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Chef John's Chicken Lettuce Wraps

If you're looking for a healthy and delicious meal that's bursting with flavor, then Chef John's Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the perfect dish for you. These wraps are a light and refreshing option that combines tender chicken with a savory and tangy sauce, all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves. They are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or as a flavorful appetizer for a gathering with friends and family.

Prep Time:

35 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

50 mins

Servings:

Yield:

8 servings

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, coarsely chopped

1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and minced

1 cup diced shiitake mushroom caps

½ cup minced yellow onion

⅓ cup chopped green onion

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

2 teaspoons brown sugar

¼ cup chicken stock

¼ cup rice wine vinegar

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ketchup

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 teaspoons sesame oil

2 teaspoons brown sugar

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

½ teaspoon dry mustard

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste

1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh basil, or to taste

1 ½ tablespoons chopped green onion, or to taste

16 leaves iceberg lettuce, or as needed

Directions

Step 1

Stir chicken, water chestnuts, mushrooms, yellow onion, 1/3 cup green onion, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, ginger, and 2 teaspoons brown sugar together in a bowl. Pat mixture down, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2

Whisk chicken stock, rice wine vinegar, garlic, ketchup, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sesame oil, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and dry mustard together in a bowl until glaze is well-mixed.

Step 3

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy nonstick skillet over high heat. Cook and stir chicken mixture in hot oil until chicken no longer looks raw, about 2 minutes. Pour 1/2 of the glaze mixture into chicken mixture; cook and stir over high heat until chicken begins to caramelize and brown, 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce heat to medium-low, pour remaining glaze into chicken mixture, and cook until heated through and slightly reduced, about 3 minutes more. Stir in cilantro, basil, and 1 1/2 tablespoons green onion. Transfer chicken mixture to a bowl and serve with lettuce leaves to wrap.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

212

Calories

11g

Fat

11g

Carbs

18g

Protein

Complement

Chef John's Chicken Lettuce Wraps are incredibly versatile, making them a great option for anyone looking for a satisfying meal that's also healthy. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and the zesty sauce creates a mouthwatering blend of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. Whether you're looking to cut back on carbs or simply want to try something new, these lettuce wraps are a delicious and nutritious option that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. With just the right amount of spice and a burst of freshness from the lettuce, these wraps are sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.