Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Wraps

$- 1 lb ground chicken - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 carrot, grated - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice - Lettuce leaves (butter or iceberg) - Fresh cilantro, chopped - Chopped peanuts, optional To make Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Wraps, gather these essential ingredients. Ground chicken is the main protein. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. The sesame oil adds a nice nutty taste. Onions and garlic bring depth to the dish. Diced red bell peppers and grated carrots add color and crunch. Sweet chili sauce gives it a sweet and spicy kick. Soy sauce adds umami, while lime juice brightens the flavors. Fresh lettuce leaves act as the wrap, holding everything together. You can add chopped peanuts for extra texture and flavor. - Suggested spices and herbs: salt, black pepper, ginger, green onions - Optional seasoning enhancements: sriracha, hoisin sauce For spice, use salt and black pepper to taste. They help balance the dish. If you like more heat, consider adding sriracha. Ginger adds warmth and depth, while chopped green onions can enhance freshness. Hoisin sauce can also add a sweet, rich flavor. Adjust the spices to fit your taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. 2. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about three minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft and fragrant. 3. Next, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about five to seven minutes. Stir regularly and break up the meat with a spatula until it is browned and no longer pink. 1. Now, mix in the diced red bell pepper and grated carrot. Cook for about two to three more minutes, until the vegetables are tender. 2. Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and fresh lime juice. Stir everything well. Make sure all the ingredients are coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 1. To serve, take a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture and place it into each lettuce leaf. 2. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and, if you like, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for extra crunch. Maintaining the right heat level is key. Start with medium heat to warm your sesame oil. This helps the onion and garlic cook evenly. When you add the ground chicken, raise the heat to medium-high. This helps brown the chicken nicely. Break up the meat as it cooks. You want it golden and no longer pink. This gives it great flavor and texture. How you arrange your wraps matters. Place the filled lettuce wraps on a colorful platter. This makes your dish pop! Add lime wedges around the edges. They add color and a zesty taste when squeezed on top. For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the wraps. It looks nice and adds fresh flavor. Want a lighter version? Use leaner proteins like turkey or chicken breast. They still taste great! You can also look for low-sugar sweet chili sauce. This keeps the flavor but cuts down on sugar. Consider adding more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrition. These changes make your meal both tasty and healthy. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavor of your lettuce wraps, making them more vibrant and delicious. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce to control the spiciness. For a hotter kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños. Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving for a quick and easy meal. Presentation Matters: Serve the wraps on a colorful platter with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for an appealing presentation that invites guests to dig in. {{image_4}} You can change the protein in these wraps. Turkey works well if you want a leaner option. Ground beef also gives a nice flavor. For a vegetarian option, try using tofu. Firm tofu absorbs flavors well. Just crumble it before cooking. Want more heat? Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the mix. This adds a nice kick. If you prefer different tastes, swap the sweet chili sauce for a hoisin or teriyaki sauce. Each will give a new twist to the wraps. You can also try adding ginger for a fresh zing. These wraps are great with a side. Try serving them with rice or noodles. This makes it a full meal. You can add a simple salad on the side too. It adds some crunch and freshness. Enjoy these wraps however you like! To store leftover wraps, place them in a shallow container. Use a lid or plastic wrap to cover them. This keeps the chicken fresh and moist. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These materials are safe and help you see what's inside. To reheat without losing flavor, use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water and cook on low. Stir gently until heated through. In the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. To freeze the chicken mixture, let it cool completely first. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you want to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat it in a skillet before serving in the lettuce wraps. You can use several options if you want to swap out ground chicken. Ground turkey is a great choice. It has a similar taste and texture. You can also try ground beef for a richer flavor. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled tofu or tempeh. These alternatives work well with the sweet chili sauce. Just ensure they are well-seasoned to enhance the taste. To add heat to your wraps, consider using spicy sauces. You can mix in sriracha or chili paste with the sweet chili sauce. Adding chopped fresh jalapeños or red pepper flakes also works well. If you like it hot, try using a hotter chili sauce instead of sweet chili sauce. This will give the wraps a nice kick and make them extra flavorful. Yes, you can prepare these wraps ahead of time! Cook the chicken mixture and store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just warm the mixture in a pan. Keep the lettuce leaves separate until serving. This way, they stay fresh and crisp. You can also freeze the chicken mixture for longer storage. Just defrost it in the fridge before reheating. In this post, we covered how to create delicious chicken lettuce wraps. We looked at key ingredients, the cooking steps, and some helpful tips. You learned about alternative proteins and how to customize these wraps. Remember, cooking is fun, and you can make this dish your own. Try different spices or add your favorite veggies. Enjoy your meal, and don’t hesitate to share your version with friends!$

Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Delicious and healthy chicken wraps with a sweet chili sauce, served in fresh lettuce leaves.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper diced
1 carrot grated
0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
to taste salt and pepper
1 head butter or iceberg lettuce, leaves carefully separated
to taste fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
optional chopped peanuts, for topping

Instructions

In a large skillet, place the sesame oil and heat it over medium flame until shimmering.
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring regularly until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Increase the heat to medium-high and incorporate the ground chicken into the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently and breaking up the meat with a spatula, until it is browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Mix in the diced red bell pepper and grated carrot, continuing to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables become tender.
Pour in the sweet chili sauce along with the soy sauce and lime juice. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined and coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to adjust the flavor to your liking.
Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld beautifully.
To serve, take a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture and place it into each lettuce leaf. Top with fresh chopped cilantro and, if desired, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for an extra crunch.

Notes

Arrange the filled lettuce wraps neatly on a large, colorful platter, and add lime wedges around the outer edge for a visually appealing and vibrant presentation.

Keyword chicken, healthy, lettuce wraps, sweet chili