These Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps are zesty and fun to eat! Tender chicken mixed with a sweet and spicy sauce makes every bite exciting. Plus, wrapping it in crispy lettuce is a tasty touch!
I love making these for a quick weeknight dinner. They’re healthy, easy to prepare, and you can add your favorite toppings. Who knew eating veggies could be this delicious? 🥬✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work fine too. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, try using finely chopped mushrooms or tofu as a substitute!
Hot Sauce: Sriracha is a great choice for its balance of heat and flavor. You can swap it for any hot sauce you like or even a homemade chili paste if you want more control over the spice level.
Honey: For a different twist, use maple syrup or agave syrup if you want a vegan option. They bring a similar sweetness but with their unique flavors!
Vegetables: Feel free to mix up the veggies! Add shredded bell peppers, snap peas, or radishes for extra color and crunch. I often use what I have in the fridge for variety.
How Do You Cook Chicken to Keep It Tender and Juicy?
Cooking chicken properly is key to not having dry bites! Start by cutting the chicken into small pieces, which ensures quick and even cooking. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high to give a nice sear, then add the oil.
- Add the chicken in a single layer and let it cook without stirring for a couple of minutes. This helps develop flavor.
- Stir occasionally and check for doneness. Chicken should be cooked until it’s no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes for small pieces.
Make sure to avoid overcooking to keep it juicy!
Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, finely chopped or shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or a mix of green and purple)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 3-4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 head butter lettuce or bibb lettuce, leaves separated and washed
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2-3 tbsp hot sauce (adjust based on spice preference; e.g., Sriracha, Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced
- Optional: 1/2 tsp chili flakes for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 25 minutes. Quick, tasty meals are always a win!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink inside, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break up any larger chunks of chicken as it cooks so that everything cooks evenly!
2. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, grab a small bowl and whisk together the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder (or minced garlic), and chili flakes if you like it spicy. This sauce brings all the flavor!
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the hot honey sauce over it in the skillet. Stir everything well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is well-coated and heated through.
4. Prepare the Lettuce Wraps:
On a serving platter, lay out the clean lettuce leaves. Then, take a small handful of shredded cabbage and carrot and place it in each leaf. This adds crunch and freshness to each wrap!
5. Assemble Wraps:
Using a spoon, add the hot honey chicken on top of the cabbage and carrots in each lettuce leaf. Don’t forget to sprinkle diced cucumber and sliced green onions on top for extra flavor and texture!
6. Serve:
Enjoy your vibrant Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps immediately! These are perfect for picking up and munching on. You can even add a splash of lime or some extra hot sauce for that zing if you like. Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Chunks?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great alternative and will cook quickly. Just sauté it in the skillet until browned and cooked through, following the same steps for adding the sauce.
What If I Don’t Have Butter Lettuce?
No problem! You can use any lettuce types like romaine, iceberg, or even collard greens. Just make sure the leaves are large enough to hold the filling.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Cook the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken mixture and assemble your wraps!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can keep the lettuce and veggies separate to maintain their crispness. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken in a pan or microwave.