Fresh, crunchy, and packed with bold flavor, these Crispy Chicken Cucumber Lettuce Wraps with Creamy Peanut Sauce are the perfect balance of light and satisfying. Juicy, golden-brown chicken pieces are nestled into crisp lettuce cups alongside cool cucumber slices, then drizzled with a rich, nutty peanut sauce that ties everything together. It’s a refreshing dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make—ideal for quick lunches, light dinners, or impressive appetizers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Crispy Meets Cool: Hot, crunchy chicken pairs beautifully with chilled cucumbers and fresh lettuce.
Flavor-Packed Peanut Sauce: Creamy, savory, and just a little sweet with a hint of spice.
Low-Carb & Fresh: A lighter alternative to heavy wraps or sandwiches, without sacrificing taste.
Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple steps and everyday ingredients.
Customizable & Fun: Swap in your favorite veggies, herbs, or proteins for your perfect wrap!
Ingredients
To create these delightful wraps, you’ll need a handful of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking and eating.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that elevates the chicken’s flavor.
Onion powder: A subtle sweetness that complements the garlic perfectly.
Paprika: For a hint of smokiness and a beautiful color.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
All-purpose flour: This is your first step in the breading process, helping the egg and panko stick.
Eggs: Beaten and ready to create a crispy coating on the chicken.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs give the chicken that irresistible crunch.
Vegetable oil: For frying, ensuring the chicken gets that golden-brown finish.
Cucumber: Sliced into long strips, it adds a refreshing crunch to each bite.
Butter lettuce: The perfect wrap for your chicken and cucumber, soft and pliable.
Creamy peanut butter: The base of your sauce, bringing richness and flavor.
Soy sauce: Adds umami and a touch of saltiness to the peanut sauce.
Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the savory elements.
Rice vinegar: For a tangy kick that brightens the sauce.
Sesame oil: A little goes a long way in adding a nutty aroma.
Water: To adjust the sauce’s consistency, making it just right for drizzling.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Enjoy the process of gathering these ingredients; each one plays a vital role in creating a dish that’s not just a meal, but an experience!
How to Make Crispy Chicken Cucumber Lettuce Wraps with Creamy Peanut Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by taking your bite-sized chicken pieces and tossing them in a bowl with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Make sure every piece is well-coated in those spices.
This step is crucial; it infuses the chicken with flavor that will shine through in every bite.
Trust me, the aroma alone will have your mouth watering!
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Now, let’s create a breading station.
Grab three shallow dishes.
In the first, pour in the all-purpose flour.
In the second, beat the eggs until they’re nice and frothy.
Finally, fill the third with panko breadcrumbs.
This setup makes the breading process smooth and efficient, ensuring each piece of chicken gets that perfect crispy coating.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
It’s time to bread the chicken!
Take a piece of chicken and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the extra drip off.
Finally, coat it in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
Repeat this for all the chicken pieces.
This three-step process is what gives your chicken that irresistible crunch!
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer.
Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
This step is where the magic happens—crispy chicken perfection!
Step 5: Make the Creamy Peanut Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Add a splash of water to thin it out, mixing until smooth.
Taste and adjust the consistency with more water if needed.
This sauce is the star of the show, bringing a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken and veggies.
Step 6: Assemble the Wraps
Now for the fun part—assembling your wraps!
Take a cucumber strip and place a few pieces of crispy chicken on top.
Add a butter lettuce leaf, then drizzle with that creamy peanut sauce.
Roll it up tightly, and there you have it!
These wraps are not just delicious; they’re a delightful way to enjoy a meal that’s both light and satisfying.
Tips for Success
Prep all your ingredients before starting to keep the cooking process smooth.
For extra crunch, consider double-breading the chicken by dipping it in egg and panko twice.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches for even frying.
Feel free to customize the peanut sauce with spices like sriracha for a kick.
Serve immediately for the best texture; these wraps are best enjoyed fresh!
Equipment Needed
Large skillet: A non-stick skillet works wonders, but any heavy-bottomed pan will do.
Shallow dishes: Use pie plates or any flat bowls for the breading station.
Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing the chicken from the oil without excess grease.
Whisk: Essential for mixing the peanut sauce smoothly.
Cutting board and knife: For slicing the cucumber and chicken with ease.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili paste to the creamy peanut sauce for a fiery twist.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh for a plant-based delight.
Extra Veggies: Incorporate shredded carrots, bell peppers, or avocado slices for added crunch and nutrition.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or mint into the wraps for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Side Salad: Pair your wraps with a light Asian-inspired salad, featuring mixed greens and a sesame dressing.
Refreshing Drink: Serve with iced green tea or a crisp lager to complement the flavors.
Presentation: Arrange wraps on a platter with extra peanut sauce for dipping, garnished with sesame seeds.
FAQs about Crispy Chicken Cucumber Lettuce Wraps with Creamy Peanut Sauce
Can I make these wraps ahead of time? While the crispy chicken is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the peanut sauce and chop the veggies in advance. Just assemble the wraps right before serving to keep everything crunchy and delicious.
What can I substitute for chicken? If you’re looking for a different protein, shrimp or tofu work wonderfully in this recipe. Both options will soak up the flavors beautifully and provide a satisfying bite.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover chicken and peanut sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The wraps can get soggy, so it’s best to keep the components separate and assemble them when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use other vegetables in the wraps? Absolutely! Feel free to add shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even avocado slices for extra flavor and crunch. The beauty of these wraps is their versatility!
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can easily make these Crispy Chicken Cucumber Lettuce Wraps gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce. Enjoy without worry!
Final Thoughts
Creating Crispy Chicken Cucumber Lettuce Wraps with Creamy Peanut Sauce is more than just cooking; it’s about bringing joy to the table.
Each bite is a delightful crunch, a burst of flavor, and a reminder of how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.
Whether you’re enjoying these wraps on a busy weeknight or serving them at a gathering, they’re sure to impress.
This recipe invites you to explore your culinary creativity while keeping things light and satisfying.
So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the deliciousness unfold!
Crispy Chicken Cucumber Lettuce Wraps with Creamy Peanut Sauce made simple!
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large cucumber, sliced into long strips
1 head of butter lettuce, leaves separated
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1–2 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)
Instructions
In a bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the spice mixture until well coated.
Set up a breading station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third.
Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.
To assemble, place a few pieces of crispy chicken on a cucumber strip, top with a lettuce leaf, and drizzle with creamy peanut sauce. Roll up and enjoy!
Notes
For a healthier option, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Add shredded carrots or bell peppers to the wraps for extra crunch and flavor.
