Save It Tender grilled chicken marinated in savory-sweet Korean BBQ sauce, served in crisp lettuce cups with festive toppings for a vibrant holiday appetizer or light main.
The first time I made these wraps for my family, everyone loved building their own & choosing their favorite festive toppings. The colorful ingredients made it a cheerful centerpiece at our holiday table.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Marinade: 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized strips, 3 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed), 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tsp fresh ginger (grated), 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste), 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Lettuce Wraps & Toppings: 1 head butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce (leaves separated and washed), 1 small carrot (julienned), 1/2 red bell pepper (thinly sliced), 2 green onions (thinly sliced), 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds, 1/4 cup roasted peanuts or cashews (chopped, optional), 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Dipping Sauce (optional): 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or pinch of chili flakes
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, gochujang, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours in the fridge for more flavor).
- Grill the Chicken:
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and caramelized at the edges.
- Prepare Lettuce:
- While chicken cooks, prepare lettuce leaves and arrange on a platter.
- Prepare Toppings:
- Julienne carrot, slice bell pepper and green onions, chop peanuts/cashews, and have cilantro and pomegranate seeds ready.
- Mix Dipping Sauce (optional):
- Whisk together dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Assemble Wraps:
- Place a few pieces of chicken in each lettuce leaf. Top with carrots, bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, pomegranate seeds, chopped nuts, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Drizzle with dipping sauce if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Fold lettuce over fillings and enjoy immediately.
Save It Our family loves creating a holiday tradition with these lettuce wraps, letting everyone choose their own favorite toppings and dipping sauces at the table.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, grill pan or skillet, knife and cutting board, tongs, and a serving platter are all you need for easy holiday prep.
Allergen Information
Contains soy (soy sauce, gochujang), peanuts or cashews (if used), and sesame seeds. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens and use substitutions as needed.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, 13 g total fat, 23 g carbohydrates, and 29 g protein.
Save It Serve these wraps fresh for maximum crunch and flavor. They make a delicious, interactive centerpiece for any festive occasion.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What type of chicken is best for these wraps?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well as they stay juicy and absorb the marinade deeply.
- → Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours enhances the flavor significantly.
- → What alternatives can I use for the lettuce?
Butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce are ideal for wrapping; iceberg lettuce can be used for a crisper texture.
- → How spicy is the dish?
The level of heat can be adjusted by varying the amount of gochujang or chili flakes in the marinade and dipping sauce.
- → Are there good beverage pairings?
Light white wines like Riesling or refreshing sparkling water with lime complement the bright flavors nicely.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?
Yes, turkey or firm tofu are excellent alternatives that work well with the marinade and cooking method.