Refreshing Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Warm weather calls for meals that are light yet satisfying and these chicken lettuce wraps fit the bill. They’re easy to make and packed with flavors, making them an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this delicious and healthy meal in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 2 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Chopped peanuts, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
2. Add in the chopped onions, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds, making sure not to burn the garlic.
3. Mix in the diced bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce by whisking together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together.
6. Assemble the lettuce wraps by taking a leaf of lettuce and spooning a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center. Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts, if desired.
7. Repeat with the remaining lettuce and chicken mixture. Serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:

• Add crunch to your wraps by including water chestnuts or bamboo shoots.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground chicken with crumbled tofu or tempeh.
• Adjust the heat level by increasing or reducing the amount of red pepper flakes.
• Dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce or a peanut sauce can add an extra zing.

These chicken lettuce wraps can be prepped ahead of time for easy assembly. Keep the chicken mixture and lettuce leaves separate until you’re ready to eat, to maintain the lettuce’s crispness. This recipe is adaptable, refreshing, and perfect for enjoying the lighter side of meals without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Enjoy your homemade chicken lettuce wraps!