Chicken Lettuce Wraps

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Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delightful, light meal packed with flavors and textures that make for a satisfying eat. They combine savory ground chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and umami-rich shiitake mushrooms, all wrapped up in crisp butter lettuce leaves. Drizzled with a sweet and tangy sauce, these wraps are not only delicious but also healthy and easy to prepare. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

For the Wraps:

  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil: For cooking the chicken and vegetables.
  • 1 pound ground chicken: The base protein of the dish.
  • 5 ounces shiitake mushrooms: Stems discarded, caps finely diced for their earthy flavor.
  • 1/2 cup onion: Finely diced for sweetness.
  • 8 ounce can water chestnuts: Drained and finely diced for crunch.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic: Adds a pungent flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger: Brings a warm, spicy note.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
  • 1/3 cup sliced green onions: For garnish and a pop of color.
  • 1 head butter lettuce: Leaves separated for wrapping.

For the Sauce:

  • 5 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds sweetness and depth.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides umami and saltiness.
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Introduces acidity for balance.
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil: For a nutty flavor.

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables:
    • In the same skillet, add a bit more vegetable oil if needed. Sauté the diced onions, shiitake mushrooms, water chestnuts, garlic, and ginger until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Combine Chicken and Vegetables:
    • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine.
  4. Prepare the Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cook, stirring, for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well coated and the sauce is heated through.
  5. Assemble the Wraps:
    • Take a leaf of butter lettuce and place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center. Garnish with sliced green onions.
  6. Serve:
    • Serve the Chicken Lettuce Wraps immediately, allowing diners to assemble their own wraps for a fun and interactive meal.

Tips:

  • Customizing: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and color.
  • Serving Suggestion: For a complete meal, serve these lettuce wraps with a side of steamed rice or noodles.
  • Make-Ahead: The chicken mixture can be made ahead and reheated, making this a great option for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a versatile dish that’s sure to please both the health-conscious and those looking for a burst of flavor in a light package. Enjoy your meal!