Cookin w Caroline

Weeknight dinners can sometimes be a struggle at our house. As an adventurous cook who likes to try new recipes, marrying someone who is what I like to call a “selective” makes for long conversations around the question “What are we having for dinner?” I love to try new recipes and cook adventurously, but also make things that my husband will eat and enjoy.

Lettuce wraps have always been a favorite of mine, and it is actually the first meal my husband ever cooked for me when we were dating. His twist? Chicken breasts instead of ground chicken. Yes, that is part of him being a “selective eater.” I picked up on this and added to a meal I could make that I loved, but that I also knew he’d enjoy.

I have added and changed things about this recipe and feel like it is finally to the point of perfection. As always, please take this and make it as your own. If you prefer to use ground chicken, or chicken thighs, do it! Add more of the sauces if you prefer it more saucy.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps:

• 1lb Chicken Breasts, diced or Ground Chicken (your preference)
• 1-2 T Teriyaki Sauce
• 1-2 T Soy Sauce
• 1-2 T Honey
• 1 T of red chili flakes or sriracha (for spice)
• 1 8oz. can of water chestnuts
• 2 green onions
• 1 T minced garlic
• 1 T fresh ground ginger
• 1 head of butter or iceberg lettuce for serving
• 1/4 c chopped peanuts for serving

Using a large pan or wok, head some olive oil in a pan and add the minced garlic, ginger and about half the green onion. Let simmer until fragrant and then add your chicken. Cook about halfway, then chop and add the water chestnuts, sauces, honey and spice. Stir and let simmer until the sauce begins to thicken. Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickend up, add half the chopped peanuts.

Separate, wash and dry the head of lettuce for serving. Full lettuce with desired amount of chicken, top with more chopped peanuts, green onion and sriracha.

I sometimes serve this with rice if I am wanting to bulk it up or make it more filling.

Enjoy!

Xoxo,

Caroline