Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a light, flavorful dish perfect for a quick meal or appetizer. These wraps feature tender, seasoned chicken cooked with aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, combined with crunchy vegetables, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. The balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors creates an exciting, refreshing bite every time. These wraps are versatile, healthy, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings, such as peanuts, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of spicy peanut sauce, making them a great option for a light lunch or a fun party appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 carrot, julienned
• ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 head of butter or iceberg lettuce (for wrapping)
• Fresh cilantro, mint, or basil (for garnish)
• Crushed peanuts or cashews (optional)
• Sliced red chilies or sriracha (optional for heat)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Add the Sauces: Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, hoisin sauce, and honey or brown sugar. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to slightly reduce.
3. Add the Vegetables: Stir in the julienned carrots, diced bell pepper, and green onions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
4. Prepare the Lettuce Wraps: Carefully separate the lettuce leaves and wash them thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels.
5. Assemble the Wraps: Spoon the chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf. Garnish with fresh cilantro, mint, or basil, and sprinkle with crushed peanuts or cashews for added crunch. Add sliced red chilies or a drizzle of sriracha if you want some heat.
6. Serve: Serve immediately, and let everyone wrap their own lettuce wraps at the table for a fun, interactive meal.

Enjoy these Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps as a light, healthy dish full of bold flavors and textures!