Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful, fresh, and fun twist on your favorite takeout flavors. Juicy chicken is cooked in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, then spooned into crisp lettuce cups for a light yet satisfying meal. They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or appetizers—and they’re easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These lettuce wraps combine bold teriyaki flavor with refreshing crunch and are a healthier alternative to traditional wraps or sandwiches. They’re naturally gluten-free (with the right sauce), low in carbs, and completely customizable. You’ll love how quickly they come together and how well they work for meal prep, parties, or a light dinner packed with flavor and texture.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (diced or shredded)
- Teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Garlic (minced)
- Ginger (freshly grated or minced)
- Onion (diced)
- Carrot (shredded or julienned)
- Butter lettuce, iceberg, or romaine leaves
- Green onions (sliced)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Optional: cooked rice or noodles, sriracha, or chopped peanuts
directions

- Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink and lightly browned.
- Pour in teriyaki sauce and stir to coat. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Add carrots and green onions. Stir until just softened.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into clean, dry lettuce leaves.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce.
- Add Rice or Noodles: Serve with a spoonful of jasmine rice or rice noodles inside the wraps.
- Vegetarian Version: Use diced tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken.
- Fruit Fusion: Add diced pineapple or mango for a sweet and tropical flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Top with chopped peanuts or cashews for extra texture.
storage/reheating
Store the chicken filling separately from the lettuce in airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until warmed through before assembling.
Do not freeze, as lettuce and sauce textures may not hold up well after thawing.
FAQs
What kind of lettuce works best?
Butter lettuce is ideal for its soft, cup-like shape, but romaine and iceberg work well too.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, just shred the rotisserie chicken and heat it with teriyaki sauce for a quick version.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be if you use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prep the filling in advance and assemble the wraps just before serving.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, just thaw and drain them well before adding to the chicken mixture.
What sides go well with these wraps?
Serve with steamed rice, cucumber salad, or edamame for a complete meal.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely—try bell peppers, cabbage, or snap peas for more crunch and nutrition.
How do I keep the lettuce crisp?
Wash and dry thoroughly, and store it separately from the hot filling until ready to serve.
What if I don’t have teriyaki sauce?
You can make a quick homemade version with soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a splash of vinegar.
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes, keep components separate and assemble when ready to eat for best freshness.
Conclusion
Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and fresh. They’re light yet filling, simple yet satisfying, and ideal for everything from quick dinners to casual gatherings. With easy prep and bold flavor, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat all year long.
PrintTeriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fresh and flavorful twist on your favorite takeout. Juicy ground chicken is simmered in a homemade teriyaki sauce and served in crisp lettuce cups with crunchy veggies and a drizzle of extra sauce. Great for weeknight meals, meal prep, or party bites!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
-
1 lb ground chicken
-
1 tablespoon sesame oil
-
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
-
1 cup shredded carrots
-
1/2 cup diced water chestnuts (optional)
-
2 green onions, chopped
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
-
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
-
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
-
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
-
1 tablespoon cornstarch
-
1/2 cup water
-
1 teaspoon sesame oil
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
For Serving:
-
1 head butter lettuce or romaine (leaves separated and rinsed)
-
Sesame seeds (optional)
-
Extra chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
-
Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Set aside. -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
Add ground chicken and cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a spatula. -
Add Sauce & Veggies:
Stir in shredded carrots and water chestnuts. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and stir well. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes, until sauce thickens and coats everything. Remove from heat and stir in green onions. -
Assemble the Wraps:
Spoon the warm chicken mixture into lettuce leaves. Top with sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired. -
Serve:
Serve immediately while warm, or let everyone build their own at the table!
Notes
-
Use chopped chicken breast instead of ground if you prefer a chunkier texture.
-
Want it spicy? Add a little sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
-
These are great for meal prep—just store the filling and lettuce separately.