Get ready to transform your home kitchen into a gourmet Asian-inspired dining experience with these irresistible Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps! Imagine crispy, golden chicken nestled in tender butter lettuce leaves, bursting with savory flavors that rival your favorite restaurant - and the best part? You can make these show-stopping wraps in just 35 minutes! Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick, impressive meal, these lettuce wraps are about to become your new culinary obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cashews, chopped
- 1 cup water chestnuts, diced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 head of butter lettuce, leaves separated
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into small, uniform 1/2-inch cubes. Ensure water chestnuts and cashews are chopped and ready.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to become hot but not smoking.
- Add diced chicken to the hot pan, spreading pieces evenly. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Add chopped water chestnuts to the chicken, stirring to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm through.
- Pour in soy sauce and hoisin sauce, stirring to coat the chicken and water chestnuts completely. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Reduce heat to low and fold in chopped cashews, mixing gently to distribute evenly throughout the chicken mixture.
- Carefully separate butter lettuce leaves, washing and patting dry with paper towels to ensure crisp, clean wraps.
- Transfer chicken mixture to a serving bowl and garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to spoon chicken mixture into individual lettuce leaves and create their own wraps.
Tips
- Cut chicken into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Use a high-heat cooking method like a wok or non-stick skillet to achieve that perfect golden-brown chicken exterior.
- Toast cashews lightly before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
- Choose fresh, crisp butter lettuce leaves for the best wrap texture and presentation.
- Prep all ingredients before cooking to make the process smooth and quick.
- Don't overcook the chicken - aim for golden brown and fully cooked but still juicy.
- Serve immediately after cooking to maintain the ideal temperature and lettuce crispness.
- For extra heat, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.
- Customize the recipe by adding minced garlic or ginger for additional depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
