Save to Pinterest Tender grilled chicken marinated in savory-sweet Korean BBQ sauce is nestled in crisp lettuce cups with festive toppings for a vibrant holiday appetizer or light main. This dish brings playful colors and bold flavors to your holiday table without fuss.
I first made these wraps for a holiday party, and they disappeared quickly. Guests loved building their own wraps and adding their favorite toppings for a personalized bite each time.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Marinade: 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized strips, 3 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed), 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tsp fresh ginger (grated), 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste), 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Lettuce Wraps & Toppings: 1 head butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce (leaves separated and washed), 1 small carrot (julienned), 1/2 red bell pepper (thinly sliced), 2 green onions (thinly sliced), 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds, 1/4 cup roasted peanuts or cashews (chopped, optional), 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Dipping Sauce (optional): 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or pinch of chili flakes
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, gochujang, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours in the fridge for more flavor).
- Cook Chicken:
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and caramelized at the edges.
- Prepare Lettuce:
- While chicken cooks, prepare lettuce leaves and arrange on a platter.
- Prep Toppings:
- Julienne carrot, slice bell pepper and green onions, chop peanuts/cashews, and have cilantro and pomegranate seeds ready.
- Make Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- Whisk together dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Assemble Wraps:
- Place a few pieces of chicken in each lettuce leaf. Top with carrots, bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, pomegranate seeds, chopped nuts, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Drizzle with dipping sauce if desired.
- Serve:
- Fold lettuce over fillings and enjoy immediately.
Save to Pinterest Our family makes these every December as a bright, healthy alternative to heavier holiday fare. They're now part of our annual tradition and fun for kids to help assemble!
Serving Suggestions
Pair these lettuce wraps with crisp Riesling or sparkling water with lime. For extra color, serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes or a cranberry-chili dipping sauce.
Variations
Swap in turkey strips or tofu for chicken. Add thinly sliced red chili for more heat or try other festive fruit like diced mango for a twist.
Nutrition
Each serving: 320 calories, 13 g total fat, 23 g carbohydrates, 29 g protein. Nutrition will vary based on toppings and serving size.
Save to Pinterest With festive toppings and a make-your-own format, these Korean BBQ chicken lettuce wraps add fun and flavor to any holiday gathering. Enjoy the burst of freshness and colors at your next celebration!