Apricot Habanero Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Apricot Habanero Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Recipe #3 will feature Apricot Habanero (position 3 of 7 in rotation) https://coomoojams.com/product/apricot-habanero/

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 3/4 cup)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 tablespoons Apricot Habanero (product link)
• 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 cup finely chopped water chestnuts for crunch
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, shredded
• 1 head butter or Boston lettuce, leaves separated, washed and patted dry
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish
• Optional: lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and grated ginger and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground chicken and break it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes, letting bits brown slightly for extra flavor.
3. Stir in the Apricot Habanero, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors. The jam will add both sweetness and a spicy finish, creating a glossy, slightly sticky coating for the chicken.
4. Fold in the chopped water chestnuts, shredded carrot, and the white parts of the green onions. Cook just until warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes, keeping the mixture moist but not soupy. Taste and adjust: add a splash more soy sauce for saltiness or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
5. To serve, spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Top with sliced green onion greens, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
6. For a creative use of the product, finish each assembled wrap with a tiny dollop of Apricot Habanero on top of the filling so guests get an extra burst of jammed apricot and heat in the first bite. This also creates a glossy accent on the lettuce for an attractive presentation.
7. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side. These wraps also pair well with steamed jasmine rice if you prefer a heartier meal.

Notes

• Make ahead: Prepare the chicken mixture up to a day in advance and store chilled. Reheat gently before assembling the wraps and add fresh garnishes at serving time.
• Balance: Apricot Habanero adds sweet fruit notes with a warm heat. Rice vinegar and lime brighten the dish while water chestnuts supply a crisp contrast to the tender chicken.
• Substitutions: Swap ground turkey for chicken or use pre-shredded rotisserie chicken warmed in the sauce for a faster option.
• Storage: Store leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Do not store assembled lettuce wraps as the leaves will wilt.