Name: Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded; 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced; 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1/2 lime); 1 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce (tamari); 1 tsp honey; 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1/4 tsp fine sea salt; 1/8 tsp ground black pepper; 1 head butter lettuce (about 12 large leaves), leaves separated and rinsed; Optional: 2 tbsp chopped roasted cashews for crunch

Short Description

Lean ground chicken is quickly stir-fried with shiitake mushrooms, scallions, and ripe mango, then tucked into cool butter-lettuce cups for a fresh, light, 30-minute meal that balances protein, produce, and tropical flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast week-night friendly: 25 minutes from start to finish.
Balanced nutrition: High in protein yet naturally gluten-free and low-carb.
Minimal cookware: One skillet or wok keeps cleanup easy.
Crowd-pleasing flavours: Juicy mango contrasts savoury chicken and earthy mushrooms.
Adaptable: Easily swap proteins or add heat to match personal taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground chicken (thigh meat preferred)
2 tsp soy sauce (use a gluten-free brand if needed)
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp neutral cooking oil (peanut or canola)
2 green onions, chopped
4 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced
2 tsp seasoned rice vinegar
½ tsp toasted sesame oil
1 large mango, diced
1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated

Directions

Season the chicken: In a bowl, combine ground chicken, soy sauce, and cornstarch; set aside.
Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Add green onions and sliced shiitakes; cook 1 minute.
Stir-fry protein: Increase heat to high, add the chicken mixture, breaking it up and cooking 5–7 minutes until no pink remains.
Finish the filling: Stir in rice vinegar, sesame oil, and diced mango. Remove from heat and adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble: Spoon the warm filling into lettuce cups. Serve immediately, adding chilli sauce or fresh coriander if desired.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Protein swap: Ground turkey, pork, or firm tofu work equally well; adjust cook time as required.
Heat lovers: Sauté a minced Thai chilli with the onions or drizzle with sriracha just before serving.
Fruit twist: Replace mango with pineapple, peach, or mandarin segments for seasonal variety.
Carb-boosted: Add 1 cup cooked jasmine rice or quinoa to the skillet for a heartier wrap.
Nutty crunch: Top with toasted cashews or peanuts for texture and healthy fats.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store filling separately from washed lettuce in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezing: The chicken mixture freezes well for 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Warm filling gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave 60–90 seconds, stirring once. Assemble wraps just before eating to keep lettuce crisp.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover roasted chicken instead of ground?

Yes—shred 2 cups cooked chicken, skip the cornstarch step, and warm it with the seasonings and mango.

2. What lettuce variety holds up best?

Butter (Boston) lettuce offers the ideal cup shape and tenderness, but romaine hearts or little-gem leaves are sturdy alternatives.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and the dish remains entirely gluten-free.

4. How ripe should the mango be?

Choose a mango that yields slightly to gentle pressure; over-ripe fruit becomes mushy during stirring.

5. Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes—cook the filling up to 24 hours ahead and reheat before serving; add fresh herbs or lime juice to revive brightness.

6. What side dishes pair well?

Steamed edamame, cucumber salad, or chilled rice-vinegar slaw complement the light wraps without overpowering them.

7. How do I add extra vegetables?

Fold in finely diced bell pepper or shredded carrot with the mushrooms for more colour and nutrients.

8. Could I make this vegan?

Substitute firm crumbled tofu or plant-based ground “meat,” replace soy sauce with tamari, and proceed identically.

9. What can replace cornstarch?

Potato starch or rice starch provides the same moisture-locking effect in equal measure.

10. Are leftovers good served cold?

The chilled filling tastes pleasant, making it suitable for packed lunches; just keep lettuce separate until eating.

Conclusion

Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps deliver vibrant flavour, balanced nutrition, and week-night speed in every bite. Their adaptability—whether you tweak the protein, dial up the spice, or batch-prep the filling—makes them a dependable addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Enjoy the satisfying contrast of juicy mango, savoury chicken, and crisp lettuce whenever you crave a meal that feels both light and indulgent.

Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps