Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps 52.png

Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

🍊 Bright orange‑citrus sauce adds a sweet‑tangy punch to lean chicken, making a refreshing low‑carb wrap.
🥬 Crisp lettuce cups keep the meal light and gluten‑free, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10‑12 lettuce cups (serves 4) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1 Tbsp orange zest

2 Tbsp soy sauce

2 Tbsp apple-cider vinegar

¼ cup brown sugar

1 tsp minced garlic

½ tsp ground ginger

½ tsp red-pepper flakes (adjust for heat)

2 Tbsp water

½ Tbsp cornstarch (mixed with a little water to slurry)

1 Tbsp cooking oil

1 lb ground chicken (or turkey or beef)

2 tsp minced garlic

1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) mandarin orange segments (drained or fresh cut-orange slices)

Chopped scallions (to taste)

Butter-or-olive-oil-tossed lettuce leaves (for serving)

Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1- Getting these wraps just right is all about following a few simple steps that anyone can master, even on a hectic day. I love how this recipe comes together quickly, reminding me of lazy weekends when I’d experiment in the kitchen with my kids. Start by preparing the sauce shake it in a jar and heat it until it simmers and thickens to coat the back of a spoon, which takes about 1 2 minutes. This gives you that glossy, tangy citrus glaze that’s the heart of the dish.

2- First, gather and prepare all your ingredients as listed earlier. Heat 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then add the ground chicken and cook it for 5 7 minutes until it’s fully done. Once that’s browning nicely, stir in 2 tsp of minced garlic to amp up the flavor. Next, drizzle in the prepared sauce and let it cook for another 1 2 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste the aroma will make your kitchen smell amazing!

3- After that, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly so it doesn’t wilt the lettuce. Spoon the hot filling into your butter-or-olive-oil-tossed lettuce leaves, then top with mandarin orange segments and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a fresh finish. The whole process takes just 20 minutes total, with 5 minutes prep and 15 minutes cooking, making it ideal for busy schedules. For ideas on pairing this with other salads, check out our guide to San Francisco chicken salad for a complementary side.

Notes

🍋 Add a splash of extra lime juice to the sauce for brighter acidity if desired.
🔥 Adjust heat by increasing or decreasing the red‑pepper flakes or adding a dash of sriracha.
🥗 For extra crunch, lightly toast the lettuce leaves in a dry pan for 30 seconds before serving.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stir‑fry and assemble
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Low‑carb, high‑protein

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 lettuce wraps
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg