Easy & Healthy Honey Sriracha Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A 30-Minute Dinner Sensation (Weight Watchers Friendly!)
Craving a meal that’s both flavorful and fast? These **Honey Sriracha Chicken Lettuce Wraps** deliver the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, offering a healthy, quick (ready in just 30 minutes!), and incredibly kid-friendly dinner solution. Whether you’re starting with fresh chicken breast or transforming delicious leftover chicken, this recipe is a weeknight lifesaver!
This vibrant and spicy chicken lettuce wrap recipe is fantastic any time of the year, but it truly shines during busy seasons like back-to-school or hectic weeknights when you need a nutritious meal on the table in a flash. Beyond its speed and flavor, this recipe is a family favorite in my house, renowned for its delicious taste and its Weight Watchers friendliness, clocking in at only 4 WW points on the blue plan. It’s a testament to how satisfying healthy eating can be!
🍒Reader Review
“I have made these twice now exactly as the recipe states and my family loves them!!!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’re a fan of combining tender chicken, crisp lettuce, and delicate vermicelli noodles, you’ll also adore my Thai Chicken Noodle Salad! It offers a similar fresh and flavorful experience.
🥘Ingredient Notes & Tips for Perfect Wraps
Crafting these irresistible honey sriracha chicken lettuce wraps requires just a few simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each:
- Skinless and Boneless Chicken Breasts: We recommend using fresh chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen chicken, be sure to defrost it completely in advance to ensure even cooking. You can cube the chicken for quick cooking, or shred it if you’re using pre-cooked or leftover chicken.
- Shredded Carrots: Carrots add a lovely sweetness and crunch. You can grate them yourself to your preferred size – larger shreds offer more bite, while finer shreds blend seamlessly into the chicken mixture. (See our Recipe Tips section for a time-saving method!)
- Honey: This is the crucial sweet counterpoint to the sriracha’s heat. Liquid honey is ideal for easy mixing and even distribution in the sauce. It creates that signature sticky glaze.
- Sriracha Hot Sauce: The star of the show for that delightful kick! Not all sriracha sauces are created equal, so feel free to use your favorite brand. We personally prefer Huy Fong Foods Sriracha for its consistent flavor and heat (affiliate link). Adjust the amount to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Vermicelli Noodles: These thin, delicate noodles provide a wonderful texture and make the wraps more substantial. Their fine nature pairs perfectly with the crisp lettuce and tender chicken. They are also a key component in our Thai Chicken Noodle Salad.
- Lettuce Leaves: The vessel for our delicious filling! We typically use green leaf lettuce for its pliable leaves and mild flavor. Its slightly cupped shape makes it easy to hold the filling without breaking. For smaller, appetizer-style wraps, consider butter lettuce or bibb lettuce.
- Other Core Ingredients: Don’t forget olive oil for sautéing, fresh garlic for aromatic depth, and soy sauce (preferably low sodium) for savory umami. Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
*Refer to the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and precise quantities to achieve the best results.
📋Endless Possibilities: Variations & Substitutions
One of the best things about these Honey Sriracha Chicken Lettuce Wraps is how incredibly adaptable they are! Feel free to customize them to suit your taste, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand:
- Alternative Hot Sauces: While sriracha is classic, you can experiment with other sauces. A sweet Thai chili sauce will offer a milder heat with more sweetness, while chili garlic sauce will provide a deeper, garlicky spice.
- Chicken Choices: The versatility of chicken makes this recipe a breeze. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, tenderloins, or even ground chicken for a different texture. This recipe is also fantastic for repurposing cooked or leftover chicken, including rotisserie chicken – simply shred or cube it and reduce the cooking time needed to heat it through.
- Noodle Alternatives: If vermicelli isn’t available, don’t fret! Angel hair pasta, thin egg noodles, or even ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet) can be used as substitutes. Just cook them according to their package directions.
- Lettuce Varieties: While green leaf lettuce is a great choice, explore other options! Iceberg lettuce offers a super crisp crunch, bibb lettuce or butter lettuce forms natural “cups” for a more elegant presentation, and even robust head lettuce can work. Smaller lettuce leaves are perfect for creating mini “lettuce cups” for appetizers.
- Adjusting the Spice Level: The amount of sriracha you add directly controls the heat. If you love extra spice, simply add more! For a milder version, start with less and add a touch of extra honey to balance the flavors.
- Onion Options: If you don’t have green onions, thinly sliced red onions can offer a more pungent and vibrant alternative, adding a distinct sharpness to the wraps.
- Carrot Preparations: Freshly grated carrots are excellent, and as mentioned in our tips, you can grate a large batch and freeze them for convenience. Pre-packaged matchstick carrots are also a fantastic shortcut for busy days.
- Cooking Oils: Olive oil is a great base, but you can certainly swap it. Sesame oil will add an extra layer of nutty, Asian-inspired flavor, while canola oil or other neutral oils work just as well.
- Sweetener Alternatives: If honey isn’t an option, agave nectar can be used (use half the amount as it’s sweeter), or maple syrup (use the same amount as honey) for a different kind of natural sweetness.
- Exciting Add-ins: To boost the flavor and texture even further, consider adding chopped water chestnuts for extra crunch, or diced red bell pepper for color and a subtle sweetness. Fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also make wonderful garnishes.
🔪How to Make Delicious Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Sear the Chicken & Sauté Veggies. Begin by heating a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then introduce the cubed chicken, shredded carrots, and diced green onions. Sauté until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through, and the vegetables begin to soften.
- Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, sriracha hot sauce, and honey until well combined. This creates the signature sweet and spicy glaze for your chicken.
- Step 3: Simmer & Infuse Flavors. Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the chicken is thoroughly cooked through.
- Step 4: Cook the Vermicelli Noodles. While the chicken simmers, cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package directions. These delicate noodles cook very quickly. Once done, drain them thoroughly and set aside.
- Step 5: Thicken the Sauce. For a luscious, wrap-ready consistency, whisk 1 teaspoon of cornstarch into the simmering chicken mixture. Cover the pan again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
- Step 6: Combine Noodles and Filling. Add the drained vermicelli noodles directly into the skillet with the thickened chicken and sauce. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the noodles are fully coated in the delicious honey sriracha mixture.
- Step 7: Assemble and Serve. Carefully spoon the warm honey sriracha chicken and noodle filling onto fresh, washed, and thoroughly dried lettuce leaves. Serve immediately for the best contrast of warm filling and crisp lettuce. Garnish with sesame seeds or fresh cilantro if desired!
Top Recipe Tips for Success
Achieve perfectly delicious and healthy Honey Sriracha Chicken Lettuce Wraps every time with these expert tips:
- Always Check Chicken Doneness: Food safety is paramount. Ensure your chicken reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) to be safely cooked. The very best way to verify this is by using an instant-read thermometer (affiliate link). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken.
- Effortless Carrot Shredding: Save time and effort by shredding carrots in bulk! We love using a food processor (affiliate link). If you have a 13+ cup model, you can shred a 2 lb bag of carrots in one go without needing to empty the bowl. Freeze these shredded carrots in 2-cup portions for future recipes. This way, you always have them on hand for quick additions to stir-fries, soups, or these wraps!
- Double the Recipe, Double the Delight: Because these sriracha chicken lettuce wraps are such a hit, we often double the recipe! When using pre-shredded frozen carrots, simply defrost them in the microwave, drain any excess moisture, and add them directly to your skillet. This makes meal prep a breeze and ensures you have extra for lunches or another family dinner. The remaining frozen carrots can be used for other delicious recipes like our Healthy Carrot Bread, Award-Winning Creamy Carrot Soup, or Healthy Carrot Muffins with Pineapple.
- Transform into a Salad: For an even lighter, more economical meal, or to further reduce Weight Watchers points, transform this recipe into a satisfying salad! Simply serve the spicy chicken mixture over a larger bed of lettuce in a bowl, adding more fresh greens as desired. This stretches the chicken mixture further and makes for a filling, low-carb meal.
- Ensure Crisp Lettuce: Before assembling, make sure your lettuce leaves are thoroughly washed and completely dried. Excess moisture can make the wraps slippery and harder to handle. A salad spinner works wonders for this!
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting, avoid overfilling your lettuce leaves. This ensures the wraps are easy to eat and less likely to fall apart, providing a perfect bite every time.
🥗Delicious Pairings: What Side Dishes Go Best?
While these Spicy Sriracha Chicken Lettuce Wraps are incredibly satisfying as a standalone meal, pairing them with a thoughtful side dish can elevate your dining experience. The fresh, zesty flavors of the wraps complement a variety of lighter options:
We often serve these wraps with our 0-point Weight Watchers cloud bread, as pictured, which offers a light and airy texture without adding many calories. Another excellent accompaniment is Easy Cucumber Kimchi. Its tangy, slightly spicy, and refreshing crunch provides a fantastic contrast to the sweet and spicy chicken, cleansing the palate beautifully between bites.
Other great side dish ideas include a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, steamed edamame, or a small bowl of brown rice if you’re looking for extra carbohydrates. Fresh fruit like pineapple or mango can also offer a sweet, tropical counterpoint to the heat of the sriracha. The key is to choose sides that enhance, rather than overwhelm, the vibrant flavors of the wraps.
🌡️Storage & Meal Prep Made Easy
Preparing these delicious Honey Sriracha Chicken Lettuce Wraps can also be great for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers:
- Refrigeration: The cooked chicken mixture, complete with its flavorful sauce, can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. For optimal freshness and texture, always keep the cooked vermicelli noodles and fresh lettuce leaves in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This is crucial because if the noodles are stored with the sauce for more than 24 hours, they will absorb the liquid and swell up, potentially becoming mushy.
- Freezing: This chicken noodle mixture freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and noodles shortly after cooking, before the noodles have had a chance to absorb too much of the sauce and expand. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It’s important to note: Do NOT freeze the lettuce, as it will lose its crispness upon thawing and become unappetizing. Always use fresh lettuce for serving.
By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure your wraps taste as fresh and delicious as when you first made them, even days later!
👪 Serving Size & Customization
This versatile Honey Sriracha Chicken Lettuce Wrap recipe is designed to serve 10. However, its flexibility means you can easily adjust the yield to fit your needs. You can effortlessly cut this recipe in half for a smaller crowd or a quick weeknight meal for two, or even double or triple it for entertaining a larger gathering or for extensive meal prepping. Simply use the handy serving size adjuster on the recipe card below; click on the serving size, select your desired number of servings, and all ingredient amounts will automatically adjust accordingly, taking the guesswork out of scaling the recipe!
🔢Weight Watchers Friendly: Enjoy Guilt-Free!
One of the fantastic benefits of this Honey Sriracha Chicken recipe is its Weight Watchers friendliness. Each serving comes in at only 4 WW points, making it an excellent choice for those managing their intake without sacrificing flavor. To further reduce the WW points, consider these adjustments:
- Sweetener Swap: Substitute honey with agave nectar. Agave is sweeter than honey, so you’ll only need to use half the amount, effectively lowering the sugar and point count.
- Increase Greens: Transform your wrap into a salad by adding more lettuce. Serving the chicken mixture over a larger bed of fresh greens helps stretch the meal, adds volume and fiber, and naturally reduces the points per serving.
- Adjust Noodles: While delicious, noodles contribute to the point count. You can reduce the amount of vermicelli noodles used per serving, or even omit them entirely for a super low-carb option, replacing them with extra shredded vegetables or just more chicken.
These simple modifications allow you to enjoy this flavorful dish while staying perfectly on track with your Weight Watchers goals!
❔Recipe FAQ’s
The key to sturdy wraps lies in two things: choose robust lettuce leaves like green leaf, bibb, or butter lettuce, and ensure you don’t overfill them. Additionally, always make sure your lettuce is completely dry after washing, as any moisture can make the leaves slippery and cause them to tear or collapse easily when filled.
Absolutely! To significantly reduce the spice level, simply decrease the amount of Sriracha hot sauce you add to the mixture. You can even substitute it with a milder sweet chili sauce for a gentler kick. For an additional balance, consider adding a little extra honey, as its sweetness helps to temper the heat.
They make fantastic appetizers! For a bite-sized presentation perfect for parties or gatherings, opt for smaller, cupped lettuce leaves such as bibb or butter lettuce. This allows guests to easily pick them up and enjoy them in one or two bites.
Yes, these wraps are excellent for meal preparation! You can cook the chicken mixture and the vermicelli noodles ahead of time. Store the chicken filling and the cooked noodles in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the filling, prepare fresh lettuce leaves, and assemble your wraps for a quick and fresh meal.
So, whether you’re seeking delicious spicy chicken lettuce wraps, creative chicken breast recipes, ways to utilize leftover chicken, or simply craving an easy yet healthy dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen!
📋More Weight Watchers Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
- Baked Chicken Cacciatore
- Slow Cooker Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
- Healthy Butter Chicken Recipe
- Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken – Healthy & WW friendly
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📋 Spicy Sriracha Chicken Lettuce Wrap Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon of olive oil
- 4 boneless chicken breasts or leftover chicken skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup of shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, chopped diced
- ⅓ cup of honey
- 3 cloves of garlic minced (can substitute prepared minced or pureed garlic from jar)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce I use low sodium
- 2-3 tablespoons of Sriracha chili sauce add more or less to taste
- 2 cups cooked vermicelli noodles
- 10 lettuce leaves I use green leaf lettuce but you can use bib lettuce, even head lettuce, whatever you prefer
Garnish
- sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, and add the olive oil and cubed chicken. Add the carrots and green onions to the chicken.
- Whisk garlic, soy sauce, sriracha sauce and honey together in a small bowl. Then add to pan and combine.
- Cover with lid and simmer for 15 – 20 minutes or until carrots are softened and chicken is cooked through
- Meanwhile cook vermicelli noodles according to package directions. When done, drain and set aside.
- Whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Cover the pan and cook for about 5 minutes longer or until desired thickness is reached.
- Add noodles to sauce and combine.
- Spoon onto washed and dried lettuce leaves. Serve immediately
Notes
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- Cook chicken to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) . Temperature is the very best way to check for doneness. I use this instant read thermometer- (affiliate link)
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- I shred a lot of carrots at once in myfood processor (affiliate link). If you have a 13+ cup food processor, you can shred a 2 lb bag of carrots at one time without emptying the bowl. Then I freeze them in 2-cup bags.
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- When I make these sriracha chicken lettuce wraps I always double the recipe (because my family loves it that much). I just defrost the carrots in the microwave, drain them and throw them in! I use the rest of the frozen shredded carrots for my Healthy Carrot Bread, Award-Winning Creamy Carrot Soup, and Healthy Carrot Muffins with Pineapple.
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- Make it a salad! When I want to stretch the spicy chicken mixture further, I make it into a salad. It’s more economical.
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- Hot Sauce– you can use a sweet Thai chili sauce or Chili garlic sauce to change it up!
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- Chicken – you can use chicken breast, chicken thighs, chicken tenders, ground chicken, or leftover chicken
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- Noodles –you can use vermicelli, angel hair, egg noodles, or ramen noodles – whatever you have on hand!
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- Lettuce – I use green leaf lettuce but you can use iceberg lettuce, bibb lettuce, even head lettuce, butter lettuce or whatever kind of lettuce you prefer (using a smaller variety of lettuce with smaller leaves will result in something more like a lettuce cup)
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- Spicy – if you like spicier – add more sriracha! The spiciness of this dish is dictated by the spiciness of the sriracha (how much you add).
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- Onions – you can substitute red onions for the green onions
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- Carrots – you can grate them (use fresh or frozen – see Top Tip) or use matchstick carrots
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- Oil– you could use sesame oil, canola oil, or another type of oil besides olive oil
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- Sweetener -if you don’t have honey, you can substitute agave (use half the amount) or maple syrup (use the same amount)
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- Add-ins – add water chestnuts or red bell pepper
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- The chicken can be stored with the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Keep the noodles and lettuce stored in separate containers in the fridge. * You can store the noodles for a short time in the sauce, but after 24 hours they absorb the sauce and swell up.
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- This chicken noodle mixture freezes well for up to 3 months, if you freeze it shortly after making it (before the noodles absorb the sauce and swell).