(Ready in 20 Minutes)

Introduction

Are you looking for a light yet flavorful chicken dish that you can make in under 20

minutes? These Sweet and Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps might be just what you need.

They combine tender chicken with a savory-sweet sauce that has a hint of heat, all served

in fresh lettuce leaves. This meal feels crisp, light, and still satisfies cravings for bold

flavors.

These wraps are perfect for families, busy individuals, or even a quick lunch break. If you

have young helpers in the kitchen, they can assist by tearing lettuce leaves or measuring

sauce ingredients. By the end, you will have a healthy, delicious meal you can eat with your

hands—making it fun for kids and adults alike!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

1. Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights.

2. Healthy & Fresh: Lettuce leaves replace bread, giving you a lower-carb,

veggie-packed option.

3. Sweet & Spicy: The sauce blends honey (or sugar) with a bit of chili sauce,

providing a nice balance for different tastes.

4. Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one skillet, so you do not have to wash

multiple pans.

5. Customizable: Add more spice, swap proteins, or include extra veggies to suit your

tastes.

Ingredients

Below is what you need for about 4 servings. Feel free to adjust the amounts if you want

more or fewer portions.For the Chicken Filling

● 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into small pieces

● 1 tablespoon oil (olive, vegetable, or canola)

● ½ teaspoon salt

● ½ teaspoon black pepper

● 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)

● 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)

● 2 tablespoons honey (or 2 tablespoons brown sugar)

● 1 tablespoon chili sauce (such as sriracha; adjust for spice level)

● 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)

● ½ cup chopped onions (optional, for extra flavor)

For Serving

● 1 head of lettuce (butter lettuce or romaine works well)

● Chopped green onions (optional garnish)

● Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

● Extra hot sauce (if you like more heat)

Tip: Butter lettuce and romaine lettuce are great for wraps because they are sturdy yet

flexible. Iceberg lettuce can also work, but it might be a bit crunchier.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add Chicken Pieces: Carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Sprinkle with ½

teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder (if you areusing fresh garlic, wait to add it in the next step).

3. Sear for 3–4 Minutes: Stir occasionally, letting the chicken cook until the outside

starts to look lightly golden. The chicken does not have to be fully cooked inside yet.

Tip: If you are adding chopped onions, you can toss them in with the chicken for extra flavor.

Step 2: Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2

tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar.

Stir well.

2. Add to Chicken: Pour this mixture into the skillet with the chicken. If you are using

fresh garlic, add it now.

3. Simmer & Thicken: Reduce the heat to medium. Stir the sauce so it coats each

piece of chicken. Let it bubble gently for about 3–4 minutes, or until the chicken is

cooked through (no pink in the center) and the sauce thickens slightly.

Tip: If your sauce looks too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth. If it seems too thin,

let it simmer a bit longer uncovered.

Step 3: Prep the Lettuce Wraps

1. Rinse Lettuce: While the chicken is cooking, separate and rinse lettuce leaves. Pat

them dry with a paper towel.

2. Arrange on a Plate: Place a few lettuce leaves on each plate or set them in the

center of the table for family-style serving.

Tip: You can trim off thick stems or veins if they make the lettuce hard to fold.

Step 4: Fill & Garnish

1. Spoon Chicken onto Lettuce: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has

reached your preferred thickness, turn off the heat. Spoon a bit of the sweet and

spicy chicken mixture onto each lettuce leaf.2. Add Toppings: Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if you like. If

you want extra heat, drizzle more hot sauce on top.

Tip: Let the chicken cool for a minute or two before scooping it into the lettuce

leaves—especially if you have young children helping.

Serving Suggestions

● Rice or Noodles: Serve the lettuce wraps alongside plain rice or noodles for a more

filling meal.

● Extra Veggies: Include shredded carrots, sliced cucumber slices, or thinly sliced bell

peppers inside your wraps for added crunch.

● Sides: Pair with a simple salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables to round out

the meal.

● Sauce on the Side: Keep extra chili sauce or soy sauce on the table for people who

like stronger flavors.

Meal Prep & Storage

1. Leftovers: Store the chicken filling separately in a covered container in the

refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep leftover lettuce leaves in a separate bag or

container to maintain crispness.

2. Reheating: Warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of

water if the sauce has thickened too much.

3. Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw in

the fridge overnight and reheat slowly.

Tip: When reheating, taste and adjust seasonings. Add a bit of soy sauce or honey if the

flavor has faded over time.

Variations & Substitutions● Protein Swap: Use ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

● Milder Version: Replace the chili sauce with a mild sweet chili sauce, or simply use

less hot sauce.

● Tangier Sauce: Add a bit more rice vinegar or even lime juice for extra zing.

● Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and be mindful of added salt.

● Gluten-Free: Choose a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Common Questions

Q: Can I use a different cut of chicken?

A: Yes, thighs tend to be juicier, while breasts are leaner. Either works well, but adjust

cooking time as needed.

Q: How do I make it spicier?

A: Increase the chili sauce or add chili flakes. For a stronger kick, mix in some diced fresh

jalapeños or a drop of your favorite hot sauce.

Q: Do I have to use honey?

A: You can substitute brown sugar or a sweetener of your choice. Just keep in mind that

liquid sweeteners mix more smoothly with the sauce.

Q: Can I assemble the wraps ahead of time?

A: It is better to store the filling and lettuce separately, then assemble just before eating.

This keeps the lettuce crisp.

Q: Can kids help with this recipe?

A: Absolutely. Kids can help wash the lettuce, measure sauce ingredients, or sprinkle

toppings. Just make sure an adult handles the stove.

Conclusion

These Sweet and Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps offer a light, fresh, and flavorful meal

that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. The sweet and tangy sauce nicely balances the

gentle heat of chili sauce, and the crisp lettuce provides a satisfying crunch. Perfect for all

ages, this recipe lets you keep things mild or turn up the spice to suit different tastes.

Whether you enjoy them as a quick lunch, a fun dinner, or part of a party spread, these

wraps are easy to adapt and even easier to love. Feel free to add extra vegetables, swap indifferent proteins, or experiment with toppings. No matter how you serve them, these lettuce

wraps are likely to become a new favorite in your regular meal rotation.