These Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fun and tasty meal! With juicy chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, they’re wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves for crunch.
Quick and easy to make, they’re great for lunch or a light dinner. I love adding extra veggies for color—plus, who doesn’t enjoy a little mess while eating? It’s all part of the fun! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer using chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work just as well! If you’re looking for a lighter option, try tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist.
Honey: Honey adds the sweetness, but maple syrup or agave syrup makes great substitutes if you want it vegan. Just be mindful that these can change the flavor a bit!
Hot Sauce: Sriracha is my go-to, but feel free to use your favorite hot sauce or even a spicy chili paste. If you want it milder, reduce the amount or use a sweet chili sauce instead.
Lettuce: Butter lettuce is perfect for wraps, but you can also use romaine or even collard greens. Each option offers a different crunch!
How Can You Make Sure Your Chicken is Juicy and Flavored Well?
Cooking the chicken properly is key. Start by heating your skillet enough before adding the chicken—this helps to create a nice sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan; it might steam instead of browning, which can lead to dryness.
- Season well with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance flavor.
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring often to get an even cook.
- Once cooked, let it rest for a minute before adding the sauce—this helps lock in moisture.
Enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps, perfect for a lively dinner or a fun meal with friends!
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as sriracha)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- For the Wraps:
- 1 head butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce, leaves separated and washed
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 30 minutes to prepare and cook. With just a little chopping and cooking, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through—this should take about 6-8 minutes.
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, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This mixture will add a sweet and spicy kick to your chicken!
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the hot honey sauce over it in the skillet. Give it a good stir to ensure all of the chicken pieces are coated. Let it all cook together for about 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Assemble the Wraps:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take a lettuce leaf and place a few pieces of the saucy chicken in the center. Top with shredded purple cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions. Add a sprig of cilantro on top for some fresh flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if you like, and then serve these delicious wraps immediately. Enjoy the sweet and spicy chicken with the refreshing crunch of the veggies wrapped in the lettuce!
These Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps are perfect for sharing and are sure to be a hit at any meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thoroughly thaw the chicken first! You can thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or use the quick method of placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Once thawed, proceed with the recipe as instructed.
How Do I Store Leftover Wraps?
To store leftovers, place the chicken mixture in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the lettuce leaves separately. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat the chicken mixture in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through, and assemble your wraps fresh!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian option. Just cube the tofu or tempeh and cook it until golden and crispy before adding the hot honey sauce.
What Should I Serve with These Wraps?
These wraps are delightful on their own, but you can serve them with a side of rice, quinoa, or a light salad to make a complete meal. For a fun twist, try serving them with a dipping sauce, like extra hot honey or soy sauce!
