Every time I make these Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps, I’m transported back to a summer evening spent with friends at a lively Yard House restaurant. After one particularly memorable visit, I was inspired to recreate this dish at home with a twist.
Adding a splash of hoisin sauce and a handful of crushed peanuts for extra crunch and flavor, these wraps became more than just a meal; they’re a cherished memory on a plate.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe stands out due to its vibrant mix of fresh, crunchy textures and the bold, savory flavors of chicken and sauces. The personal touch of sweet hoisin and spicy sriracha makes these Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps uniquely satisfying and refreshingly different.
Equipment List:
- Skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients List:
- Ground chicken — 1 lb
- Head of iceberg lettuce, leaves separated — 1
- Red bell pepper, finely diced — 1
- Carrot, julienned — 1
- Green onions, thinly sliced — 4
- Garlic cloves, minced — 2
- Ginger, minced — 1 tablespoon
- Soy sauce, or tamari for gluten-free — 2 tablespoons
- Hoisin sauce — 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil — 1 teaspoon
- Rice vinegar — 1 tablespoon
- Sriracha — 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Crushed peanuts — ½ cup (optional)
- Fresh cilantro — for garnish
Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Step by Step Guide
Step 1:
Start by washing and drying all fresh produce. Mince the garlic and ginger, dice the bell pepper, julienne the carrot, and slice the green onions.
Step 2:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Step 3:
Once the chicken is cooked, add the garlic and ginger. Stir frequently to prevent burning and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Step 4:
Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat the chicken. Add sriracha if using, adjusting to your preferred spice level.
Step 5:
Add the red bell pepper and carrot to the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until just softened.
Step 6:
Spoon the chicken mixture into individual lettuce leaves. Garnish with green onions, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro.
Chef’s Tips
- Keep the lettuce leaves in the refrigerator until just before serving to ensure they remain crisp and refreshing for your Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
- Consider using ground turkey as a healthier alternative that equally absorbs the rich flavors of the sauces.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of sriracha sauce to suit your taste.
- Sauté the vegetables just enough to soften slightly, maintaining their crisp texture which adds a delightful contrast to your Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
- To prevent the wraps from becoming soggy, use a slotted spoon to place the chicken mixture into the lettuce cups, draining any excess liquid.
Sides & Pairings Suggestions
Finding the perfect accompaniment to these Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps can transform your meal into a feast. Here are some ideas to create a harmonious dining experience:
- A simple yet elegant side that absorbs the wrap’s flavors, perfect for any leftover sauce.
- Toss thin cucumber slices with rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt for a refreshing counterbalance to the rich wraps.
- Pair with homemade spring rolls filled with vermicelli noodles, shrimp, and fresh veggies for a complete meal.
- Complement the wraps with a creamy and sweet Thai iced tea, offering a soothing respite from any spice.
- Choose a light beer or a glass of sake to cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the flavors of the wraps.
Store & Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Consider repurposing the mixture by using it as a filling for spring rolls, or stir it into freshly cooked noodles for a quick and easy meal. This approach ensures nothing goes to waste.
Nutritional Breakdown
Each serving approximately contains:
- 200 calories
- 20 grams of protein
- 10 grams of carbohydrates
- 10 grams of fat
- including essential vitamins and minerals.
Encouragement to Share
I’d love to see how your Chicken Lettuce Wraps turn out! Feel free to share your creations on social media, tag #SantaRecipes, or leave a comment with your tweaks and experiences. Happy cooking!
Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Equipment
- Skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- Ground chicken 1 lb
- Head of iceberg lettuce, leaves separated 1
- Red bell pepper, finely diced 1
- Carrot, julienned 1
- Green onions, thinly sliced 4
- Garlic cloves, minced 2
- Ginger, minced 1 tablespoon
- Soy sauce, or tamari for gluten-free 2 tablespoons
- Hoisin sauce 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil 1 teaspoon
- Rice vinegar 1 tablespoon
- Sriracha optional 1 teaspoon
- Crushed peanuts optional ½ cup
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Start by washing and drying all fresh produce. Mince the garlic and ginger, dice the bell pepper, julienne the carrot, and slice the green onions.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the garlic and ginger. Stir frequently to prevent burning and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat the chicken. Add sriracha if using, adjusting to your preferred spice level.
- Add the red bell pepper and carrot to the pan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until just softened.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into individual lettuce leaves. Garnish with green onions, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Keep the lettuce leaves in the refrigerator until just before serving to ensure they remain crisp and refreshing for your Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
- Consider using ground turkey as a healthier alternative that equally absorbs the rich flavors of the sauces.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of sriracha sauce to suit your taste.
- Sauté the vegetables just enough to soften slightly, maintaining their crisp texture which adds a delightful contrast to your Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
- To prevent the wraps from becoming soggy, use a slotted spoon to place the chicken mixture into the lettuce cups, draining any excess liquid.
