These Chicken and Shrimp Lettuce Wraps are a fun and fresh meal! Juicy chicken and tender shrimp come together with crunchy veggies, all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves. Yum!
Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, these wraps are easy to make and super tasty. I love dipping mine in a zesty sauce—makes everything even better! Who knew healthy could be this delicious? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This gives your wraps a nice texture and protein. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey could work well too. Vegetarian? Try crumbled tofu or tempeh for an awesome meat-free alternative.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp is a great substitution! Just make sure to thaw and peel them beforehand. If shellfish isn’t for you, omit it entirely or use diced mushrooms for a hearty bite.
Water Chestnuts: These add a delightful crunch! If you can’t find them, diced bell peppers or jicama can provide a similar texture without missing out on that crisp element.
Green Onions: These are packed with flavor. If you don’t have them, chives or shallots can work in a pinch. They won’t be as strong, but they’ll still add a nice note to your dish.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Cooked Chicken and Shrimp?
Cooking your chicken and shrimp to perfection can make a big difference in your wraps. Here are some tips to ensure they are juicy and flavorful:
- Start with a hot skillet to get the chicken browning quickly. This adds flavor!
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; this allows even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Cook chicken until it’s no longer pink (about 4-5 minutes) before adding shrimp, as shrimp cooks faster.
- Monitor the shrimp closely—when they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
Following these tips will help ensure your wraps are delicious every time! Enjoy your cooking experience!
How to Make Chicken + Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup water chestnuts, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 head Bibb or Butter lettuce (or iceberg lettuce), leaves separated and rinsed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for preparation and about 10 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll spend around 25 minutes to create these delightful wraps—perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to cook the chicken thoroughly but not smoking.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the 1/2 pound of ground chicken to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it’s mostly cooked through, which should take about 4-5 minutes. You want it nice and brown!
3. Add the Shrimp:
Now it’s time to add the 1/2 pound of chopped shrimp. Cook them until they turn pink and are fully cooked, which will take about 3 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they cook quickly!
4. Add Aromatics:
Stir in the 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Let them cook for about 1 minute until they become fragrant—this will fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma!
5. Mix in Veggies:
Next, add your chopped water chestnuts, sliced green onions, and cilantro. Stir everything together until well mixed. The colors and flavors are starting to come together!
6. Season It Up:
Pour in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, along with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. If you like some heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
7. Let It Cook:
Allow everything to cook together for another 2 minutes so the flavors can meld. Taste it and season with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Assemble the Wraps:
Remove the skillet from heat. Now, take your washed lettuce leaves and spoon the delicious mixture into each leaf, creating your wraps!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the wraps immediately while they’re warm, and feel free to add some extra soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Dive in and enjoy your fresh, savory Chicken + Shrimp Lettuce Wraps!
Can I Use Other Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground chicken with turkey or beef for a different flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of meat, and skip the shrimp entirely.
What Can I Use Instead of Water Chestnuts?
If you don’t have water chestnuts, diced bell peppers or jicama can be excellent alternatives to maintain that crunchy texture. Just make sure to chop them finely!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The lettuce leaves should be kept separate to avoid wilting. To eat again, simply reheat the filling and assemble your wraps fresh!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the mixture before spooning it into the lettuce leaves. It saves time and makes meal prep super easy!
