# Faster (and Tastier!) Than Takeout: Chicken Lettuce Wraps
If you’re in the mood for a delectable dish that’s quick to whip up and brimming with flavor, chicken lettuce wraps are the answer. These tasty morsels feature diced chicken and bright vegetables, all wrapped in crunchy lettuce leaves. Elevated with a garlicky soy and ginger sauce, this dish delivers a savory, nutty flavor reminiscent of your go-to Asian takeout. They’re not only healthier but also come together quicker than a delivery order!
## Flavor Profile
The taste of chicken lettuce wraps is a perfect fusion of savory and nutty elements, complemented by fresh vegetables and the enticing aromas of garlic and ginger. Each bite offers a delightful sensation, making it an excellent option for family dinners or a fun appetizer at gatherings.
## Preparation Tips
– **Prep Ahead**: To cut down on time, prepare the lettuce leaves a day ahead. Keep them in a container or bag with a paper towel to maintain their crispness.
– **Budget-Friendly**: Extend the recipe by incorporating cooked white or brown rice into the chicken mixture. This not only boosts the meal but also adds to its heartiness.
## Serving Suggestions
Chicken lettuce wraps are more than just a dish; they provide an interactive dining experience. Offer a selection of toppings and sauces for everyone to personalize their wraps. Think about including shredded carrots, cabbage, zucchini, cucumbers, chopped mushrooms, or peanuts for extra crunch and flavor.
## Ingredient Tips for Chicken Lettuce Wraps
1. **Chicken**: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean protein option. Ground chicken or turkey can also be utilized for a different texture.
2. **Lettuce**: While any lettuce variety will suffice, Bibb (or Butter) lettuce and iceberg lettuce are particularly ideal for wraps because of their robust leaves.
3. **Veggies**: Add colorful bell peppers for taste and aesthetic appeal. Water chestnuts contribute a satisfying crunch.
4. **Sauce**: The sauce consists of basic ingredients that you likely have at home. For added heat, incorporate sriracha or sambal. A drizzle of hoisin sauce right before serving can enhance the dish even more.
## Recipe Overview
### Ingredients
– Diced chicken
– Lettuce leaves (Bibb or iceberg)
– Bell peppers
– Water chestnuts
– Garlic and ginger
– Soy sauce
– Cornstarch
– Optional toppings: shredded carrots, cabbage, zucchini, cucumbers, chopped mushrooms, chopped peanuts
### Cooking Instructions
1. **Prepare Chicken**: Mix diced chicken with cornstarch and refrigerate while getting the other ingredients ready.
2. **Make Sauce**: Combine all sauce ingredients and set aside.
3. **Cook Aromatics**: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add ginger, garlic, and the green onion whites, cooking until fragrant.
4. **Cook Chicken**: Introduce the chicken to the pan and cook until nearly finished. Then incorporate water chestnuts, bell peppers, and sauce, simmering until the chicken is completely cooked.
5. **Assemble Wraps**: Serve by placing a scoop of the warm chicken mixture in a lettuce leaf, adding your choice of toppings, and drizzling with hoisin sauce.
### Nutrition Information
– **Calories**: 80
– **Carbohydrates**: 13g
– **Protein**: 2g
– **Fat**: 3g
– **Fiber**: 2g
## Conclusion
Chicken lettuce wraps serve as a wonderful substitute to takeout, offering a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal that everyone will love. With the option to customize each wrap according to personal tastes, they are guaranteed to become a staple in your home. Did you try these chicken lettuce wraps? Leave a comment and a rating below to share your thoughts!