photo by Brannon Conza

This recipe comes to us from Ashley Gaudiano of Simple Food Healthy Life.  Ashely wanted to create a healthier version of PF Chang’s lettuce wraps.  Her Spicy Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps have all the flavor minus the extra fat and calories.  I also love the vegetarian version, which uses chickpeas instead of ground meat. 

Serves 8

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb lean ground chicken (or turkey)
1 tbsp thai style chili sauce*
1 tbsp hoison sauce
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp water
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tbsp agave nectar
1 cup green onions, chopped
10 fresh basil leaves
8 lettuce leaves Bibb lettuce

Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high hat.  Add the ground chicken, and brown for 7-10 minutes, until cooked through.   

Meanwhile, combine the remaining ingredients, except basil leaves, to make a spicy sauce.  When the chicken has browned, add the sauce.  Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently,  until most of the liquid has been absorbed.   

And basil leaves, and cook  another 2-3 minutes to wilt. 

Spoon a healthy serving of spicy chicken onto lettuce leaves and serve immediately.

*1 tbsp of chili sauce gives these wraps a very healthy kick.  Reduce the amount if you are spice-sensative or feeding little mouths.