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For these Better-Than-Takeout Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps, you will need a few key items: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced - 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred) - Zest of 1 orange - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon grated ginger - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 head of butter lettuce or Romaine, leaves separated The chicken thighs are juicy and tender. The orange juice and zest give a fresh flavor. Soy and hoisin sauces add depth. Ginger and garlic bring warmth, while rice vinegar and sesame oil offer a nice tang. To make these wraps even better, try these garnishes: - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) Green onions add a nice crunch and fresh taste. Sesame seeds give a lovely look and nutty flavor. You can also add a bit of chopped cilantro for extra freshness. If you want heat, try adding sliced jalapeños. This way, you can create your own flavor twist! First, get your chicken ready. Take 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and dice them into small pieces. Place the chicken in a mixing bowl. Now, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Toss the chicken until it is fully coated. This step makes the chicken crispy when cooked. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir it occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Now, let’s make the sauce. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice with the zest of 1 orange. Add 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Mix in 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Whisk everything together until it is well combined. Pour this sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for an extra 3 to 4 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, giving it a rich flavor. Now it’s time to assemble your wraps! Take a large leaf of butter lettuce or Romaine. Spoon a portion of the orange chicken mixture into the center. Top it with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients. Arrange the filled lettuce wraps on a platter. For a pop of color, serve with wedges of orange on the side. This makes for a beautiful presentation! Enjoy your Better-Than-Takeout Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps. To make your chicken tender and full of flavor, use boneless, skinless thighs. Dicing them into small pieces helps them cook evenly. Cook the chicken in a hot skillet with vegetable oil. Aim for medium-high heat. This gives a nice brown color and seals in the juices. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. You can easily adjust the sweetness of your dish. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For less sweetness, cut back on the honey. Adding spice can also change the flavor. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped chili for heat. This will give your wraps a nice kick! Meal prep can save you time. You can dice the chicken and mix the sauce a day ahead. Keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Making the sauce in advance is also smart. Just mix all the sauce ingredients and store them. This way, you can quickly cook the chicken and add the sauce for a fast meal. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu to mix things up. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté it in the skillet until it turns pink. For tofu, use firm blocks. Press it to remove moisture, then cube it. Sauté until it gets golden. These options make great choices for vegetarians too. Want a twist on the taste? Try adding fruits like pineapple or mango. They bring a sweet kick. You can also add veggies like bell peppers for crunch. Spices like chili flakes or five-spice powder can give it a bold flavor. Adjust these to your liking for a fun change. If you need gluten-free wraps, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the taste but removes gluten. For a low-carb option, swap lettuce for cabbage leaves. They hold up well and add a nice crunch too. These simple swaps help everyone enjoy the meal! To keep your Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps fresh, store leftovers properly. First, let the wraps cool to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container. They stay good in the fridge for up to three days. If you have extra chicken mixture, store it separately from the lettuce. This helps keep the lettuce crisp. You can also freeze the chicken mixture for later. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. The chicken can last for about three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw the mixture overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If you have leftover chicken, get creative! Use it on rice or noodles for a quick meal. You can also add it to salads for some extra protein. Another fun idea is to make sliders with mini buns. Just spoon the chicken mixture onto the bun and add some green onions. Enjoy your tasty leftovers in new ways! Yes, you can use many types of lettuce. Here are some great options: - Butter lettuce: Soft and easy to fold. - Romaine: Crisp and sturdy. - Iceberg: Crunchy and refreshing. - Napa cabbage: Unique and flavorful. Each type adds a different crunch and taste to your wraps. To add spice, consider these ideas: - Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle them in when cooking. - Sriracha: Mix into the sauce for heat. - Fresh jalapeños: Chop and add to the chicken. - Chili garlic sauce: Stir into the sauce for a kick. These options will elevate your dish and add exciting flavors. Pair your wraps with these tasty sides: - Steamed rice: A classic choice that complements the dish. - Quinoa salad: Adds a healthy twist. - Roasted vegetables: Brighten your plate with color and taste. - Asian slaw: A fresh, crunchy side that pairs well. These sides enhance your meal and make it even more enjoyable. This blog post provided a full guide on making delicious orange chicken lettuce wraps. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to ensure great taste. You learned about variations and storage methods for your wraps. In conclusion, these wraps offer fun and flavorful options for meals. Enjoy customizing them to make each bite unique! Try out these techniques and enjoy the process. Your meals can taste amazing with just a little effort.

Better-Than-Takeout Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Savor the flavors of restaurant-quality Better-Than-Takeout Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps at home! This easy recipe combines tender chicken with a zesty orange sauce, all wrapped in crisp lettuce for a delightful meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or healthy lunch, these wraps are both delicious and fun to make. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this tasty delight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)

Zest of 1 orange

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon grated ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 head of butter lettuce or Romaine, leaves separated

1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, toss the diced chicken thighs with cornstarch until evenly coated.

    Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.

      In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined.

        Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

          Remove from heat and assemble the lettuce wraps. Take a lettuce leaf, spoon a portion of the orange chicken mixture onto it, and top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

            Repeat with remaining ingredients to make additional wraps.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Arrange the filled lettuce wraps on a platter, garnished with extra green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with wedges of orange for a pops of color.