Chicken & Cucumber Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce: A Refreshing and Flavorful Recipe

If you're looking for a light and healthy meal option that bursts with flavors and textures, Chicken & Cucumber Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce is the perfect choice. This recipe combines tender chicken, crisp cucumber, and a rich peanut sauce, all wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps to create this delicious recipe.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

For the Peanut Sauce:

• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 2-3 tablespoons water (to adjust the consistency)

For the Lettuce Wraps:

• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4-6 large lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce or romaine lettuce)
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Crushed peanuts, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger for the chicken marinade.

2. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and place them in the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

3. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the peanut sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha sauce (if desired). Add water gradually until you achieve a smooth and pourable consistency. Set aside.

4. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken strips for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.

5. Assemble the lettuce wraps by taking a large lettuce leaf and placing a few slices of cooked chicken in the center. Top it with cucumber slices, julienned carrot, and sliced red bell pepper.

6. Drizzle the peanut sauce generously over the filling. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and crushed peanuts for added crunch and flavor.

7. Repeat the process with the remaining lettuce leaves and ingredients.

8. Serve the Chicken & Cucumber Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce immediately and enjoy the refreshing combination of flavors and textures.

These lettuce wraps make a great appetizer for parties or a light and satisfying meal option. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and the creamy peanut sauce is simply irresistible. Feel free to adjust the spice level and add your favorite toppings or additional vegetables to personalize the recipe to your taste.

Give this recipe a try and savor the delightful blend of flavors in every bite. It's a healthy and delicious choice that will leave you craving for more. Enjoy!