Zesty Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce Recipe

Crisp chicken quinoa lettuce wraps burst with unexpected flavor combinations that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, these wraps offer a delightful twist on traditional meals.

Nutty quinoa provides a hearty base for tender, seasoned chicken pieces.

Crunchy lettuce leaves cradle the savory filling, creating a perfect handheld experience.

Drizzled with rich peanut sauce, each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Zesty herbs and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add a final layer of complexity.

Ready to impress and satisfy?

Dive right in and create this restaurant-worthy dish at home.

Why Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps Are So Good

• Simplify Meal Prep: Break down complex cooking steps into manageable tasks, making this recipe approachable for home cooks of all skill levels with clear, straightforward instructions.
• Packed with Nutrition: Combine lean protein from chicken, complete protein from quinoa, and fresh vegetables, creating a balanced meal that delivers essential nutrients in every delicious bite.
• Customize Your Wrap: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding different vegetables to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• No-Fuss Entertaining: Perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners where guests can build their own wraps, making mealtime interactive and fun without complicated presentation.

Everything In Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein source that provides substantial nutrition and creates the primary filling for the wraps.
• Quinoa: A protein-rich ancient grain that offers complete protein and adds wholesome texture to the dish.

• Peanut Butter, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Honey, Sesame Oil: A harmonious blend that creates a complex, sweet and tangy peanut sauce with depth of flavor.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide robust and warming undertones to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy dimension to the overall taste profile.

• Butter Lettuce Leaves: Serves as a crisp, light wrapper that holds the filling and provides a fresh base.
• Green Onions, Red Bell Peppers: Contribute crunchy texture and bright colors to the final presentation.
• Cilantro, Roasted Peanuts: Offer additional herbal freshness and nutty crunch as final garnish.

How To Build Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Rinse and Cook Quinoa

Thoroughly wash quinoa under cold running water to remove any bitter coating. Transfer to a saucepan and cook according to package guidance until it becomes fluffy and tender, typically taking 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

Cut chicken breast into small, consistent cubes to ensure uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken cubes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which takes about 6-8 minutes.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Peanut Sauce

• Peanut butter
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Honey
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated fresh ginger
• Red pepper flakes

Whisk everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 5: Prepare Vegetable Garnishes

• Green onions
• Red bell peppers

Set aside for final assembly.

Step 6: Coat Chicken in Sauce

Pour half of the prepared peanut sauce over the cooked chicken, stirring to ensure even coverage and maximum flavor infusion.

Step 7: Prepare Lettuce Wraps

Gently separate butter lettuce leaves, creating delicate wrap vessels for the filling.

Step 8: Build Your Wraps

• Cooked quinoa
• Seasoned chicken mixture
• Diced red bell peppers
• Green onions

Step 9: Add Final Touches

Drizzle remaining peanut sauce over the wraps to enhance moisture and flavor.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

• Chopped cilantro
• Roasted peanuts

Serve immediately while ingredients are warm and lettuce leaves remain crisp.

Useful Tips For Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps

• Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: Washing removes bitter saponins and ensures a cleaner, more pleasant taste.
• Control Chicken Cooking Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken at 165°F without overcooking.
• Balance Peanut Sauce Flavors: Adjust honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes to create a personalized sweet, salty, and spicy profile.
• Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop vegetables and mix sauce beforehand to streamline cooking and reduce kitchen stress.
• Choose Lettuce Wisely: Select fresh, crisp butter lettuce leaves for the best texture and easy wrapping experience.

Creative Combos For Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps

• Spicy Korean Chicken Quinoa Wraps: Swap peanut sauce with gochujang-based sauce, adding kimchi and sesame seeds for authentic Korean flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Quinoa Wraps: Replace peanut sauce with tzatziki, incorporate feta cheese, diced cucumber, and fresh mint for a Greek-inspired version.
• Thai-Inspired Coconut Chicken Quinoa Wraps: Mix coconut milk into peanut sauce, add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and top with Thai basil for tropical notes.
• Vegetarian Tofu Quinoa Wraps: Substitute chicken with crispy marinated tofu, use vegetable broth for quinoa, and maintain the same peanut sauce and vegetable garnishes.

Tasty Sides For Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps

• Pairing Peanut Sauce Power: Complement the rich, nutty flavors of the peanut sauce with a crisp, light beer like a wheat ale or pilsner that cuts through the sauce's intensity.
• Tropical Beverage Boost: Match the wrap's Asian-inspired profile with a chilled lychee martini or a passionfruit mojito, which echoes the recipe's bright, zesty undertones.
• Refreshing Wine Selection: Select a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to balance the spicy-savory notes of the chicken and peanut sauce, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Herbal Tea Harmony: Brew a cool jasmine green tea to cleanse the palate and provide a delicate, aromatic counterpoint to the robust wrap ingredients.

Store And Reheat Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps

• Store assembled lettuce wraps in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping sauce and filling separate to prevent soggy lettuce.
• Keep cooked quinoa, chicken, and peanut sauce in individual sealed containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum.
• Pack seasoned chicken and quinoa in freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 1 month; thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Transfer remaining peanut sauce to a glass jar with tight lid, refrigerate for 5-7 days, stirring before each use to restore consistency.

Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps FAQ Time

• Is quinoa a good protein source?

Quinoa is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, offering about 8 grams of protein per cup, making it an excellent plant-based protein option for vegetarians and health-conscious individuals.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with ground turkey, lean beef, or tofu for a vegetarian version. Ensure the protein is cooked thoroughly and seasoned similarly for best results.

• How do I prevent my lettuce wraps from falling apart?

Choose large, sturdy butter lettuce leaves and avoid overfilling. Fold the bottom of the lettuce leaf up first, then fold in the sides before rolling to create a secure wrap that holds ingredients together.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps With Peanut Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 41-43 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken quinoa lettuce wraps with peanut sauce blend Asian-inspired flavors into a light, refreshing meal. Crisp lettuce leaves cradle spiced quinoa and tender chicken, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb chicken breast
• 1 cup quinoa

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 head butter lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 2 cloves garlic

Peanut Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger (fresh, grated)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Garnish:

• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts

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Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water, then combine with water in a saucepan and cook according to package instructions, typically 15-20 minutes until fluffy and tender.
2. While quinoa cooks, dice chicken breast into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and quick heat absorption.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken cubes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 6-8 minutes.
4. Mince garlic and grate fresh ginger, preparing them for the flavor-building process.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Finely chop green onions and red bell peppers, setting aside for assembly.
7. Once chicken is cooked, pour half the peanut sauce over the meat, stirring to coat evenly and enhance flavor penetration.
8. Carefully separate butter lettuce leaves, creating perfect wrap vessels.
9. Layer cooked quinoa into lettuce leaves, followed by seasoned chicken mixture.
10. Top with diced red bell peppers and green onions for added crunch and freshness.
11. Drizzle remaining peanut sauce over the wraps for extra moisture and flavor.
12. Garnish with chopped cilantro and roasted peanuts to provide textural contrast and additional depth.
13. Serve immediately while ingredients are warm and lettuce leaves are crisp.

Notes

• Thoroughly rinse quinoa to remove bitter saponin coating, ensuring a cleaner, lighter taste in the final dish.
• Cut chicken into uniform small cubes for even cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections that could compromise food safety.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches precisely 165°F, guaranteeing perfect doneness without overcooking.
• Adjust peanut sauce spiciness by modifying red pepper flakes quantity, making the recipe adaptable to different heat preferences.
• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains protein-rich nutritional profile.
• Gluten-sensitive individuals can replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to create a gluten-free alternative.
• Prepare components ahead of time for quick assembly during busy weeknights, storing sauces and cooked proteins separately in refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 26-28 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg