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Crispy Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps

crispy sesame chicken lettuce wraps - featured image

A fresh, lighter way to enjoy crispy chicken with a burst of sesame flavor, wrapped in cool, crunchy lettuce leaves. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
  • Vegetable oil or avocado oil, for frying
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or sriracha
  • 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated, washed and dried
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
  • ½ cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Place flour or cornstarch in a shallow bowl. Beat the egg in another bowl. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then dredge in flour until fully coated. Set aside.
  3. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
  4. Heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When oil shimmers, add chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Fry 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining chicken.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust taste as needed.
  6. Place fried chicken back in skillet over low heat. Pour sauce over and toss gently to coat evenly. Heat 1-2 minutes until warm and glossy.
  7. Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Place shredded carrot, cabbage, green onions, and cilantro nearby for assembly.
  8. Spoon chicken onto lettuce leaves. Top with carrot, cabbage, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Squeeze lime juice over wraps.
  9. Serve immediately for best crispiness and freshness.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute flour with cornstarch or almond flour. To keep chicken crispy longer, serve sauce on the side. Maintain oil temperature between 350°F–375°F for best frying results. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Toast sesame seeds carefully to avoid burning. Baking or air frying are healthier alternatives but will alter texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, sesame chicken, lettuce wraps, quick dinner, healthy meal, Asian flavors, gluten-free option, easy recipe