Chicken lettuce wraps make for a fresh, flavorful and easy meal. All you need is some ground chicken, vegetables, sauce and lettuce leaves to wrap it all up in. It’s a great way to get a serving of lean protein and vegetables. But the best part is how versatile chicken lettuce wraps can be in terms of flavors and accompaniments. You can customize them in so many ways to create a different tasting meal each time. So what are some of the best sides that pair well with chicken lettuce wraps? Let’s take a look at some delicious options.
Rice
One of the most classic sides to serve with chicken lettuce wraps is rice. The lightly seasoned chicken and vegetables pair nicely with white or brown rice. Rice acts as the perfect base to the lettuce wraps, adding substance and soaking up any sauces drizzled over the chicken.
Some specific types of rice that go well with chicken lettuce wraps include:
White Rice
White rice is a refined grain that has had the bran and germ removed. This gives it a mild flavor and light, fluffy texture when cooked. It’s the perfect neutral base for the stronger flavors in the chicken lettuce wraps.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole grain rice with the bran left intact. It has a chewier, nuttier texture and contains more fiber and nutrients than white rice. Its hearty texture and flavor stands up well to the chicken and vegetables.
Fried Rice
For a twist, try making some fried rice with ginger, garlic, peas, carrots and soy sauce to serve alongside the lettuce wraps. The combo of the fresh lettuce wraps with the warm, salty fried rice is highly craveable.
Coconut Rice
For a tropical flair, make some coconut rice using lite coconut milk, ginger and lime juice. The sweet coconut pairs perfectly with the peanut or curry flavors often used in chicken lettuce wraps.
Noodles
Noodles and stir-fries are a match made in heaven. Consider pairing chicken lettuce wraps with some Asian-inspired noodles. These wheat or rice-based noodles toss nicely with the sauce from the wraps.
Pad Thai Rice Noodles
These thin rice noodles are a classic Thai dish. Toss them with chicken, peanuts, lime juice, fish sauce and bean sprouts for a complementary flavor and texture.
Lo Mein Noodles
Lo mein noodles have a soft, chewy texture that soaks up sauce beautifully. Cook them with soy sauce, sesame oil and veggies for a well-balanced meal.
Soba Noodles
For a Japanese flair, try buckwheat soba noodles with ginger-scallion sauce or dipping sauce. They have a lovely chewy texture.
Ramen Noodles
For an ultra comforting meal, try chicken lettuce wraps alongside some ramen noodles in broth. Load it up with extras like soft boiled egg, mushrooms, chicken and more.
Grains
Whole grains like quinoa, couscous, bulgur and more also pair nicely with chicken lettuce wraps as a base. The light seasoning of the wraps allows the flavor of the grains to shine. Some easy options include:
Quinoa
This superfood seed has a fluffy texture and pleasantly nutty flavor. It’s easy to dress up with herbs, lemon juice or vinaigrette.
Couscous
Tiny couscous pasta grains have a soft, almost creamy texture when cooked. Pair it with seasonal veggies for extra nutrition.
Bulgur Wheat
This nutty whole grain wheat is loaded with fiber. Make a tabbouleh salad with parsley, tomatoes, cucumber and lemon.
Barley
Nutty, toothsome barley stands up well to the chicken wraps. Toss it with fresh herbs and lime juice for a simple side.
Salads & Slaws
The freshness of chicken lettuce wraps makes them a natural fit for pairing with salads and slaws featuring crisp vegetables. The crunch and acid from vinaigrettes balances the richer fillings of the wraps.
Greek Salad
A classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta and red wine vinaigrette is the perfect light, refreshing side for chicken lettuce wraps.
Wedge Salad
A crisp iceberg lettuce wedge drizzled with creamy blue cheese dressing cools down the spices from buffalo chicken lettuce wraps.
Caesar Salad
Crispy romaine lettuce tossed with garlicky Caesar dressing, parmesan and croutons complements simple grilled chicken wraps.
Broccoli Slaw
For crunch, serve tangy broccoli slaw tossed in a sweet and sour dressing next to Asian chicken wraps.
Caprese Salad
Tomatoes, mozzarella and basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic make an easy Italian-style salad for pesto chicken wraps.
Cabbage Slaw
Thinly sliced red and green cabbage and carrots in a creamy dressing balances Mexican chicken lettuce wraps wonderfully.
Soups & Chili
Enjoying chicken lettuce wraps with a warm, comforting soup or chili makes a very satisfying meal. The wraps stay cool and fresh-tasting, contrasting the hearty hot soup or stew.
Tomato Soup
A classic tomato soup pairs nicely with simple grilled chicken wraps. Garnish with Parmesan crisps.
Chicken Noodle Soup
For double the chicken flavor, try chicken lettuce wraps next to a soothing chicken noodle soup.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Warm up with spicy chicken tortilla soup loaded with tomatoes, peppers, onions, chicken and lime.
Beef Chili
For a hearty pairing, serve beef and bean chili with shredded cheddar and Fritos alongside the wraps.
Vegetable Soup
A light but filling vegetable soup lets the wraps take center stage while rounding out the meal.
Chicken & Dumplings
For ultimate comfort food, try homemade chicken and dumplings stew next to herb-roasted chicken wraps.
Dips & Sauces
Dips and sauces are ideal for serving with chicken lettuce wraps. They add moisture and extra flavor to balance the wraps. Cool, creamy dips contrast with hot sauces for even more variety.
Yogurt-Based Dips
Try tzatziki, raita or hummus made with Greek yogurt. They add a tangy creaminess.
Guacamole
Creamy, green guacamole provides the perfect cool, rich dip for spicy chicken wraps.
Salsa
For a fresh bite, serve homemade tomato salsa and tortilla chips next to Mexican wraps.
Sweet Chili Sauce
This hot, sticky sauce pairs amazingly with Asian-style chicken lettuce wraps.
Ranch
Creamy, herb-filled ranch dressing is excellent for dipping any style of chicken lettuce wrap.
Buffalo Sauce
For wraps with a kick, provide extra buffalo sauce on the side to amp up the heat.
Sides for Lettuce Wrap Fillings
Rather than eating the lettuce wraps whole, another idea is to serve the components deconstructed. Enjoy the fillings over rice, greens or grains and use the lettuce leaves as garnish.
Fillings Over Rice
Spoon curried chicken, Thai chicken or teriyaki chicken over steamed jasmine rice. Use lettuce to top it off.
Fillings Over Salad
For a lighter meal, serve fajita chicken or lemon-herb chicken over a simple green salad.
Fillings Over Quinoa
Mix Mexicali chicken or Greek chicken with cooked quinoa. Top with shredded lettuce for crunch.
Fillings Over Pasta
Toss pesto chicken, parmesan chicken or buffalo chicken with pasta and lettuce for a satisfying carb load.
Fillings Over Potatoes
For heartiness, pile BBQ chicken or honey mustard chicken over baked potatoes. Top with cool lettuce.
Snacks
While lettuce wraps make a great meal, the components are also ideal for quick snacks. Pair smaller lettuce wraps with simple snack foods.
Vegetables & Dip
Baby carrots, bell pepper strips and cucumber slices with ranch dip.
Crackers
Whole grain crackers spread with hummus or laughing cow cheese.
Chips & Salsa
Tortilla chips with fresh tomato salsa and guacamole.
Popcorn
A light, whole grain snack. Season with just salt or fun flavors.
Edamame
Boiled soybeans, lightly salted.
Apple Slices
Served with peanut butter or almond butter.
Desserts
For an indulgent finish to your lettuce wrap meal, serve up something sweet! The flavors of chicken pair well with many classic desserts.
Cookies
Chewy chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin or peanut butter cookies hit the spot post-wraps. The sweetness balances the savory main.
Cakes
A moist slice of vanilla, lemon or chocolate cake makes a nice little cap to the lighter lettuce wraps.
Fruit Crisps
Warm apple, peach, berry or mixed fruit crisps with vanilla ice cream melt in your mouth after wraps.
Pies
An individual apple, cherry, blueberry or key lime pie is a sweet treat. The tart filling contrasts the chicken.
Ice Cream
Round out the meal with a scoop of classic vanilla, chocolate or pecan ice cream.
Pudding
Creamy chocolate or vanilla pudding cups provide nostalgic comfort after wraps.
Beverage Pairings
Wash down chicken lettuce wraps with any of these thirst-quenching beverages that complement the light, fresh meal.
Iced Tea
An icy glass of sweet tea, peach tea or hibiscus tea.
Lemonade
Tart, tangy lemonade or strawberry lemonade.
Coconut Water
Naturally hydrating coconut water with hints of coconut.
Smoothies
Fruity blends of yogurt, banana, berries and greens.
Infused Water
Water infused with fruits like lemon, lime, watermelon or cucumber.
Wine
A chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling.
Beer
Light, refreshing lagers or wheat beers.
Conclusion
Chicken lettuce wraps are extremely versatile when it comes to pairing with side dishes and snacks. From grains like rice or quinoa to noodles to salads and slaws, there are endless fresh options to serve alongside the wraps. Heartier soups, chilis and dipping sauces contrast nicely with the cool, crunchy lettuce. And don’t forget about snacks and sweet treats to finish off the meal! With all of these amazing flavors to choose from, you can create a different, delicious chicken lettuce wrap meal every time. So don’t be afraid to get creative with sides, dips and drinks to complement those tasty lettuce wraps.