Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fun and tasty meal! Juicy chicken is mixed with a sweet and spicy honey sauce, all wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves. Yum!
These wraps are perfect for a casual dinner or a snack. I love how crunchy and fresh the lettuce feels against the warm chicken. You might want to have extra sauce on hand—it’s that good! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture and flavor. If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts work well too! For a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
Flour or Cornstarch: Both options are good for coating the chicken. I lean towards cornstarch for a crispier finish, but all-purpose flour is just as fine. If you’re gluten-free, go ahead and use a gluten-free flour blend or more cornstarch.
Honey: The star of the show! Make sure to use pure honey for the best taste. If you want a substitute, agave syrup or maple syrup could work. However, it may alter the flavor slightly.
Hot Sauce: Adjust this based on your heat tolerance. I love using sriracha for its flavor and spice! If you want a milder wrap, try a dash of mild chili sauce or leave it out altogether.
Lettuce: Butter lettuce is my favorite for these wraps because of its soft leaves. Romaine works as a sturdier alternative, but make sure the leaves are large enough to hold the filling!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture is key! The first step is to ensure your chicken is evenly coated in flour or cornstarch. This gives it a nice crunch when fried.
- Heat the oil to the right temperature. If it’s too cold, the chicken will absorb oil and become soggy.
- Fry the chicken in batches. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature and prevents even cooking.
- Drain fried chicken on paper towels. This removes excess oil and keeps the chicken crisp.
Following these tips will help ensure your chicken is crunchy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for coating)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 3-4 green onions, thinly sliced
- Lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine works best)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, and the cooking will take around 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and either flour or cornstarch in a bowl. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. This will help give it a crispy texture when you fry it!
2. Fry the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches. Fry them until they are golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
3. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This is your hot honey sauce that will bring all the flavors together!
4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the hot honey sauce over the chicken and toss everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Prepare the Lettuce Wraps:
Arrange the lettuce leaves on a serving platter. In each leaf, add a small amount of shredded cabbage and shredded carrots as a fresh base for the chicken.
6. Assemble the Wraps:
Spoon the hot honey chicken over the veggies in each lettuce leaf. You can be generous here—it’s all about that delicious flavor!
7. Top with Fresh Ingredients:
Add diced cucumber and sprinkle on the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for crunch and flavor. It looks beautiful and adds that fresh touch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the wraps immediately while they’re warm and crunchy. Enjoy your fresh, spicy, and sweet Hot Honey Chicken Lettuce Wraps!
Can I Use Different Proteins for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is the star here, you can easily substitute it with shrimp or tofu for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp cooks very quickly, and tofu should be pressed and cubed for best results!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the hot honey chicken separate from the lettuce and veggies to prevent them from wilting. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, and assemble fresh lettuce wraps when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the hot honey sauce a day in advance. Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge and give it a good stir before using it to coat the chicken.
What Are Some Good Garnishes for These Wraps?
Besides sesame seeds and green onions, you can add thin slices of radish or a squeeze of lime for extra freshness. Chopped cilantro can also enhance the flavor if you enjoy its taste!