Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps (15 Minutes, High-Protein)

aka Derek’s Power Lunch Secret Weapon

When I started meal prepping seriously, I needed something that would keep me energized through those brutal afternoon meetings without making me feel sluggish. These lettuce wraps became my secret weapon—packed with protein, full of flavor, and light enough that I don’t crash afterward. The best part? I can make a huge batch on Sunday and eat them all week. My coworkers are always asking what smells so amazing when I heat up the chicken mixture in the office microwave.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken (93/7 lean)
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup water chestnuts, diced (for crunch)
• 3 tablespoons coconut aminos
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 green onions, sliced thin
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated and washed
• Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat and cook base: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softening.
2. Add aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced bell pepper and cook 2 minutes more.
3. Brown the chicken: Add ground chicken, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through and starting to brown.
4. Add crunch and sauce: Stir in diced water chestnuts, coconut aminos, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sriracha, and salt. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Finish and garnish: Remove from heat and stir in green onions and cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more sriracha for heat or coconut aminos for umami.
6. Serve immediately: Spoon chicken mixture into individual lettuce cups. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve with extra sriracha on the side.

Tips

• Make sure chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) before adding sauce ingredients
• Choose butter lettuce for the perfect cup shape—iceberg works too but isn’t as flavorful
• Store cooked chicken mixture separately from lettuce leaves to prevent sogginess
• This scales up beautifully—double or triple the recipe for meal prep