Coogirl Candy Citrus Glazed Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Pickled Mango Salsa

Coogirl Candy Citrus Glazed Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Pickled Mango Salsa

Bright, fresh and a little spicy. These lettuce wraps pair citrus‑marinated chicken with a glossy Coogirl Candy glaze and a quick pickled mango salsa. The jam is used two ways: warmed into a sticky glaze for the hot chicken and stirred into the chilled salsa dressing so the jalapeño‑sweet character appears in both hot and cold elements.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1/2″ strips
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Coogirl glaze
  • 1/3 cup Coogirl Candy
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
• Pickled mango salsa
  • 1 cup ripe mango, small dice
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • 2 tbsp finely diced red onion
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Coogirl Candy (stirred smooth)
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• To serve
  • 8–12 butter lettuce leaves (Bibb or Boston), washed and patted dry
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • Extra lime wedges

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl combine 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp orange juice, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Add chicken strips, toss to coat and let sit 10–15 minutes at room temperature.
2. Make the pickled mango salsa: In a bowl whisk rice vinegar, 1 tbsp Coogirl Candy and 1 tbsp lime juice until combined. Add diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion and chopped cilantro. Toss and season with salt and pepper. Let sit at least 10 minutes so flavors meld. The Coogirl in the dressing adds sweet jalapeño flecks and bright fruit notes.
3. Warm the Coogirl glaze: In a small saucepan warm 1/3 cup Coogirl Candy with 1 tsp lime juice and 1 tsp soy sauce over low heat until loosened and brushable, about 1–2 minutes. Keep warm on the lowest heat.
4. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add chicken strips in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. In the final minute brush the warm Coogirl glaze over the chicken so it becomes glossy and slightly sticky. Remove to a plate and let rest a minute.
5. Assemble the lettuce wraps: Place a few chicken strips in each lettuce leaf, top with a spoonful of pickled mango salsa, a slice of avocado if using, and a small drizzle of any remaining glaze. Serve with lime wedges.
6. Serve immediately: These are best while the chicken is warm and the glaze is glossy. Offer extra Coogirl Candy at the table for guests who want more sweet‑spicy kick.

Notes

• Creative use of product: Coogirl Candy is used both as a warm finishing glaze for the chicken and incorporated into the chilled mango salsa dressing so its jalapeño‑sweet flavor appears in both hot and cool components.
• Heat control: The jam contains jalapeño pieces; reduce amount in salsa or glaze if you prefer milder heat.
• Make‑ahead: Salsa can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated. Warm glaze before finishing the chicken.