Quick Instant Pot Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Instant Pot Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe – quick and easy lettuce wraps filled with ground chicken cooked in Asian sauce. Perfect dinner idea for busy weeknights!

Side shot of lettuce wraps filled with cooked ground chicken, served on white plate, highlighting the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients.

Craving the vibrant flavors of your favorite Asian restaurant lettuce wraps but short on time? Look no further! Our Instant Pot Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe offers a rapid, delightful solution for busy weeknights. This dish transforms simple ground chicken into an irresistibly savory and sweet filling, all perfectly seasoned with an authentic Asian-inspired sauce.

Lettuce wraps have long been a beloved appetizer and light meal, known for their interactive nature and fresh, crisp texture. They are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize fillings to your heart’s desire. While many variations exist, our go-to features succulent ground chicken, infused with a rich blend of hoisin sauce, savory soy sauce, tangy vinegar, aromatic garlic, a hint of sweet chili sauce, and the warming spice of ginger. Whisked together, these ingredients create a flavor-packed mixture that’s both flavorful and incredibly satisfying, making every bite a delight.

Contents

Effortless Instant Pot Chicken Lettuce Wraps for Busy Weeknights

Say goodbye to long cooking times and endless cleanup. These Instant Pot Chicken Lettuce Wraps are specifically designed for those hectic evenings when you desire a quick, easy, and undeniably delicious meal without compromising on taste. This recipe is a slightly modified and streamlined version of our popular P.F. Chang’s Copycat Chicken Lettuce Wraps, now expertly adapted for the pressure cooker. The Instant Pot not only significantly cuts down on cooking time but also helps infuse the chicken with even deeper, more complex flavors, making this copycat version arguably better than the original!

Why Choose the Instant Pot for Your Lettuce Wraps?

Unmatched Speed: Pressure cooking drastically reduces the time it takes to cook ground chicken, making this a true 30-minute meal that fits into even the busiest schedules.
Effortless Preparation: The Instant Pot acts as a single vessel for sautéing and cooking, minimizing cleanup and simplifying the entire cooking process from start to finish.
Intense Flavor Infusion: The high-pressure environment forces the savory Asian sauce deep into the chicken, creating a more tender, succulent, and flavor-packed result that rivals restaurant quality.
Consistent & Reliable Results: The Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring perfectly cooked chicken with a consistently delicious sauce every single time.
Healthy & Wholesome: These wraps offer a fantastic way to enjoy a lean protein meal, bursting with fresh flavors and textures, making them an excellent choice for a balanced and health-conscious diet.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chicken Lettuce Wraps in the Instant Pot

Making these delectable chicken lettuce wraps in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect meal every time:

Prepare Your Instant Pot: Ensure the stainless steel inner pot is correctly seated in your Instant Pot. Select the “Sauté” setting and allow it to heat for about 1 minute. Add vegetable oil and sesame oil to the hot pot. The oil should shimmer, indicating it’s ready for cooking.
Brown the Chicken and Aromatics: Add the ground chicken to the Instant Pot. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break it apart and cook until it’s no longer pink, typically 5-7 minutes. Season generously with salt and black pepper while cooking to build flavor. Once the chicken is mostly cooked, add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant. Press the “Cancel/Off” button to turn off the sauté function.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the ¼ cup of chicken broth or stock. Use your wooden spoon to vigorously scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This crucial step, known as deglazing, prevents the infamous “Burn” message on your Instant Pot and adds incredible depth of flavor to the sauce, ensuring nothing delicious goes to waste.
Whisk the Flavorful Sauce: In a separate small mixing bowl or measuring cup, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: hoisin sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar), an additional teaspoon of sesame oil, sweet chili sauce, and ground ginger. This carefully balanced blend creates the signature sweet, savory, and tangy Asian flavor profile for your wraps.
Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce mixture directly over the chicken in the Instant Pot. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated and submerged in the flavorful sauce.
Pressure Cook to Perfection: Securely close the Instant Pot lid and set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position (newer models often seal automatically). Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 4 minutes on HIGH pressure.
Natural Pressure Release (NPR): Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes. This essential step helps tenderize the chicken further, allows the flavors to deepen, and ensures the sauce is fully absorbed. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to quick release any remaining pressure, always keeping your face and hands away from the hot steam.
Final Touches: Once all the pressure has been safely released and the float valve drops, carefully open the lid. Stir the chicken mixture thoroughly to redistribute the sauce and ensure everything is well combined. Add the drained, chopped water chestnuts and stir them into the chicken. Adding them at this stage helps them retain their delightful crunchy texture, which is a wonderful and essential contrast to the tender chicken and soft lettuce.
Serve Immediately: Spoon approximately ¼ cup of the flavorful chicken mixture onto each fresh lettuce leaf. For an extra boost of flavor and moisture, pour any remaining sauce over the filling. Serve these delicious wraps warm and enjoy the perfect balance of textures and tastes!

Overhead shot of ground chicken with chopped water chestnuts stirred into the Instant Pot, ready to be served.

Ingredient Spotlight & Variations

Can I Use Other Meats in This Recipe?

Absolutely! While ground chicken is a fantastic choice for its lean protein content and its excellent ability to absorb the rich Asian flavors, this recipe is incredibly adaptable to your preferences or what you have on hand. You can easily substitute it with other ground meats. Ground beef, ground turkey, or even a mix of pork and beef would work wonderfully, each adding its unique depth of flavor and texture. If using ground beef or pork, you might want to drain some of the excess fat after browning before adding the sauce to keep the dish lighter. For a plant-based alternative, you could experiment with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground meat substitutes. While these haven’t been personally tested in the pressure cooker for this specific recipe, ensure to adjust cooking times as needed and consider sautéing them longer to achieve desired texture before pressure cooking with the sauce.

What Type of Lettuce is Best for Lettuce Wraps?

The beauty of lettuce wraps lies in the fresh, crisp vessel! While you can technically use any sturdy lettuce, certain varieties are better suited for creating the perfect “cup” for your flavorful filling. Traditionally, recipes for lettuce cups often call for butter lettuce, which includes popular varieties like Boston and Bibb lettuce. These lettuces have soft, pliable leaves that are naturally cup-shaped, providing a delicate texture that perfectly cradles the filling. However, Romaine lettuce is also an excellent choice; its sturdy, elongated leaves create more of a “boat” shape, making them easy to hold and fill generously, and offering a satisfying crunch. For an extra crisp bite, iceberg lettuce can also be used, though its flatter leaves might require a bit more artful folding to create a secure wrap. Ultimately, choose whichever you prefer for its texture and ease of use!

Side shot of 5 chicken lettuce wraps arranged neatly on a white plate, with the Instant Pot visible in the background.

Expert Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Lettuce Wraps

Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: While the Instant Pot is spacious, avoid overfilling it, especially during the sauté phase. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than browning, which diminishes flavor development. Cook in batches if necessary.
Deglazing is Essential: Always deglaze the pot thoroughly after sautéing. Use a flat-edged wooden spoon to scrape up every browned bit from the bottom of the inner pot. This critical step prevents the dreaded “Burn” error and ensures all those delicious, caramelized bits are incorporated into your sauce, adding depth.
Natural Pressure Release for Flavor: Allowing for a natural pressure release (NPR) for at least 10 minutes is highly recommended for this recipe. This helps the chicken absorb more of the sauce’s rich flavors and results in a more tender and juicy texture.
Adjust Sweetness and Spiciness to Taste: Feel free to customize the sauce! Taste the sauce ingredients before adding them to the pot. For more heat, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes. For a sweeter profile, a tiny bit more hoisin sauce or a pinch of brown sugar can be added.
Garnish for Enhanced Impact: Fresh garnishes are not just for looks; they add an extra layer of flavor and texture! Consider topping your wraps with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, finely chopped peanuts, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or even a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

These Instant Pot Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fantastic on their own as a light and refreshing meal, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. However, they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a more substantial and satisfying dinner spread. Consider serving them alongside:

Fluffy white or brown rice to perfectly soak up any extra delicious sauce.
Steamed or lightly stir-fried vegetables such as crisp broccoli florets, vibrant snap peas, tender bell peppers, or even asparagus for added nutrition and color.
A light, refreshing Asian-inspired salad, perhaps with a simple sesame ginger dressing, to complement the main flavors.
For a heartier meal, serve with a side of lo mein noodles or quinoa, offering diverse textures and carbohydrates.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This recipe is excellent for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy delicious, healthy meals even on your busiest days. The cooked chicken filling can be prepared in advance, making weeknight dinners even faster:

Storage: Store the cooked chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, store lettuce leaves separately in their original packaging or a zip-top bag with a paper towel to maintain crispness.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken mixture gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Avoid overheating to prevent the chicken from drying out and to maintain its tender moisture.
Freezing: The cooked chicken filling can also be frozen for longer storage, typically up to 2-3 months. Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Prep Ahead: To save even more time, wash and thoroughly dry your lettuce leaves in advance, storing them in a zip-top bag with a paper towel to keep them crisp. You can also prepare the sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Lettuce Wraps

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of the Instant Pot?
Yes, absolutely! To adapt this recipe for the stovetop, begin by browning the ground chicken, chopped onion, and minced garlic in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the chicken is no longer pink, drain any excess fat. Add the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Then, stir in the whisked sauce ingredients and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors have fully melded. Finally, stir in the drained water chestnuts and serve hot.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes sweet chili sauce, which typically provides a mild to moderate level of heat, depending on the brand and your personal spice tolerance. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce mixture. For those who prefer less heat, simply reduce the amount of sweet chili sauce or opt for a milder alternative.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe can be easily made gluten-free! The key is to ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce (such as tamari) and to carefully check the labels of your hoisin sauce and sweet chili sauce, as some brands may contain wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients. Most other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
What if I don’t have water chestnuts? Are there any good substitutes?
Water chestnuts add a distinct and desirable crunchy texture that provides a wonderful contrast to the tender chicken. If you don’t have them on hand, you can omit them entirely without compromising the flavor. However, for a similar crispness, you can try substituting with finely diced celery, jicama, or even blanched and finely chopped broccoli stems.

Explore More Easy Instant Pot Recipes:

If you’re loving the convenience and deliciousness of Instant Pot cooking, be sure to explore more of our pressure cooker favorites. These recipes are designed to save you time without sacrificing flavor:

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs: Discover how to make incredibly juicy and tender chicken thighs, perfect for a quick and versatile protein fix any night of the week.
Instant Pot Cashew Chicken: Bring the flavors of your favorite takeout classic right to your kitchen, made effortlessly and healthier at home.
Instant Pot Fluffy Rice: Master the art of perfectly cooked, fluffy rice every single time with this foolproof Instant Pot method.
Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: A savory and healthy side dish that transforms often-overlooked vegetables into a family favorite.

To further enhance your Instant Pot expertise and ensure smooth cooking experiences, check out our comprehensive Instant Pot Guide for Beginners. And if you’ve ever encountered the notorious “Burn” message, our Instant Pot Burn Message post offers invaluable tips on how to fix and prevent this common issue, making you an Instant Pot pro in no time.

Instant Pot Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe Card

How to make easy chicken lettuce wraps in the Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Instant Pot Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a quick and easy dish, featuring ground chicken cooked in a rich Asian sauce. An ideal dinner for any busy weeknight!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 lb ground chicken
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chicken stock
¼ cup hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon ground ginger
8 oz. can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
8 leaves of butter lettuce

Instructions

Make sure the stainless steel insert is in your Instant Pot. Press “saute” setting and wait 1 minute. Add vegetable oil and sesame oil to insert and let heat up.
Add ground chicken to Instant Pot and cook, breaking down with wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Add onion and garlic. Cook until chicken is no longer pink. Press “cancel/off” button.
Add ¼ cup of chicken broth or stock and deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
In a small mixing bowl or measuring cup, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, ginger, and sweet chili sauce. Pour mixture over chicken and stir well.
Close the lid, set valve to sealing position (newer models do it on their own). Make sure the Instant Pot is set to cook at HIGH pressure. Press “manual” setting and set timer to 4 minutes.
When the timer is done, let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes.
Carefully open the lid away from your face. Stir chicken.
Add chopped water chestnuts to chicken and stir.
Place up to ¼ cup of mixture onto each lettuce leaf. Serve immediately.

Notes

If you don’t have ground chicken on hand, you can slice boneless, skinless chicken breast into thin strips, partially freeze it (20 to 30 minutes in the freezer should do it), then pulse it in a food processor until you reach the desired ground texture. If you prefer, this recipe also works perfectly with ground turkey for a similar lean protein option.

Nutrition

If you’ve whipped up these delightful Instant Pot Chicken Lettuce Wraps, we’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM, tagging us @crunchycreamysweet. Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below to let us know how much you enjoyed this quick and easy weeknight meal!