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Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

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Lettuce wraps are a culinary treasure—refreshing, light, and incredibly versatile. This recipe for Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce takes the concept to new heights. It’s a meal that’s both wholesome and flavorful, perfect for those looking for a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Packed with tender chicken, protein-rich quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, irresistible peanut sauce, these wraps are a sure crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or simply preparing a fun, interactive meal for your family, this dish will have everyone raving. The best part? They’re easy to make and customize to suit your preferences.

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Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce

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🍴✨ Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce are your new favorite handheld treat! 🥬🥜 Crispy lettuce filled with tender chicken, fluffy quinoa, and drizzled with a rich, nutty sauce – these wraps are as satisfying as they are healthy. Perfect for lunches, dinners, or anytime cravings! 😋

#HealthyWraps 🥗 #PeanutSauce 🥜 #ChickenLovers 🍗 #QuinoaGoodness 🌾 #LowCarbEats ❤️ #FreshAndLight 🌟 #MealPrepGoals 🧑‍🍳 #QuickAndHealthy ⏱️ #WrapItUp 🌯 #BurstOfFlavor 😍

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Grilled or sautéed for a juicy, protein-packed filling.
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and aids in cooking the chicken to perfection.
  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami flavor that complements the other ingredients.
  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed: Infuses the marinade with a pungent aroma and deep flavor.
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1/4 tsp dried ginger powder): Adds warmth and a slight spiciness to the dish.
  • 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil: A nutty finish that elevates the marinade.

For the Wraps

  • 2 heads of Boston, Bibb, or Butter Lettuce: Soft yet sturdy leaves that serve as the perfect vessel for the filling.
  • 2 1/2 cups cooked quinoa: A hearty grain that keeps you full longer while adding a nutty taste.
  • 1 medium or 3 small cucumbers, thinly sliced: Offers a refreshing crunch and mild flavor.
  • 1 large or 2 medium carrots, sliced into matchsticks: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
  • 1/4 bunch of fresh cilantro: Brightens up the dish with its distinct, citrusy flavor.

For the Peanut Dipping Sauce

  • 3/4 cup Newman’s Own Low Fat Sesame Ginger dressing: The base of the sauce, packed with zesty, gingery goodness.
  • 2 Tbsp creamy peanut butter: Adds richness and a nutty flavor to the sauce.
  • 1/3 cup chopped peanuts (optional): A crunchy topping that enhances the sauce’s texture.

Instructions

Preparing the Teriyaki Chicken

  1. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, pressed garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a medium bowl, pour the marinade over, and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat while you prepare the vegetables.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken along with some of the marinade. Sauté until caramelized and browned on both sides, ensuring the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, cover the skillet with a lid to speed up the cooking process.
  4. Rest and slice: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices. Slice the chicken into thin strips on the diagonal.

Cooking the Quinoa

  1. Rinse the quinoa: Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh colander and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes its natural bitterness.
  2. Cook the quinoa: Combine 3/4 cup of dry quinoa with 1 1/2 cups of filtered water in a pot or rice cooker. Cook until tender and fluffy. In a rice cooker, use the white rice setting; it should take about 20 minutes.
  3. Cool the quinoa: Transfer the cooked quinoa to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature before assembling the wraps.

Making the Peanut Sauce

  1. Combine ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the sesame ginger dressing and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. If the peanut butter is cold, microwave it for 30 seconds beforehand to soften.
  2. Optional topping: Stir in chopped peanuts or sprinkle them on top for added texture.

Assembling the Wraps

  1. Prepare the platter: Arrange the lettuce leaves, sliced cucumbers, carrots, and cilantro sprigs on a large serving platter.
  2. Add the fillings: Place bowls of sliced chicken, cooked quinoa, and peanut sauce alongside the vegetables.
  3. Build the wraps: To assemble, take a lettuce leaf, add a heaping tablespoon of quinoa, a strip or two of chicken, a few cucumber and carrot slices, and a sprig of cilantro. Drizzle generously with peanut sauce.

Notes

  • Choose the right lettuce: Opt for varieties with sturdy, cup-like leaves, such as Boston, Bibb, or Butter Lettuce. These hold the fillings well without tearing.
  • Prep in advance: Cook the quinoa and chicken ahead of time, and store them in separate containers. This makes assembly quick and stress-free.
  • Adjust the sauce: If you prefer a thicker peanut sauce, add more peanut butter. For a thinner consistency, mix in a splash of water or more dressing.
  • Make it kid-friendly: For picky eaters, serve the wraps with ranch dressing instead of peanut sauce.
  • Go gluten-free: Substitute the soy sauce with tamari and use a gluten-free sesame ginger dressing.
  • Author: Paula Susan
  • Prep Time: 50 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

The Allure of Lettuce Wraps

What makes lettuce wraps so appealing is their balance of textures and flavors. The crunch of fresh lettuce paired with savory, juicy chicken, nutty quinoa, and a tangy, creamy peanut sauce creates an unforgettable bite. Not only are they incredibly satisfying, but they also encourage a communal dining experience, as everyone assembles their own wraps at the table. This adds an element of fun and creativity to the meal, making it perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Chicken

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Grilled or sautéed for a juicy, protein-packed filling.
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and aids in cooking the chicken to perfection.
  • 3 Tbsp soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami flavor that complements the other ingredients.
  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed: Infuses the marinade with a pungent aroma and deep flavor.
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1/4 tsp dried ginger powder): Adds warmth and a slight spiciness to the dish.
  • 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil: A nutty finish that elevates the marinade.

For the Wraps

  • 2 heads of Boston, Bibb, or Butter Lettuce: Soft yet sturdy leaves that serve as the perfect vessel for the filling.
  • 2 1/2 cups cooked quinoa: A hearty grain that keeps you full longer while adding a nutty taste.
  • 1 medium or 3 small cucumbers, thinly sliced: Offers a refreshing crunch and mild flavor.
  • 1 large or 2 medium carrots, sliced into matchsticks: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color.
  • 1/4 bunch of fresh cilantro: Brightens up the dish with its distinct, citrusy flavor.

For the Peanut Dipping Sauce

  • 3/4 cup Newman’s Own Low Fat Sesame Ginger dressing: The base of the sauce, packed with zesty, gingery goodness.
  • 2 Tbsp creamy peanut butter: Adds richness and a nutty flavor to the sauce.
  • 1/3 cup chopped peanuts (optional): A crunchy topping that enhances the sauce’s texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Teriyaki Chicken

  1. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, pressed garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a medium bowl, pour the marinade over, and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat while you prepare the vegetables.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken along with some of the marinade. Sauté until caramelized and browned on both sides, ensuring the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, cover the skillet with a lid to speed up the cooking process.
  4. Rest and slice: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices. Slice the chicken into thin strips on the diagonal.

Cooking the Quinoa

  1. Rinse the quinoa: Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh colander and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes its natural bitterness.
  2. Cook the quinoa: Combine 3/4 cup of dry quinoa with 1 1/2 cups of filtered water in a pot or rice cooker. Cook until tender and fluffy. In a rice cooker, use the white rice setting; it should take about 20 minutes.
  3. Cool the quinoa: Transfer the cooked quinoa to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature before assembling the wraps.

Making the Peanut Sauce

  1. Combine ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the sesame ginger dressing and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. If the peanut butter is cold, microwave it for 30 seconds beforehand to soften.
  2. Optional topping: Stir in chopped peanuts or sprinkle them on top for added texture.

Assembling the Wraps

  1. Prepare the platter: Arrange the lettuce leaves, sliced cucumbers, carrots, and cilantro sprigs on a large serving platter.
  2. Add the fillings: Place bowls of sliced chicken, cooked quinoa, and peanut sauce alongside the vegetables.
  3. Build the wraps: To assemble, take a lettuce leaf, add a heaping tablespoon of quinoa, a strip or two of chicken, a few cucumber and carrot slices, and a sprig of cilantro. Drizzle generously with peanut sauce.

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

These lettuce wraps are a medley of vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. The chicken is juicy and savory, with hints of garlic and ginger adding depth. The quinoa is nutty and slightly chewy, providing a hearty base for the fresh, crisp vegetables. The peanut sauce ties everything together with its creamy, tangy richness. Each bite is an explosion of contrasting textures—the crunch of lettuce and cucumbers, the softness of quinoa, and the smoothness of the sauce. The aromas of sesame oil, garlic, and ginger are enticing, making it impossible to resist diving in.

Tips for Success

  1. Choose the right lettuce: Opt for varieties with sturdy, cup-like leaves, such as Boston, Bibb, or Butter Lettuce. These hold the fillings well without tearing.
  2. Prep in advance: Cook the quinoa and chicken ahead of time, and store them in separate containers. This makes assembly quick and stress-free.
  3. Adjust the sauce: If you prefer a thicker peanut sauce, add more peanut butter. For a thinner consistency, mix in a splash of water or more dressing.
  4. Make it kid-friendly: For picky eaters, serve the wraps with ranch dressing instead of peanut sauce.
  5. Go gluten-free: Substitute the soy sauce with tamari and use a gluten-free sesame ginger dressing.

Variations and Substitutions

  1. Protein swaps: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, sliced beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
  2. Add more veggies: Include sliced bell peppers, radishes, or avocado for additional flavors and nutrients.
  3. Spice it up: Mix a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes into the peanut sauce for a spicy kick.
  4. Change the grains: Use brown rice, couscous, or cauliflower rice instead of quinoa.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these wraps as a main dish alongside a light soup, such as miso or chicken broth, to round out the meal. Pair them with a crisp white wine or iced green tea for a refreshing beverage. For dessert, a simple fruit salad or sorbet complements the light and fresh theme of the dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. From the vibrant colors and enticing aromas to the satisfying textures and bold flavors, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s nutritious, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, the interactive nature of assembling your own wraps makes dining fun and engaging. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe repertoire!

Conclusion

Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce are the ultimate fusion of health, flavor, and fun. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a vibrant dish for entertaining, or a family-friendly meal that everyone can customize, this recipe delivers. The tender chicken, protein-packed quinoa, crunchy vegetables, and creamy peanut sauce combine for a perfect balance of taste and texture.

Simple to prepare and endlessly versatile, these wraps are a testament to how wholesome eating can be delicious and satisfying. Try them out, and watch them become a regular feature on your table—every bite is a delightful reminder of how enjoyable healthy eating can be! 🥬✨

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