Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

These Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a weeknight dinner miracle: juicy, flavor-packed chicken, crunchy toasted cashews, and a lip-smacking sauce all bundled into crisp lettuce leaves. It’s the perfect bite—zesty, fresh, and totally irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few simple ingredients to whip up Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps, but every element is carefully chosen to deliver a harmony of flavors and textures. Fresh chicken, zingy aromatics, and a balanced sauce all work their magic in every bite!

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into small pieces, this keeps the filling juicy and perfect for scooping into lettuce leaves.
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning right from the start.
• Low-sodium chicken broth or stock: Adds rich flavor to the sauce without making it too salty.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings savoriness and depth to the dish—always go for low-sodium since the hoisin and broth add salt, too.
• Freshly grated ginger: A little zingy kick that brightens up the sauce beautifully.
• Hoisin sauce: The secret weapon for that sweet-savory, restaurant-style flavor.
• Rice vinegar: For a subtle tang that keeps the dish light and fresh.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to the chicken and cashews.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for bold, aromatic punch.
• Sesame oil (or canola substitute): Adds a nutty note and helps sear the chicken.
• Sriracha hot sauce: Let’s you bring the heat to your liking—start small and taste as you go!
• Unsalted cashews: Crunchy, buttery, and the star texture of these lettuce wraps.
• Green leafy lettuce (romaine, bibb, or butter): Choose sturdy leaves with a nice crunch to hold all the delicious filling.
• Green onions: Chopped and divided for mixing in and finishing with a fresh, colorful garnish.

Variations

The beauty of Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps is how easy they are to customize. Feel free to swap in your favorite proteins, boost the veggie count, or adapt the flavors to suit your craving or dietary needs—these wraps are all about making it your own!

• Swap the Protein: Try diced turkey, ground chicken, or even tofu for a tasty twist on the classic chicken version.
• Add More Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or crunchy water chestnuts for extra color and crunch.
• Go Gluten-Free: Simply use tamari or coconut aminos in place of regular soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Make it Vegetarian: Sub in crispy tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian “oyster” sauce or extra hoisin as a swap.

How to Make Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. This delicious mixture will transform ordinary chicken into something magic—be sure the cornstarch dissolves completely for a silky, glossy sauce later!

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season your chopped chicken generously with salt and pepper, then heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and cook, flipping once, until it’s golden and cooked through—about 5 minutes. This step builds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Add Sauce

Add the minced garlic to the cooked chicken and toss for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low, pour in your prepared sauce, and stir gently. Watch as the sauce thickens and clings to every piece—it smells irresistible!

Step 4: Spice, Cashews & Green Onions

Squeeze in Sriracha, tasting as you go until you hit your desired spice level (start with a little, you can always add more). Stir in the cashews and most of the green onions, saving a handful for a bright garnish at the end. The cashews add their signature crunch and buttery richness right here.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

Arrange washed and dried lettuce leaves on a platter, spoon the warm cashew chicken mixture inside, and finish with your reserved green onions. Serve immediately, letting everyone scoop their own fresh, crisp Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps!

How to Serve Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

Finish Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps with a shower of sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even a touch more Sriracha for those who like heat. A few sprigs of cilantro or chopped fresh herbs add color and a zippy fresh flavor to every bite.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice, quick-pickled cucumbers, or a simple Asian slaw for a complete meal. These fresh, crunchy wraps pair perfectly with anything cool and crunchy to complement their warm, savory filling.

Creative Ways to Present

Lay out all the Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wrap fixings on a big platter so everyone can build their own—perfect for family dinners or a party appetizer spread. For cocktail parties, arrange mini lettuce cups on a tray with toothpicks for easy serving and a fun, hands-on vibe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the chicken cashew mixture separately from the lettuce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce crisp by wrapping it gently in paper towels or sealing it in a salad spinner—assemble fresh for the best texture.

Freezing

The chicken filling of your Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to one month—just keep the lettuce and fresh garnishes separate for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and cashew filling in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up; serve in fresh, cold lettuce cups for crunch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s easy, healthy, and absolutely bursting with flavor and texture, these Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps truly deliver. Gather your loved ones around the table and watch how quickly these vibrant, crunchy wraps disappear—don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!

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