Quick High Protein Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Crispy chicken lettuce wraps with a creamy peanut sauce are ready in just 20 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping the wraps crispy is to cook the chicken separately and add it to the lettuce leaves just before serving. These wraps are a healthier, better-than-takeout option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Slow Cooker Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken and Easy Homemade Olive Garden Style Breadsticks.
Why This Quick High Protein Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy chicken strips with a tender middle
- Creamy peanut sauce that's better than takeout
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
- Healthier option that's still satisfying
What You'll Need for Quick High Protein Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Lettuce leaves (romaine or iceberg)
- Peanut butter
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Optional: Crushed peanuts
- Optional: Sesame seeds
- Optional: Diced cucumber
- Optional: Diced bell pepper
- Optional: Sliced avocado
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: You can also use chicken thighs for a slightly different flavor.
- Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter works best for this recipe.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Makes quick work of mincing garlic and ginger, and can also be used to make the peanut sauce. → See on Amazon
- Non-stick skillet — Ensures the chicken strips cook evenly and don't stick to the pan. → See on Amazon
How to Make Quick High Protein Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
- Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the peanut sauce: In a food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a little water. Blend until smooth, adding more water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Assemble the wraps: Rinse and separate the lettuce leaves. Spoon some of the peanut sauce onto each leaf, then top with chicken strips and your favorite toppings. Fold the lettuce leaf around the filling and enjoy!
Cook's Tips for Perfect Quick High Protein Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
- Common mistake and fix: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. To prevent this, cook the chicken separately and add it to the lettuce leaves just before serving.
- Tip: For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce.
- Tip: To make ahead, prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then assemble the wraps just before serving.
Storing & Reheating Quick High Protein Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: The chicken and sauce can be made up to 1 day ahead.
Freezing Quick High Protein Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes. Microwave: Reheat the chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a lower-carb option, use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
- Make-ahead: The chicken and sauce can be made up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the wraps just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the peanut sauce is too thick, add a little more water and blend until smooth.
Want to level up this recipe?
Instant-read thermometer — Ensures the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature and prevents overcooking. → Check price on Amazon
Quick High Protein Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Lettuce leaves (romaine or iceberg)
- Peanut butter
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Garlic
- Ginger
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions
- Cilantro
Optional Toppings
- Crushed peanuts
- Sesame seeds
- Diced cucumber
- Diced bell pepper
- Sliced avocado
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the peanut sauce: In a food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a little water. Blend until smooth, adding more water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Assemble the wraps: Rinse and separate the lettuce leaves. Spoon some of the peanut sauce onto each leaf, then top with chicken strips and your favorite toppings. Fold the lettuce leaf around the filling and enjoy!
Notes
- Chef tip: For a lower-carb option, use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
- Make-ahead: The chicken and sauce can be made up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the wraps just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the peanut sauce is too thick, add a little more water and blend until smooth.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat the chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: The chicken and sauce can be made up to 1 day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sat. Fat: 2g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Quick High Protein Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce FAQs
While you can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time, it's best to assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crispy.
Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. To prevent this, cook the chicken separately and add it to the lettuce leaves just before serving.
Yes, you can freeze the peanut sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Yes, you can cook the chicken strips in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. The lettuce leaves can be stored in a damp paper towel in the fridge for up to 1 week.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Quick High Protein Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
