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Crispy Asian Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps

crispy asian sesame chicken lettuce wraps - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy chicken coated in a nutty sesame sauce, served in fresh butter lettuce leaves for a light and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into small bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying (canola or peanut oil preferred)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili flakes or sriracha (optional)
  • 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves, washed and separated
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: shredded carrots or thinly sliced cucumber

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a medium bowl. Let sit for at least 10 minutes.
  2. Whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili flakes (if using) in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Place cornstarch in a shallow dish. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, then toss chicken pieces in cornstarch until fully coated.
  4. Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
  5. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels or wire rack.
  6. Return fried chicken to skillet over low heat. Pour sauce over chicken and toss quickly to coat evenly without making it soggy.
  7. Spoon sauced chicken into individual lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and optional shredded carrots or cucumber.
  8. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm crispy chicken and cool fresh lettuce.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating to ensure crispiness. Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt chicken. Fry in batches to keep oil temperature steady. Toss chicken with sauce off heat or on low to prevent sogginess. Use butter or Boston lettuce for best wrapping results. Baking is possible but yields less crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, sesame chicken, lettuce wraps, Asian recipe, healthy chicken wraps, quick dinner, gluten-free option