Craving a light, flavorful, and healthy meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further than these chicken lettuce wraps! This recipe delivers a fantastic balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes, all wrapped up in crisp lettuce cups for a refreshing and satisfying experience. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
What You'll Need:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
For Serving:
- 1 large head of butter lettuce, leaves separated and washed
- Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, sriracha
How to Make the Chicken Lettuce Wraps:
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Prep the Ingredients: Begin by finely chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, and green onions. Drain and chop the water chestnuts. Prepare your lettuce leaves by carefully separating them and washing them thoroughly. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and water chestnuts to the skillet. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, until softened.
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Combine the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
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Simmer the Filling: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Assemble the Wraps: Spoon the warm chicken filling into the lettuce cups. Garnish with chopped green onions, peanuts, sesame seeds, or sriracha, as desired.
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Serve Immediately: Enjoy your delicious and healthy chicken lettuce wraps!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of lettuce?
While butter lettuce is ideal for its size and tenderness, you can certainly experiment with other types of lettuce. Larger leaves of romaine, iceberg, or even crisphead lettuce could work, though they might not be as pliable. Just make sure the leaves are large enough to hold the filling.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before assembling the wraps. However, it's best to assemble the wraps just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
What are some healthy substitutions I can make?
For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey for the ground chicken. You can also adjust the amount of honey or brown sugar to control the sweetness, or even omit it entirely for a savory option. Consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
Can I use pre-shredded vegetables?
While using pre-shredded vegetables might save time, freshly chopped vegetables will generally have a better texture and flavor. If you're short on time, pre-shredded carrots are acceptable, but avoid pre-chopped onions as they tend to lose their crispness.
What are some other ways to serve this chicken lettuce wrap filling?
The chicken filling is incredibly versatile! It can be served over rice or quinoa, used as a taco filling, or even enjoyed as a dip with tortilla chips.
This simple recipe is a testament to how delicious and healthy eating can be. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can create a truly impressive and flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy!
