Tammie’s Famous Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Some recipes are just meant to be on repeat — and in our house, these chicken lettuce wraps are exactly that. Light, fresh, and just messy enough to make you smile, they’ve quickly earned a spot on my “don’t even bother putting the recipe card away” list.

I still remember the first time I made them — it was one of those weeknights where I wanted something quick, but not boring. I laid everything out on the counter (chicken, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and all those bottles of sauce we always have but don’t use enough), and before I knew it, the kitchen smelled like a little bistro.

Jayden wandered in asking, “What smells so good?” and by the time I had the wraps on the table, we were both hooked.

The beauty of these wraps is that they hit all the notes: savory, crunchy, tangy, and fresh.

And bonus — they can be served warm or at room temperature, which makes them perfect for entertaining, quick lunches, or a casual dinner on the patio.

What You’ll Need

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained & diced

• 3 oz shiitake mushrooms, diced

• 3 scallions, thinly sliced

• 1 head iceberg lettuce

• Shredded carrots (for garnish)

The Sauce (the real magic!)

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce

• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 shallot, diced

How to Make Them

1. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin, soy, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and shallot.

2. Cook the chicken: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground chicken and cook until browned and crumbled.

3. Add the crunch: Stir in the mushrooms and water chestnuts. Reduce heat to medium.

4. Bring it all together: Pour the sauce over the mixture, stir to coat, and let everything simmer for a few minutes so the flavors really soak in. Taste and adjust if needed.

5. Assemble & enjoy: Spoon the mixture into crisp lettuce leaves, top with scallions and carrots, and serve.

A Little Tip From My Kitchen

Don’t stress if your lettuce wraps get a little messy — that’s part of the charm! I like to set out extra lettuce leaves and let everyone build their own. It turns dinner into an experience, and there’s something about eating with your hands that just feels fun.

These wraps also keep beautifully. The filling can be stored in the fridge, ready to scoop into lettuce leaves for a quick lunch or snack the next day.

✨ Light, flavorful, and a little addictive — these chicken lettuce wraps are proof that simple ingredients can turn into something unforgettable.