Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Transform Dinner: Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe Magic

Crispy, zesty chang’s chicken lettuce wraps dance with vibrant flavors that will make your taste buds jump for joy.

Chopped chicken mingles with crunchy vegetables in a sauce that sings with sweet and tangy notes.

Lightweight lettuce leaves cradle this delectable mixture, creating perfect handheld bites bursting with excitement.

Aromatic ginger and garlic weave through the filling, adding depth and complexity to every morsel.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant-style favorite with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Bold spices and fresh herbs elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll become the culinary hero at any gathering when these wraps hit the table.

Let’s turn your kitchen into a flavor adventure that everyone will remember.

Fun Ways to Change Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps

  • Low-Carb Option: Replace lettuce leaves with large cabbage leaves for a sturdier wrap with fewer carbs. Perfect for keto dieters seeking a satisfying meal.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute ground chicken with firm tofu or plant-based ground meat alternative. Crumble and cook using the same method for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce in the recipe. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Spicy Version: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick. Increase heat levels gradually to suit individual spice preferences.

Questions About Changs Lettuce Wraps Answered

  • What are water chestnuts, and why are they used in this recipe?

Water chestnuts are crisp, white root vegetables that add a unique crunch and mild sweetness to the dish. They provide texture contrast to the soft chicken and enhance the overall flavor profile of the lettuce wraps.

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork work great as alternatives. Each meat will bring a slightly different flavor, but the overall recipe remains the same. Choose lean meat for the best results.

  • Is this a gluten-free recipe?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check your sauce ingredients to ensure they meet gluten-free requirements, especially if you have dietary restrictions.

  • How spicy are these lettuce wraps?

The spice level depends on the amount of ginger and optional hot sauce you add. The recipe is generally mild, so you can easily adjust the heat by adding more ginger or a dash of sriracha to suit your taste preferences.

Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps for Light Lunches

  • Swap ground chicken for turkey or tofu, add extra veggies, or adjust spice levels to suit individual preferences, creating a versatile meal that adapts to your family's tastes.
  • Replacing traditional tortillas or bread with crisp lettuce leaves transforms this recipe into a lighter, healthier option that doesn't sacrifice flavor or satisfaction.
  • Let everyone build their own lettuce wraps at the table, turning dinner into a fun, engaging experience that encourages participation and makes mealtime more enjoyable.

Ingredients for Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Main Protein:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean protein base for the filling, best when fresh and not too fatty.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Classic flavor trio that adds depth and warmth to the dish, fresh ingredients preferred.
  • Water Chestnuts: Crunchy texture element that provides a nice contrast.
  • Green Onions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and bright green color garnish.
  • Carrots: Optional vegetable that brings subtle sweetness and extra nutrition.
Sauce and Cooking Components:
  • Sesame Oil: Provides authentic Asian flavor and helps prevent sticking.
  • Sauce Ingredients: Combines to create a savory and slightly sweet coating for the chicken mixture.
Serving Component:
  • Lettuce Leaves: Fresh, crisp wrapper that serves as a low-carb alternative to traditional wraps, butter or iceberg lettuce works best.
Optional Garnish:
  • Peanuts: Adds extra crunch and nutty flavor as a final topping.

Assembly Instructions for Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Whip Up The Savory Sauce

  • Grab a small bowl
  • Whisk together sauce ingredients
  • Set mixture aside for later use

Step 2: Brown The Chicken

  • Heat sesame oil in large skillet
  • Add ground chicken
  • Cook until meat turns golden brown
  • Break chicken into small crumbles while cooking

Step 3: Infuse Aromatic Flavors

  • Toss in
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Sauté for several minutes until onions become translucent

Step 4: Add Crunchy Vegetables

  • Mix in
  • Water chestnuts
  • Green onions
  • Shredded carrots
  • Cook for short period to maintain vegetable texture

Step 5: Combine With Sauce

  • Pour prepared sauce into skillet
  • Stir thoroughly to coat ingredients
  • Simmer until sauce slightly thickens

Step 6: Prepare Lettuce Wraps

  • Remove skillet from heat
  • Spoon chicken mixture into fresh lettuce leaves

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

  • Optional toppings
  • Extra green onions
  • Chopped peanuts
  • Serve warm immediately

Tips for Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps at Home

  • Customize Your Protein: Swap ground chicken with ground turkey, tofu, or plant-based crumbles for different dietary needs and flavors.
  • Perfect Sauce Consistency: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly and adjust thickness by adding a little water or cornstarch if needed for ideal coating.
  • Enhance Texture Balance: Chop water chestnuts and vegetables finely to ensure even distribution and create a satisfying crunch in every bite.
  • Lettuce Leaf Selection: Choose fresh, crisp lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or iceberg for sturdy, leak-proof wraps that hold the filling beautifully.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare filling ahead of time and store separately from lettuce leaves, allowing quick assembly and preventing soggy wraps when serving.

How to Store and Reheat Lettuce Wrap Fillings

  • Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Warm the chicken mixture in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating and prevent drying out.
  • Gently reheat the mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture and restore original texture.
  • Always serve reheated chicken in fresh, crisp lettuce leaves to prevent sogginess and maintain the dish's original fresh crunch.

What to Serve with Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps

  • A light, slightly sweet Riesling wine perfectly balances the savory and spicy notes of Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps, cutting through the rich chicken flavor with its bright acidity.
  • Brew a hot cup of jasmine green tea to enhance the ginger and garlic undertones, providing a clean and refreshing counterpoint to the dish's robust flavors.
  • Craft a homemade ginger lemonade that mirrors the recipe's Asian-inspired ingredients, offering a zesty and slightly spicy drink that cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Select a craft beer with subtle citrus and hoppy characteristics to match the wrap's complex flavor profile, creating a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.
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Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps deliver a flavor-packed journey through Asian-inspired cuisine. Crisp lettuce leaves cradle spicy, savory chicken, inviting diners to enjoy a lighter, refreshing meal that dances between textures and bold seasonings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • ½ medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • ½ cup green onions, chopped
  • ½ cup diced water chestnuts (canned, drained)
  • ¼ cup shredded carrots (optional)

Sauce and Oils:

  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar

Serving:

  • 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated and washed
  • Extra green onions or chopped peanuts for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce by whisking together all sauce ingredients in a small mixing bowl, then set aside for later use.
  2. Warm sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add ground chicken and crumble while cooking until the meat is evenly browned.
  3. Incorporate diced onions, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger into the skillet, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
  4. Gently fold in crisp water chestnuts, thinly sliced green onions, and shredded carrots, continuing to cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Stream the prepared sauce over the chicken mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure complete and even coating of all ingredients.
  6. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce reduce and thicken slightly while coating the chicken and vegetables.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool for a moment to prevent burning the lettuce leaves.
  8. Carefully spoon the warm chicken mixture into individual lettuce leaves, creating neat and compact wraps.
  9. Optionally garnish with additional chopped green onions or crushed peanuts for extra texture and flavor before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Swap out ground chicken for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences and create versatile meal options.
  • Enhance protein and texture by adding diced tofu or edamame as an alternative filling for vegetarian versions.
  • Toast sesame seeds or chopped peanuts beforehand to intensify their nutty flavor and provide an extra layer of crunch to the lettuce wraps.
  • Select crisp, sturdy lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or iceberg for better structural integrity and easier handling when eating the wraps.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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