Dragon Chicken In Lettuce Leaves

Author: Shannon Miller

Hot or Not – Add Siracha to Taste

Yield 6 servings
Calories per Serving: 285

1 1/4 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1/4 cup rice-wine vinegar
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
2 cups matchstick carrots
5 green onions, minced
1/3 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 Tbsp sesame oil
Asian sweet chili sauce and siracha to taste
1 head iceberg lettuce, rinsed and separated into large leaves

• Cook ground meat in skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, breaking into pieces as it cooks. Drain excess liquid when it is cooked through.
• Add sugar, pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, and sesame oil; stir to mix.
• Stir in carrots and green onions, and cook to desired texture.
• Top with cilantro, and serve on a platter surrounded with lettuce leaves with chili sauce and lime wedges for garnish, if desired.

TIP 1: Though this recipe is called “dragon chicken,” you don’t have to make it hot.  If you like spice, add siracha when you assemble your lettuce cups.  For extra crunch, you can also add fresh mung bean sprouts, chopped macadamia nuts, peanuts, or water chestnuts that have been rinsed and diced.

TIP 2: When choosing ground meat, consider the fat content of your selection.  Ground turkey or chicken sound like they are healthier, lower-fat options.  However, some blends of ground poultry have as much fat as their beef or pork alternatives.

Recipe by Jessica Bright