Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that combines the smoky flavors of grilled chicken, the sweet burst of tropical pineapple, and the crisp freshness of lettuce wraps. These Hawaiian-inspired lettuce wraps are not just a meal - they're an escape to a sun-soaked paradise right from your own kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer that will have your guests begging for the recipe, these lettuce wraps are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, and diced chicken breast. Marinate the chicken for 15 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Ensure grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade and drain excess liquid. Thread marinated chicken pieces and pineapple chunks onto metal skewers, alternating between chicken and fruit.
- Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, rotating every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have nice grill marks.
- While chicken is grilling, carefully separate and wash lettuce leaves. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Carefully slide grilled chicken and pineapple off skewers.
- Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Fill each leaf with grilled chicken and pineapple pieces.
- Garnish with finely chopped green onions. Serve immediately while chicken is warm and lettuce is crisp.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Even 15 minutes can infuse tremendous flavor, but for an extra punch, consider marinating the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Grill Temperature is Key: Maintain a medium-high heat (around 400°F) to get those beautiful grill marks and prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Lettuce Selection: Choose large, sturdy lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or romaine hearts that can hold the filling without falling apart.
- Pineapple Pro Tip: If possible, use fresh pineapple chunks for the most vibrant flavor. The natural sugars caramelize beautifully on the grill.
- Safe Handling: Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the chicken and marinade the night before, making dinner preparation a breeze.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh green onions add a sharp, fresh contrast to the rich grilled flavors - don't skip them!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
