Crisp Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe for Light and Tasty Bites

Cashew chicken lettuce wraps offer a delightful twist on traditional Asian-inspired cuisine, blending crisp textures with savory flavors.

These light and refreshing wraps upgrade ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

The combination of tender protein, crunchy nuts, and vibrant vegetables creates a balanced meal that satisfies multiple taste preferences.

Lightweight lettuce leaves serve as a perfect vessel for holding a medley of seasoned ingredients.

Each bite delivers a harmonious mix of umami-rich proteins and nutty undertones that dance across your palate.

The dish represents a smart alternative for health-conscious individuals seeking low-carb, high-protein options.

Crisp, cool lettuce provides the ideal foundation for a meal that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps That Pack Crunch and Protein

• Enjoy Quick Protein-Packed Meal: These lettuce wraps deliver a speedy, protein-rich dinner solution that takes just minutes to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and nutritious.
• Savor Exciting Flavor Explosion: The combination of hoisin sauce, ginger, soy sauce, and Sriracha creates a vibrant taste profile that dances between sweet, tangy, and spicy, making every bite an adventurous culinary experience.
• Experience Light and Crunchy Texture Delight: Crisp lettuce cups provide a refreshing, low-carb vessel for tender chicken, while roasted cashews add a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire dish's textural appeal.
• Master Effortless Cooking Technique: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, uses simple ingredients, and comes together in under 15 minutes, making it an ideal option for home cooks of all experience levels who want a restaurant-quality meal without complicated steps.

Ingredients for Flavorful Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the base for the dish, preferably boneless and skinless for easy cooking.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing the chicken's natural flavor and creating a balanced taste profile.

• Chicken Stock, Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Provide depth of flavor and create a rich, savory sauce base.
• Ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy aromatic element to the sauce.
• Vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness to balance the rich flavors.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy texture.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth to the dish.
• Sriracha Hot Sauce: Provides optional heat and extra kick for spice lovers.

• Cashews, Green Onions: Add texture, nuttiness, and fresh garnish to the dish.

• Lettuce Cups: Crisp, light wrapper that provides a fresh and low-carb serving option.

How to Assemble Cashew Chicken Wraps That Don’t Fall Apart

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Seasoning

Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over chicken pieces to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Chicken stock
• Soy sauce
• Fresh ginger
• Hoisin sauce
• Vinegar
• Cornstarch

Blend ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Cook Chicken to Perfection

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 5 minutes, flipping once to ensure even cooking and golden brown exterior.

Step 4: Build Complex Flavors

Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Lower heat to low, pour in prepared sauce, and stir continuously until sauce thickens and coats chicken.

Step 5: Enhance with Spice and Crunch

Splash in Sriracha hot sauce to taste for extra kick. Fold in cashews and most of the green onions, saving a handful for garnish.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the saucy chicken mixture into crisp, cool lettuce cups. Sprinkle remaining chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish.

Tip: Choose sturdy lettuce leaves like butter or iceberg for the best wrap experience.

Tips for Crunchy Lettuce and Juicy Chicken

• Slice Evenly: Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking and perfect texture in every bite.
• Toast Cashews Quickly: Lightly toast cashews in a dry skillet for extra crunch and deeper, nuttier flavor before adding to the dish.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce consistency.
• Choose Fresh Lettuce: Select crisp, large lettuce leaves like butter or iceberg that can hold the chicken filling without falling apart.
• Adjust Spice Level: Start with a small amount of Sriracha and gradually add more to customize the heat to your personal preference.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Refrigeration: Transfer cooled cashew chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate lettuce leaves and store them in a different container to maintain crispness.
• Reheating: Warm the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture. Refresh the dish by adding fresh chopped green onions and a handful of new cashews for extra crunch.
• Freezing: While possible, the texture might change slightly. Freeze the chicken mixture in a sealed container for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating and serving with fresh lettuce leaves.

Sides to Serve with Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the light, zesty flavors of the cashew chicken lettuce wraps. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken and cashews.
• Match with Asian-Inspired Cocktail: Create a ginger mojito or lychee martini that echoes the Asian-inspired seasonings in the dish. These cocktails bring out the subtle ginger and hoisin sauce notes while providing a cool, refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Crunchy Asian Slaw: Prepare a quick side of shredded cabbage, carrots, and cilantro dressed in a light rice vinegar and sesame oil dressing. This adds textural contrast and enhances the dish's Asian flavor profile.
• Complement with Jasmine Green Tea: Brew a light, fragrant jasmine green tea to cleanse the palate and provide a subtle, refreshing accompaniment that doesn't overpower the delicate lettuce wrap flavors.

Ways to Change Up Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Spicy Asian Lettuce Pockets: Replace cashews with crunchy peanuts and increase Sriracha for a bolder, fierier flavor profile. Add diced bell peppers for extra texture and color.
• Thai-Inspired Chicken Wraps: Swap hoisin sauce with coconut milk and red curry paste. Include fresh cilantro and mint leaves for a refreshing herbaceous touch. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Version: Use ground turkey instead of chicken. Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano. Serve with cucumber slices and tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
• Vegetarian Protein Wrap: Substitute chicken with crumbled extra-firm tofu or tempeh. Add diced water chestnuts for crunch. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free. Incorporate finely chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture.

Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

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

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Description

Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps deliver a delightful Asian-inspired meal packed with crunchy textures and zesty flavors. Crisp lettuce leaves cradle savory chicken, toasted cashews, and a tangy sauce that will transport your taste buds to culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 green onions, chopped, divided

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth or stock
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) cornstarch
• 1 – 2 teaspoons Sriracha hot sauce, to taste
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) sesame oil or substitute canola oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Toppings and Garnish:

• ¾ cup (108 grams) unsalted cashews
• 1 head green leafy lettuce (romaine, bibb, or butter)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, ensuring even seasoning across all surfaces.
2. Whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, minced fresh ginger, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
3. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until oil shimmers slightly.
4. Place seasoned chicken into hot skillet, spreading pieces evenly to promote uniform cooking and achieving a golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-6 minutes, flipping once midway to ensure complete cooking.
5. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly for 25-30 seconds to release aromatic oils without burning.
6. Reduce heat to low and pour prepared sauce mixture over chicken, continuously stirring to help sauce thicken and coat each chicken piece evenly.
7. Drizzle Sriracha hot sauce according to personal heat preference, gently mixing to distribute spiciness throughout the dish.
8. Fold roasted cashews and most of the sliced green onions into the chicken mixture, reserving a portion for garnishing.
9. Transfer warm chicken mixture into crisp, chilled lettuce cups, topping with remaining green onions for a fresh, vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Prep ahead: Chop all ingredients before starting to cook for smooth, quick execution.
• Sauce magic: Mix sauce ingredients separately to ensure even distribution and rich flavor development.
• Chicken cooking tip: Use medium heat and flip only once to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Cornstarch secret: Helps thicken sauce and creates glossy, restaurant-style coating on chicken.
• Spice control: Add Sriracha gradually to adjust heat level according to personal preference.
• Serving suggestion: Crisp lettuce cups provide a fresh, light alternative to traditional wraps, making this dish both delicious and healthier.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American-Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg