Description
These Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delicious and quick Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a flavorful hoisin and soy sauce blend, combined with crunchy cashews and fresh green onions, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 – 2 teaspoons Sriracha hot sauce, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil or substitute canola oil
- 3/4 cup unsalted cashews
- 1 head green leafy lettuce (romaine, bib, or butter), leaves separated
- 5 green onions, chopped, divided
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the small pieces of chicken breast evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth, low-sodium soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Stir well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce mixture is smooth.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the sesame or canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook briefly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens, coating the chicken evenly. Add Sriracha hot sauce to taste depending on your preferred spice level. Mix in the unsalted cashews and most of the chopped green onions, reserving some for garnish.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken and cashew mixture into individual lettuce cups. Garnish each wrap with the remaining chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use green leafy lettuce like romaine, bibb, or butter lettuce for sturdy cups that hold the filling well.
- Adjust the Sriracha amount to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Can substitute cashews with chopped peanuts or almonds if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce alternatives.
- These wraps are best served fresh but can be stored separately and combined before eating to maintain crispiness.
