How to Make Chicken Lettuce Wraps That Taste Like Takeout

If you’ve ever ordered chicken lettuce wraps from your favorite Asian restaurant and thought, “I could eat this every day,” you’re not alone. These crunchy, savory, and fresh bites have become a go-to for anyone craving something satisfying yet light. Now, you can bring that same flavor home with this recipe that’s both crowd-pleasing and weeknight-friendly.

This dish combines tender stir-fried chicken, crispy cellophane noodles, and fresh lettuce cups for the perfect balance of texture and flavor all made with ingredients you can feel good about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 large egg white

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry

• 1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, diced

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

• 1/3 cup water

For the Noodles:

• 2 bundles cellophane noodles

• Peanut oil, for frying

For the Stir-Fry:

• 4 tablespoons peanut oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and minced

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

• 4 scallions (2 minced, 2 cut into 1-inch pieces)

• ½ pound shiitake mushrooms, diced

• ¾ cup diced water chestnuts

• ¼ teaspoon sugar

• Kosher salt to taste

• Small lettuce leaves (like Bibb or butter lettuce) for serving

• Soy sauce, chili paste, or hot mustard for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together the egg white, cornstarch, and rice wine. Add the diced chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the meat.

2. Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix water with oyster sauce, hoisin, soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil. Whisk in cornstarch until fully dissolved and set aside.

3. Fry the Noodles
Separate the cellophane noodles into smaller sections. In a saucepan, heat about ¾ inch of peanut oil to 380°F. Press batches of noodles into the hot oil with a spatula until they puff up (this takes only 5–10 seconds). Remove and drain on paper towels.

4. Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until nearly cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

5. Build the Flavor Base
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the same skillet. When hot, stir in garlic, ginger, jalapeño, and the minced scallions. Add a pinch of salt and the sugar, cooking for about 30 seconds.

6. Add the Veggies
Toss in mushrooms, water chestnuts, and the larger scallion pieces. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until tender.

7. Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the stir-fry sauce. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until everything is coated and the sauce thickens.

8. Serve
Place the crispy noodles on a platter and top with the chicken stir-fry. Serve alongside lettuce leaves and dipping sauces like soy, chili paste, or mustard. Let everyone build their own wrap for a fun, interactive meal.

Why This Dish Works

• Protein-Packed and Low-Carb: By using lettuce in place of tortillas or buns, each wrap is low in carbs while still offering a solid dose of lean protein.

• Quick Cooking Time: Once the prep is done, the entire dish comes together in under 15 minutes.

• Balanced Flavors and Textures: The crisp lettuce and noodles contrast beautifully with the umami-rich chicken stir-fry.

Fun fact: Lettuce is not just a low-calorie filler it’s also a source of vitamin K and antioxidants. When combined with mushrooms (which provide B vitamins and selenium) and lean chicken, this meal hits both the nutrition and flavor sweet spot.

According to the USDA, chicken breast provides over 25 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving, making it an ideal option for muscle maintenance and satiety. Meanwhile, water chestnuts add fiber and crunch without adding heavy calories.

Make It Your Own

Want to switch things up? Try these simple variations:

• Swap chicken for ground turkey or tofu for a different take.

• Add diced bell peppers for extra color and vitamin C.

• Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.

This flavorful dish reflects a love of fresh, healthy cooking that’s also grounded in cultural traditions. Israel is home to a vibrant culinary scene that celebrates fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and spice-rich flavor profiles values we believe bring people together around the table.

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