Asian Chicken Meatball Lettuce Wraps

by

Asian Chicken Meatball Lettuce Wraps with Mango Slaw

When it comes to creating a meal that is light, refreshing, and bursting with vibrant flavors, Asian Chicken Meatball Lettuce Wraps with Mango Slaw easily steals the spotlight. This dish combines juicy, tender chicken meatballs infused with Asian-inspired seasonings, a crisp and colorful mango slaw, and fresh lettuce leaves to create the perfect handheld meal. Not only are these wraps incredibly tasty, but they’re also healthy, customizable, and ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a party spread.

In this recipe article, we’ll dive deep into what makes these wraps a must-try, how to prepare them step by step, and plenty of tips and variations so you can make them your own.

Why You’ll Love These Asian Chicken Meatball Lettuce Wraps

  • Fresh & Light: Using lettuce leaves instead of bread makes these wraps naturally low-carb, light, and refreshing.
  • Flavor Explosion: Between the savory chicken meatballs, tangy slaw, and sweet mango, every bite delivers a balanced mix of flavors.
  • Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights since they come together in under 40 minutes.
  • Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and fruit, these wraps are as nourishing as they are delicious.
  • Versatile: They work well as an appetizer, main course, or even part of a meal-prep plan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Meatballs:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crispiness)
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon honey (for balance)

For the Mango Slaw:

  • 1 ripe mango, julienned or finely chopped
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple, or a mix)
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, julienned
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

For Serving:

  • 1 large head butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg (washed, leaves separated)
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • Extra lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Meatballs

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili flakes, egg, breadcrumbs, and honey.
  2. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Form small bite-sized meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter).
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of sesame oil or neutral cooking oil.
  5. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through (about 12–15 minutes total).

2. Make the Mango Slaw

  1. In a large mixing bowl, add shredded cabbage, mango, carrot, red onion, bell pepper, and cilantro.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey.
  3. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Let the slaw sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

3. Assemble the Wraps

  1. Lay out clean lettuce leaves on a plate.
  2. Place 2–3 chicken meatballs in each leaf.
  3. Top with a generous spoonful of mango slaw.
  4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tips for Success

  • Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They make the meatballs extra light and crisp.
  • Don’t Overcook the Meatballs: Chicken dries out easily, so watch the cooking time to keep them juicy.
  • Chill the Meat Mixture: If your mixture feels sticky, chill it in the fridge for 20 minutes before forming meatballs.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: You can prep the slaw and shape the meatballs ahead of time, then cook when ready to serve.

Variations You Can Try

  • Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or chili paste to the meatball mixture for more heat.
  • Different Protein: Swap chicken for ground turkey, pork, or even plant-based meat substitutes.
  • Extra Crunch: Add sliced cucumbers, radishes, or chopped peanuts for texture.
  • Creamy Element: Drizzle with a touch of sriracha mayo or peanut sauce for richness.
  • Tropical Twist: Mix in pineapple or papaya with the mango slaw for more fruity sweetness.

What to Serve With These Wraps

While these wraps are satisfying on their own, you can pair them with:

  • Steamed Jasmine Rice or Coconut Rice for a heartier meal.
  • Asian Noodle Salad for added variety.
  • Miso Soup or Hot & Sour Soup for a warming side.
  • Spring Rolls or Dumplings for a fun appetizer spread.

Storage and Meal Prep

  • Refrigeration: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Slaw is best eaten fresh but can last up to 2 days.
  • Freezing Meatballs: You can freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or skillet until hot.
  • Lettuce: Keep washed lettuce leaves wrapped in a paper towel inside a sealed bag or container to keep them crisp.

Final Thoughts

Asian Chicken Meatball Lettuce Wraps with Mango Slaw are proof that healthy eating never has to be boring. The combination of juicy, flavorful chicken meatballs with the sweet and tangy crunch of mango slaw wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves makes this dish both refreshing and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that works for any occasion—from a quick weeknight dinner to an impressive party platter.

So next time you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and a little different, give these wraps a try—you’ll be surprised at how easy and crowd-pleasing they are!

Leave a Comment