Save This cherry-chili glazed chicken lettuce wrap recipe brings together succulent chicken, sweet cherries, and spicy chili sauce for an explosion of flavor. The combination creates a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a light yet satisfying meal.
I first created these lettuce wraps when I was craving something light but flavorful during a summer heatwave. The cherry-chili combination was such a hit that it's now our go-to recipe whenever we entertain on warm evenings.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: provide juicy tenderness and won't dry out during cooking like breast meat might
- Fresh or frozen cherries: create natural sweetness and unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the spice
- Chili garlic sauce: adds customizable heat that balances the fruit perfectly
- Butter lettuce leaves: offer the ideal sturdy yet tender vessel for holding the filling
- Fresh vegetables like carrots and red onion: add essential crunch and color contrast
- Toasted sesame seeds: finish the dish with subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry-Chili Glaze:
- Combine cherries, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Allow the mixture to simmer gently over medium heat for a full 5-7 minutes. Watch as the cherries begin to soften and break down, releasing their juices into the sauce. Use the back of a fork to gently mash the cherries, helping them integrate into the glaze. The sauce should thicken slightly but remain pourable. Remove from heat when it coats the back of a spoon.
- Cook the Chicken to Perfection:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan which would cause steaming instead of browning. Season with salt and pepper, then allow the chicken to develop a golden crust before stirring. Cook for 6-8 minutes total, ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for food safety.
- Create the Sticky Glaze Coating:
- Pour your warm cherry-chili glaze over the cooked chicken pieces while the pan is still hot. Stir continuously to ensure each piece gets evenly coated. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes as the sauce bubbles and reduces, clinging to the chicken. The glaze should become sticky and glossy, with the chicken looking beautifully lacquered when done.
- Assemble with Care:
- Take each butter lettuce leaf and create a small cup in your palm. Add a generous spoonful of the glazed chicken mixture into the center, being careful not to overload which can cause tearing. Layer on julienned carrots, thinly sliced red onions, fresh cilantro leaves, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Arrange on a serving platter with lime wedges for guests to squeeze fresh citrus over their wraps just before eating.
Save My absolute favorite part of this recipe is how the cherries break down into the sauce, creating little pockets of intense flavor. Every time I make this dish, I'm reminded of a dinner party where a friend who claimed to hate fruit in savory dishes ended up asking for seconds and then the recipe.
Make-Ahead Tips
These lettuce wraps are perfect for meal planning. You can prepare the chicken and glaze up to two days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the glaze. The vegetables can be prepped several hours in advance and kept crisp in cold water in the refrigerator. Just pat them dry before assembling.
Ingredient Substitutions
No cherries available? This recipe works beautifully with other stone fruits like plums or even berries like blackberries. For a different flavor profile, try using pomegranate molasses instead of honey for a tart sweetness. Plant-based eaters can substitute firm tofu or tempeh for the chicken—just be sure to press the tofu well and consider increasing the cooking time for tempeh to ensure it absorbs the flavors properly.
Serving Suggestions
Transform this dish into an interactive dinner party experience by creating a lettuce wrap bar. Arrange the glazed chicken, fresh vegetables, herbs, and additional toppings like crushed peanuts or crispy wonton strips in separate bowls. Let guests build their own wraps according to their preferences. Pair with coconut rice or a light cucumber salad for a more substantial meal.
Cultural Context
This fusion dish draws inspiration from both Asian lettuce wraps and American cherry glazes. The combination represents how global flavors can harmonize beautifully when thoughtfully paired. While not strictly traditional to any single cuisine, these elements have long histories in their respective culinary traditions. Cherry sauces date back to medieval European cooking, while lettuce wraps have been enjoyed throughout Asia for centuries.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer version uses fresh cherries at peak ripeness and adds diced avocado. Fall adaptation incorporates cranberries instead of cherries with warming spices. Winter variation works with frozen cherries and adds a hint of five-spice powder.
Success Stories
Many readers have shared how this recipe has become their go-to for impressing dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen. One home cook mentioned adapting it for her children by reducing the chili sauce and serving the components separately, allowing her kids to assemble their own "food packages" which made them more likely to try new ingredients.
Save These lettuce wraps are incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or a different fruit glaze, ensuring a delightful experience every time.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, tofu or tempeh work well as vegetarian alternatives. Just cook until heated through and follow the glazing instructions as outlined.
- → How spicy is the cherry-chili glaze?
The glaze has a gentle kick from chili garlic sauce. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or use a mild alternative.
- → What lettuce works best for wraps?
Butter lettuce is ideal for its crispness and flexible leaves, but iceberg or romaine can also be used if preferred.
- → Are these wraps gluten-free?
They are naturally gluten-free when tamari is used instead of regular soy sauce. Always check other ingredient labels.
- → What garnishes pair well with cherry-chili chicken?
Fresh carrot, thinly sliced red onion, cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and optional lime wedges all complement the wraps beautifully.
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
The chicken and glaze can be prepared in advance. Assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.