the filling. Wash and dry the leaves thoroughly to ensure a fresh and crisp experience without sogginess.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Spoon a generous amount of the peanut chicken mixture onto each lettuce leaf. Top with chopped roasted peanuts and thinly sliced green onions to add texture and a fresh pop of flavor. Wrapping these up and biting in is such a satisfying, hands-on experience—you’ll love every crunchy, creamy mouthful.
How to Serve Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your wraps beyond the sauce and chicken. Consider adding extra chopped peanuts for crunch, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nuttiness, or even fresh cilantro leaves for a bright herbal note that pairs beautifully with peanut sauce.
Side Dishes
These wraps shine best alongside light, refreshing sides. Cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar or a simple carrot slaw can complement the rich peanut sauce without overwhelming your palate. If you want something heartier, steamed jasmine rice or quinoa works beautifully to soak up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family dinners, arrange the shredded chicken lettuce wraps on a large platter, surrounded by small bowls of garnishes like chopped peanuts, lime wedges, sriracha, and fresh herbs. This presentation invites everyone to customize and makes the whole meal interactive and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover chicken mixture, store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep your lettuce leaves fresh in a different container or wrapped in a damp paper towel to avoid wilting, so everything stays crisp and ready for later.
Freezing
While the shredded chicken with peanut sauce freezes well, it’s best to freeze it before assembling the wraps. Portion the chicken mixture into freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to two months. Lettuce leaves do not freeze well and should always be fresh for serving.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken mixture on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy and prevent sticking. Once warmed through, assemble with fresh lettuce and enjoy as if it were freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce for these wraps?
Absolutely! Butter lettuce is ideal due to its soft texture and pliability, but Romaine or Iceberg lettuce also work well. Just choose leaves that are large and sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce. Always double-check the labels of sauces and condiments to ensure they suit your dietary needs.
Can I make the peanut sauce spicier or milder?
Definitely. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your taste. You can add more for extra heat or leave it out entirely for a milder flavor. The honey also helps balance any spicy kick, so feel free to tweak accordingly.
What can I substitute for peanut butter if I have allergies?
Sunflower seed butter or tahini can be used as alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor will shift slightly but remain delicious and creamy.
How should I ensure the lettuce stays crisp?
Wash and dry the leaves thoroughly, then store them wrapped in a clean paper towel inside a sealed container or plastic bag in the fridge. This keeps moisture balanced and prevents sogginess.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully satisfying about making and enjoying this Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce and Vegetables Recipe. The harmony of flavors, the contrast of textures, and the simplicity of putting it all together make it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So grab some lettuce, whip up this vibrant filling, and dig into one of the most refreshing, tasty wraps you’ll ever have!
Print
Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce and Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe features tender rotisserie chicken tossed in a flavorful peanut-soy sauce, combined with crunchy red bell peppers and topped with peanuts and green onions, all served in crisp butter lettuce leaves for a fresh, light, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups shredded chicken (from 1 rotisserie chicken)
- ¼ cup soy sauce 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)
- ⅓ cup chopped roasted and salted peanuts
- ½ cup thinly sliced green onions
Instructions
- Shred Chicken: Remove meat from a cooked rotisserie chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces using your hands or two forks.
- Make Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, creamy peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, olive oil, sriracha, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken and finely diced red bell pepper to the sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken and peppers are thoroughly coated with the peanut sauce mixture.
- Prepare Wraps: Gently separate the butter lettuce leaves, rinse, and pat dry to use as wraps.
- Assemble: Spoon the chicken mixture onto each lettuce leaf. Sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts and thinly sliced green onions for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a fresh, healthy appetizer or light main dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, be sure to use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
- You can adjust the sriracha amount to your preferred spice level or omit for milder taste.
- Use Romaine lettuce for sturdier wraps or Iceberg for crispness depending on preference.
- This recipe is great for meal prep; store chicken mixture and lettuce separately to keep leaves crisp.
- To make it vegan, substitute shredded chicken with shredded tofu or jackfruit and use maple syrup instead of honey.
