Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fun and zesty meal! They combine juicy chicken with a sweet and spicy honey sauce, all wrapped in crunchy lettuce leaves. Yummy!
Making these is super easy! I love how you can just load up the lettuce, take a bite, and enjoy the tasty flavors. Perfect for dinner or a casual get-together with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs give great flavor, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. For a lighter option, replace chicken with tofu or firm tempeh for a vegetarian twist.
Honey: This is what gives the dish its sweet touch. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, agave syrup can work well as a substitute, though it’s not quite as thick.
Hot Sauce: Sriracha adds a kick! You can adjust the heat by using less or try sweet chili sauce for a milder flavor. If you like it spicier, go for a hotter variety, like habanero sauce.
Lettuce: Butter lettuce is soft and fresh. If you want more crunch, romaine works too! You can also use collard greens for a heartier wrap.
How Can I Cook Chicken So It’s Perfectly Tender?
Cooking chicken can be tricky! Here’s how to ensure it stays tender and juicy:
- Make sure to cut chicken into small, even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Heat the skillet until it’s nice and hot, then add the chicken without overcrowding. That way, it browns nicely!
- Keep the chicken moving in the pan; this prevents it from sticking and allows it to cook evenly.
After it’s cooked, let the chicken rest for a minute before adding the sauce. This keeps it tender!
Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as sriracha)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
For the Wraps:
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, leaves separated and washed
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced small
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Optional: lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a little while chopping and cooking the chicken, and before you know it, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined. This sweet and spicy mix will add great flavor to your chicken!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet, cooking it while stirring occasionally until it turns golden brown and is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Add the Sauce:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the honey-hot sauce mixture over it. Stir everything together to coat the chicken in the sauce. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, which will help thicken the sauce a bit.
4. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps:
Remove the skillet from the heat and get ready to build your wraps. Take a few spoonfuls of the hot honey chicken and place it in the center of a lettuce leaf. Top it off with some shredded carrots, diced cucumber, sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that extra burst of flavor!
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve these tasty hot honey chicken lettuce wraps right away, and if you’d like, add a lime wedge on the side for a zesty kick. Wrap it up and take a big bite—enjoy the sweet, spicy, and crunchy goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking! The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw. Pat dry before cooking to ensure a good sear.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover hot honey chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You might want to freshen up the sauce with a little extra honey or hot sauce!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Just ensure you press and drain the tofu well before cooking and cube it for best results. You can follow the same cooking instructions to achieve a delicious and satisfying vegetarian version.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! Avocado slices, jalapeños, or even chopped bell peppers make great additions. You can also experiment with different herbs like mint or basil for a unique twist!
