Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
Try this Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves pressed
- 2 1/2 cups cooked quinoa (*see notes below on how i made it)
- 1/4 bunch of fresh cilantro
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts grilled or sautã©ed and thinly sliced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated, or 1/4 tsp dried ginger powder
- 2 heads of boston bib or butter lettuce
- 1 medium or 3 small cucumbers thinly sliced
- 1 large or 2 medium carrots sliced into matchsticks
- 3/4 cup newman’s own low fat sesame ginger dressing (p.s. try: braggs ginger sesame)
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter (microwave 30 sec if peanut b
- 1/3 up chopped peanuts optional topping
- Carbohydrate 6.77803334629398 g
- Cholesterol 45.6266666666667 mg
- Fat 3.48496666994283 g
- Fiber 1.9176666695475 g
- Protein 21.3838000063908 g
- Saturated Fat 0.609016667123855 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 (208g)
- Sodium 58.9291666820144 mg
- Sugar 4.86036667674648 g
- Trans Fat 0.459051667017899 g
- Calories 141 calories
Step-by-step
- In a small bowl, stir together all the ingredients of your marinade: 2 Tbsp olive oil, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 pressed garlic cloves, 1 tsp fresh ginger (or 1/8 tsp dried ginger powder), and 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil.
- Place chicken breast in a medium bowl, add marinade and stir to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for 20 minutes (prep your veggies in the meantime).
- Once chicken is marinated, heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the chicken along with some of the oil in the marinade and sauté until caramelized and browned on both sides and fully cooked. If chicken breasts are very large, you might cover with the lid when sautéing the second side for the chicken to cook through.
- Remove from heat and let chicken breasts rest on a cutting board 5 minutes before cutting into it, then slice into thin strips on the diagonal.
- Rinse quinoa in a fine colander until water runs clear to get rid of any natural bitterness. Quinoa is cooked similar to rice. The ratio is 1/2 cup dry quinoa to 1 1/2 cups filtered water. Cook in a rice maker on the white rice setting without adding any salt or butter for about 20 minutes.
- Transfer quinoa to a bowl to cool. You want it to be room temp or cooler before using in lettuce wraps.
- Combine 1/2 cup sesame ginger dressing with 2 Tbsp creamy peanut butter and whisk together or shake together in a tupperware with a tight fitting lid. Transfer to a small bowl and top with chopped peanuts if using.
- Place all prepared vegetables on a platter: lettuce, sliced cucumbers, sliced carrots and sprigs of cilantro. Add your bowls of chicken, quinoa, and peanut sauce to the serving platter.
- You can either pre-assemble the lettuce wraps or let your hungry folks assemble their own (my favorite method!). Start with the lettuce leaf, add a heaping Tbsp of cooked quinoa, a strip or two of chicken breast, sliced cucumber and carrots along with a couple sprigs of cilantro. Drizzle with prepared creamy peanut sauce and enjoy!
A Quick and Healthy Weeknight Meal: Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps
As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick, healthy, and delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. This Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps recipe has become a staple in our household, and I'm excited to share it with you. It's incredibly versatile, adaptable to different dietary needs, and surprisingly easy to make, even on a weeknight when time is tight. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a delightful and satisfying meal.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and customizable nature. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and what you have on hand. Don't have sesame ginger dressing? A simple vinaigrette works just as well. Not a fan of peanuts? Swap them out for almonds or cashews. The possibilities are endless! I often find myself using leftover grilled chicken or even rotisserie chicken to save even more time. The quinoa adds a nice hearty texture and a good dose of protein, keeping everyone feeling full and energized.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how interactive it is. I love letting my kids help assemble their own lettuce wraps. It's a fun activity that gets them involved in the meal preparation process and encourages them to try new things. Plus, it's a great way to teach them about healthy eating habits. The colorful array of vegetables makes it visually appealing, and the satisfying crunch of the lettuce, combined with the savory chicken and creamy peanut sauce, is a winning combination. It's a meal that’s both healthy and fun for the whole family. The preparation process itself is incredibly straightforward, requiring only basic cooking skills and readily available ingredients.
Beyond its ease of preparation and adaptability, this recipe offers a refreshing and healthy alternative to heavier meals. It's light yet satisfying, packed with protein and nutrients, and surprisingly filling. The combination of lean chicken, wholesome quinoa, and crunchy vegetables makes it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch, or even a potluck contribution. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors are sure to impress your guests, and the ease of preparation will leave you with plenty of time to enjoy the company of your loved ones.
This recipe has become a firm favorite in our house, and I genuinely hope it becomes a regular in yours too. It’s not just a meal; it's a moment of connection, a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let’s make some delicious Chicken Quinoa Lettuce Wraps!
Tips and Variations:
For a spicier kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce.
For a vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
Make it ahead: Prepare the chicken, quinoa, and peanut sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the wraps just before serving.
Add some crunch: Include shredded carrots, bell peppers, or water chestnuts for added texture.
Make it a meal prep marvel: Prepare large batches of the chicken, quinoa, and peanut sauce on the weekend and store them separately in the fridge for quick and easy meals throughout the week. The lettuce can even be stored in a container in the fridge and still remain crisp. This makes quick lunches during your working week.
This recipe is incredibly versatile and allows for endless possibilities. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. The best part is that everyone gets to create their own perfect lettuce wrap! So get creative and have fun with it!
