Zesty Pulled Chicken Lettuce Cups

Welcome to a culinary journey that transforms a classic restaurant favorite into an even more delightful and wholesome experience right in your kitchen. Introducing our Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps, a vibrant dish that marries a robustly flavored Asian filling with the refreshing crunch of crisp Boston Bibb lettuce. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a smart choice for those seeking a low-carb, healthy, and incredibly flavorful option. Forget the greasy takeout and embrace a homemade version that’s lighter, fresher, and packed with irresistible taste – making it a superior alternative to traditional restaurant offerings.

The concept of Asian Lettuce Wraps captured the world’s palate when P.F. Chang’s popularized them on their menu. While undeniably delicious, their ground chicken version can often be heavy and a bit on the greasy side. Our innovative take utilizes tender, shredded chicken, resulting in a wrap that’s significantly less oily, bursting with authentic Asian flavors, and remarkably easy to prepare. This recipe empowers you to enjoy all the crave-worthy taste of your favorite Asian chicken lettuce wraps, with the added benefits of homemade freshness and nutritional control.

Why Our Readers Rave About This Recipe

There’s nothing more satisfying than hearing from happy cooks who’ve discovered a new favorite. Here’s what Jeff had to say on November 21, 2017: “It’s been a while since someone posted here, but today I found this recipe and we freaking loved it. We had about a pound of boiled chicken meat after having made chicken broth in preparation for making Thanksgiving gravy. What could we do with the boiled chicken? We were blown away by how great this recipe is. Thank you for posting this. Great. Just great.” Jeff’s unsolicited testimonial perfectly encapsulates the magic of this dish: it’s not only incredibly delicious but also a brilliant solution for repurposing leftovers into something extraordinary.

Top Reasons to Make These Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps

If you’re looking for a meal that ticks all the boxes – healthy, easy, and bursting with flavor – then these Easy Asian Lettuce Wraps are a must-try. Here’s why they should be on your regular meal rotation:

• A Healthier & Flavorful Feast: These wraps are inherently low in carbohydrates and calories, making them an excellent choice for a balanced diet. By using crisp lettuce as a vehicle for the intensely flavored chicken, you eliminate the need for calorie-dense buns, tortillas, or bread. You get all the robust, spicy Asian taste without any of the guilt.
• Superior Texture with Shredded Chicken: Unlike many restaurant versions that use ground chicken, our recipe calls for shredded chicken. This seemingly small change makes a big difference. Shredded chicken offers a more substantial, satisfying texture and absorbs the sauce beautifully, leading to a fresher, less greasy, and ultimately better-tasting wrap. It feels more like a gourmet experience than a quick bite.
• Perfect for Meal Prep & Leftovers: This recipe shines as an ingenious way to utilize leftover roast chicken, grilled chicken, or even boiled chicken (as Jeff discovered!). It transforms simple remnants into an exciting new meal, reducing food waste and making weeknight dinners incredibly efficient. You can cook your chicken ahead of time or even use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for an ultimate shortcut.
• Quick & Effortless Preparation: In just minutes, you can whip up a batch of these flavorful wraps. With minimal cooking time for the filling, they are ideal for busy evenings or impromptu gatherings. The simplicity of assembly means you can have a wholesome, gourmet-style meal on the table faster than ordering takeout.

Even for skeptics, these healthy lettuce wraps are a pleasant surprise. I remember when my family, Bill and Nick, initially raised their eyebrows at the idea of lettuce wraps for dinner. I offered tortillas as a fallback, but on a warm summer evening, the cool, crisp lettuce shells filled with the vibrant, flavorful shredded chicken won them over completely. This dish proves that healthy eating can be utterly delicious and satisfying.

Essential Ingredients for Your Asian Lettuce Wraps

Crafting the perfect Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wrap starts with a careful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered, authentic Asian flavor profile that makes this dish so irresistible.

• Kitchen Staples:
  • Olive Oil: The base for sautéing your aromatics, providing a healthy fat foundation.
  • Onion: Finely chopped, it adds a foundational sweetness and aromatic depth to the filling.
  • Garlic: Minced, fresh garlic is non-negotiable for that pungent, savory kick characteristic of Asian cuisine.
• Celery: Diced celery adds a wonderful textural crunch and a subtle earthy note that complements the other vegetables.
• Red Bell Pepper: Not only does a diced red bell pepper bring a touch of vibrant color, but it also contributes a sweet, mild flavor and a satisfying crispness to the filling.
• Fresh Ginger: Minced or grated fresh ginger is absolutely essential. Its zesty, spicy, and aromatic notes elevate the entire dish, providing that signature Asian warmth. Do not substitute with dried ginger powder.
• Low-sodium Soy Sauce: This is a cornerstone of the sauce. Using a low-sodium version gives you more control over the overall saltiness. If you opt for regular soy sauce, start with a smaller amount and taste before adding more to avoid an overly salty outcome.
• Oyster Sauce: A thick, rich, and savory sauce that provides a deep umami flavor and a slight sweetness. Look for it in the Asian foods aisle of your grocery store. It’s key to the authentic taste.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: A touch of rice wine vinegar adds a bright, tangy acidity that balances the richness of the other sauces, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Sriracha: This popular hot sauce, made from red jalapeño peppers, offers a moderate level of spice. Adjust the amount to your preference – from a mild hint of heat to a fiery kick.
• Cooked and Shredded Chicken Breast: The star protein of our wraps. You’ll need about one pound. Ensure it’s fully cooked before shredding. This is a fantastic opportunity to use up leftover roast, grilled, or boiled chicken.
• Sesame Oil: Added at the very end, a dash of sesame oil imparts a distinct nutty aroma and flavor that ties all the Asian ingredients together beautifully. Its potent flavor means a little goes a long way.
• Green Onions (Scallions): Thinly sliced, these provide a fresh, pungent garnish and a mild onion flavor that brightens the wraps.
• Bibb, Butter, or Iceberg Lettuce: The foundation of your wraps! The key is to choose a variety that forms natural “cups” and offers a good crunch. We particularly love butter lettuce for its pliable leaves and perfect cup shape. Romaine lettuce can also work if you select the larger, inner leaves.
• Cilantro (Optional): Fresh cilantro, chopped or as whole leaves, makes an excellent garnish, adding a burst of herbaceous freshness that perfectly complements the Asian flavors.

Our Homemade Take on P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps

P.F. Chang’s undeniably put Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps on the map for many, including my family. I vividly recall the excitement when Bill and I first stopped for lunch at a new P.F. Chang’s in town. Bill isn’t usually one for exotic cuisines, often shying away from things like curries or even some classic Asian fare. However, their menu is expertly crafted to appeal to a broad American palate, and even he thoroughly enjoyed their Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

While the restaurant’s version, typically made with ground chicken and a considerable amount of oil, remains a popular choice, our homemade shredded chicken recipe offers a delightful and healthier alternative. I’ve experimented with copycat recipes in the past, even before starting this blog, and they were tasty. But for this recipe, I set out to create something even more aligned with my preferences: a lighter, fresher wrap featuring tender shredded chicken and my own meticulously crafted “designer sauce.”

The result is a Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wrap that is exceptionally flavorful, with a cleaner taste and less grease than P.F. Chang’s. By opting for shredded chicken, you get a more satisfying texture and allow the vibrant Asian flavors of the sauce to truly shine. This version is not just a knock-off; it’s an elevated culinary experience that proves healthy can be incredibly delicious.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Making delicious lettuce wraps at home is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. Follow these easy steps to create your own flavorful Asian-inspired meal:

1. Prepare Your Protein: Begin by selecting and preparing your protein. While ground meat (chicken, pork, or beef) is a common choice, this recipe shines with shredded chicken. If you’re using raw chicken breasts, you can boil, bake, or pan-fry them until fully cooked, then shred them using two forks or a stand mixer. This is an ideal way to use up leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken for maximum convenience. For a meatless option, firm tofu, pressed and crumbled or diced, works wonderfully.
2. Establish Your Flavor Profile: The beauty of lettuce wraps lies in their versatility. For this recipe, we’re drawing inspiration from classic Asian flavors. This involves a harmonious blend of aromatics like garlic and fresh ginger, combined with savory sauces such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sriracha for heat. You could, however, easily adapt this concept to other cuisines like Tex-Mex, Cajun, or Italian by simply swapping out the seasoning and sauce ingredients.
3. PRO-Tip for Maximum Flavor: Remember that lettuce itself offers a subtle, refreshing taste, but it’s largely neutral. Therefore, the filling must be exceptionally flavorful to carry the entire dish. Don’t shy away from bold seasonings and a well-balanced sauce; this is where the magic happens!
4. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables until they become tender-crisp, typically about 5-7 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and fresh ginger. Continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes until they are fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Combine with Sauce and Chicken: Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sriracha into the pan. Stir well to combine these ingredients, creating your rich Asian sauce base. Then, add the cooked, shredded chicken to the pan. Toss everything together, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated in the flavorful sauce. If you were using ground chicken or beef, you would cook the raw ground meat with the aromatics and vegetables until browned, then drain any excess fat before adding the sauces.
6. Heat and Finish the Filling: Continue to cook the chicken mixture over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce. Just before removing from the heat, stir in the sesame oil. This adds a beautiful nutty aroma that completes the Asian profile.
7. Final Seasoning and Garnish: Stir in the sliced green onions. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding salt to taste. The green onions provide a fresh, mild bite and vibrant color.
8. Prepare and Serve Your Lettuce Cups: Carefully peel individual leaves from your chosen lettuce head (Bibb, Butter, or Iceberg work best for forming cups). Rinse and gently pat them dry. Arrange the crisp lettuce cups attractively on a serving platter. Spoon generous portions of the warm, flavorful chicken filling into each lettuce cup.
9. Garnish and Enjoy: For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish the wraps with fresh cilantro leaves or additional chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade, healthy, and incredibly tasty Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps!

Chef’s Notes for the Perfect Wrap:

• Quick Chicken Prep: For the ultimate shortcut, grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat and it’s ready to go into your filling, saving you valuable cooking time.
• Customizable Heat: The amount of sriracha is completely flexible. If you love spice, add more; if you prefer a milder flavor, use less or omit it entirely.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sautéing vegetables, work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming, which can make them soggy.
• Lettuce Selection Matters: While Bibb and Butter lettuce are ideal for their cup-like shape and tender texture, don’t hesitate to use large outer leaves of Romaine or Iceberg if that’s what you have on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lettuce Wraps

More Asian-Inspired Dishes You’ll Love:

If you enjoyed these Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of our delicious Asian-inspired recipes that promise flavor, freshness, and ease:

• Vibrant Asian Cabbage Slaw
• Savory Korean Flank Steak
• Easy Slow-Cooker Asian Pork Tacos
• Flavorful Grilled Thai Chicken
• Quick Asian Beef with Peppers
• Tender Slow-Cooked Asian Baby Back Ribs
• Discover even more Main Dish Recipes for any occasion.
• And don’t forget to treat yourself to a sweet finish: our Classic No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies are incredibly simple and always a crowd-pleaser!

Shredded Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

A fresh and healthy twist on P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps, featuring tender shredded chicken. Ideal for a light dinner or a fantastic appetizer.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 stalk of celery, diced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce*
• ¼ cup oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to your taste)
• 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• Salt to taste
• 2-3 green onions, sliced
• Bibb, butter, or iceberg lettuce, rinsed and dried
• Cilantro, optional for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced celery, and bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger, sautéing for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sriracha to the pan. Stir to combine with the vegetables. Then, add the cooked, shredded chicken. Mix thoroughly to coat all of the chicken with the sauce.
3. Continue to cook the chicken mixture until it is heated through, approximately 3-5 minutes. Then, stir in the sesame oil, giving the dish its characteristic nutty aroma.
4. Stir in the sliced green onions. Taste the filling and adjust seasoning, adding salt if needed.
5. Arrange individual lettuce leaves on a platter and fill each cup with the warm chicken mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

*If using regular soy sauce, begin with less than one tablespoon and add more incrementally, tasting as you go, to prevent the filling from becoming too salty.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

To make this recipe a breeze, a sharp chef’s knife or a serrated knife like a Wüsthof Wave Knife for finely dicing vegetables, a good quality nonstick skillet (Scanpan skillets are excellent for even cooking), and a sturdy cutting board (such as an OXO Cutting Board) will be invaluable.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving:

Yield: 4 servings

Serving Size: 1 wrap

• Calories: 303
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 104mg
• Sodium: 958mg
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 37g