These chicken lettuce wrap bowls are a healthy, delicious twist on restaurant-style wraps. Ground chicken, cauliflower rice, and crunchy veggies come together in a bowl topped with creamy peanut sauce for a low-carb, protein-packed meal.
One night while making my Asian chicken lettuce wraps, I decided to switch things up. Instead of serving it as wraps, I turned the mixture into a bowl meal, adding cauliflower rice, romaine lettuce, and shredded carrots. And, of course, I couldn’t forget the best part—the peanut sauce! I drizzled it on top, and it was too good not to share!
Why You Gotta Try This One
This bowl version is perfect for those low-carb days when you’re craving something high-protein but don’t want to feel weighed down. Packed with lean ground chicken, cauliflower rice, and plenty of fresh veggies, it’s filling and satisfying while still being light.
Plus, it’s got all the savory flavor of the original lettuce wraps, but in a cozy, comforting bowl that makes it a great option for both dinner and meal prep. The best part? You can make a big batch and enjoy it all week long!
Ingredients Needed
- ground chicken – the main protein here! It’s seasoned with hoisin, ginger, garlic, and a splash of sesame oil for that classic lettuce wrap flavor.
- veggies – you’ll need onion, garlic, and freshly grated ginger for the chicken, plus romaine, carrots, and cauliflower rice to build the bowls. I used a bag of pre-shredded carrots and frozen cauliflower rice to keep things simple.
- water chestnuts – these add a little crunch and contrast to the warm, savory chicken. You can usually find them canned near the Asian section of the grocery store.
- green onions – tossed in at the end for a little extra flavor and freshness.
- sauces for the chicken – a mix of hoisin sauce, tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of Sriracha gives the chicken bold, savory depth.
- peanut sauce – a quick combo of peanut butter, tamari, maple syrup, garlic, and Sriracha. Add a splash of water to thin it to drizzle consistency — it’s creamy, sweet, salty, and slightly spicy.
Make It Your Own
These lettuce wrap bowls are super customizable, so feel free to mix things up based on what you’ve got on hand or what you’re in the mood for. Here are a few ideas:
- Swap the protein: Ground turkey, beef, or plant-based crumbles all work great. You could even go for crumbled tofu or lentils if you’re keeping it vegetarian.
- Change up the sauce: Not a fan of peanut butter? Almond butter or sunflower seed butter can give you a different flavor. Or skip the peanut sauce and go heavy on the Sriracha drizzle for a spicy kick.
- Use a different grain: No cauliflower rice? No worries! White or brown rice, quinoa, or even just skipping the grains altogether to keep it low-carb works great.
- Add some crunch or toppings: Crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of cilantro can really take this bowl to the next level.
How to Make Chicken Lettuce Wrap Bowls
Step 1: Whisk together hoisin sauce, tamari, rice vinegar, Sriracha, and sesame oil. Set aside.
Step 2: In a skillet, heat oil and cook onions until soft. Add garlic and ginger, then cook until fragrant.
Step 3: Add ground chicken and cook through, breaking it up. Stir in the sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and add water chestnuts and green onions.
Step 4: Make peanut sauce by whisking together the peanut butter, tamari, maple syrup, garlic, and Sriracha. Add water to adjust consistency.
Step 5: In the same skillet, sauté cauliflower rice until cooked through.
Step 6: Divide chopped lettuce, cauliflower rice, carrots, and chicken mixture into bowls. Drizzle with peanut sauce and enjoy!
Brittany’s Recipe Tips!
This recipe is quick and easy, but here are a few tips to make it even smoother:
- Use lean ground chicken: It cooks up quickly and stays tender in the sauce. Just be sure not to overcook it, or it might dry out.
- Break up the meat: As the chicken browns, use your spatula to break it into small crumbles so every bite is coated in that flavorful sauce.
- Don’t skip the fresh herbs: Chopped cilantro or green onions add a fresh pop that really balances the savory-sweet peanut sauce.
How to Store & Reheat
These bowls store really well! Keep the chicken mixture and cauliflower rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store the lettuce, herbs, and any crunchy toppings separately to keep them fresh and crisp. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, then assemble your bowl.
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