What to Serve with Chicken Lettuce Wraps: 33 Delicious Side Dishes and Sauce Ideas

Chicken lettuce wraps are a fresh and flavorful meal that makes for a fun and interactive dining experience. Ground chicken or turkey is typically used to make the filling which is then wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves or cups. The possibilities for chicken lettuce wrap fillings are endless, from classic Asian flavors to Tex-Mex and more.

While lettuce wraps pack a ton of flavor on their own, the right side dishes and sauces can really take them to the next level. I’ve compiled a list of 33 delicious ideas for sides, toppings and sauces to serve with your chicken lettuce wraps. With a mix of salads, grains, appetizers and dips, there’s something here for every taste.

Best Lettuce Options for Chicken Lettuce Wraps

When choosing which type of lettuce to use for your lettuce wraps, go for options that form natural cups or boats to cradle the filling. Some top options include:

• Butter lettuce – The small, tender leaves form perfect little cups for holding fillings. This is my personal favorite lettuce for lettuce wraps.
• Romaine lettuce – Romaine hearts work beautifully for lettuce wrap boats.
• Iceberg lettuce – For a sturdier lettuce cup, use iceberg. It stands up well to fillings.
• Cabbage leaves – For a low carb lettuce wrap, try using large cabbage leaves in place of lettuce.

Toppings for Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Add some crunch and extra flavor by topping your lettuce wraps with any of these fun add-ins:

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Chopped peanuts
• Crispy fried wonton strips
• Thinly sliced green onion
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Crumbled tortilla chips
• Diced mango or pineapple

Sauce and Dip Ideas for Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Chicken lettuce wraps are the perfect vehicle for dipping in flavorful sauces. Some sauce ideas include:

• Peanut sauce
• Sweet chili sauce
• Ponzu sauce
• Plum sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Tzatziki sauce
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Ranch dressing
• Lime crema

A cooling yogurt sauce spiked with lime and cilantro would also be amazing with lettuce wraps. Sriracha mayo, chimichurri or a spicy peanut sauce are other great options too.

10 Best Side Salads for Chicken Lettuce Wraps

A fresh salad is one of my favorite sides to serve with chicken lettuce wraps The combo of cool, crunchy salad and hot, savory lettuce wraps is so satisfying. Some salad recipe ideas include

• Thai cucumber salad – Thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion tossed in a tangy lime dressing

• Mango avocado salad – Cubed mango, avocado, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro and lime

• Asian slaw – Shredded napa cabbage, carrots, green onion and almonds in a sesame ginger dressing

• Greek salad – Tomato, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, olives, feta and lemon vinaigrette

• Celery root salad – Thinly sliced celery root, apple, parsley and lemon dressing

• Caprese salad – Tomato, mozzarella, basil and balsamic dressing

• Bean salad – Kidney beans, chickpeas, red onion, cilantro and lemon vinaigrette

• Potato salad – Potatoes, scallion, parsley, dill and mayonnaise dressing

• Cobb salad – Romaine, chicken, egg, bacon, avocado, tomato and blue cheese dressing

• Taco salad – Romaine, seasoned ground beef, cheese, beans, tomato, onion, salsa and sour cream

Satisfying Vegetables and Veggie Sides

If you want to add some veggies to your chicken lettuce wraps meal, consider sides like:

• Sauteed snap peas – Quick saute with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper

• Roasted broccoli – Broccoli florets roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper

• Garlicky green beans – Blanched green beans sauteed with olive oil and garlic

• Roasted cauliflower – Cauliflower roasted with olive oil, cumin, paprika and garlic

• Stir fried veggies – Bell pepper, carrots, onion, garlic and soy sauce

• Creamed spinach – Sauteed spinach in a creamy sauce of cream cheese, milk and parmesan

• Honey glazed carrots – Carrots roasted with olive oil, honey and thyme

Rice and Grain Bowls

For a hearty, filling side to serve with your chicken lettuce wraps, brown rice, quinoa or whole grain noodles are great options. Consider making:

• Brown rice – Cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor

• Cauliflower rice – For a low carb alternative

• Quinoa – Fluffy, protein packed quinoa makes a healthy side dish

• Lo mein noodles – Chinese egg noodles wok fried with vegetables

• Rice noodles – Soaked in hot water and tossed with sesame oil

• Couscous – Fluffy couscous tossed with vegetables and herbs

Appetizers and Small Bites

Pair your lettuce wraps with another handheld appetizer for a fun meal. Ideas include:

• Potstickers – Pan fried or steamed Chinese dumplings

• Summer rolls – Rice paper wrapped around veggies and herbs

• Chicken satay – Chicken skewers with peanut dipping sauce

• Chips and guacamole – Crispy tortilla chips with creamy guac

• Hummus and pita – Chickpea hummus served with warm pita wedges

• Cheese quesadilla – Griddled flour tortillas with melted cheese

Warm Soups for Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Enjoy your cool lettuce wraps alongside a warm, comforting soup, like:

• Egg drop soup – Chicken broth with whisked eggs

• Hot and sour soup – Spicy, sour broth with tofu and mushrooms

• Miso soup – Soy bean broth with wakame seaweed

• Wonton soup – Chicken broth with pork wontons

• Tomato basil soup – Creamy tomato soup with basil

• Chicken noodle soup – Chicken broth with egg noodles and vegetables

Putting It All Together

Chicken lettuce wraps make for a fun and fresh meal on their own, but can also be part of a larger spread when served alongside 1 or 2 salads, vegetables, grains or other small plates and appetizers. Offering a variety of flavors and textures will keep your meal interesting and satisfying. And don’t forget the sauces for drizzling and dipping! Peanut sauce, sweet and sour sauce, ranch and sriracha mayo are all excellent choices.

With this list of 33 side dish ideas for chicken lettuce wraps, you’ll never be short on recipe inspiration! Try out new flavor combinations to keep your lettuce wrap nights exciting.