Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the Caribbean? Our Jerk Chicken Lettuce Wraps are not only bursting with vibrant flavors but also offer a fresh and healthy twist on traditional wraps. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish that serves four, perfect for a family dinner or a fun gathering with friends. With juicy marinated chicken, refreshing mango, and creamy avocado all nestled in crisp lettuce leaves, these wraps are sure to impress. Get ready to dive into this tantalizing recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
- 1/2 cup mango, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2-inch in size.
- In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly coat chicken pieces with jerk seasoning, ensuring each piece is evenly covered. Let marinate for 5-10 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
- Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and fully cooked with internal temperature reaching 165°F.
- While chicken cooks, carefully separate and wash lettuce leaves. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, creating perfect wrap vessels.
- Dice mango and red bell pepper into small, consistent pieces. Slice avocado into thin, elegant strips.
- Once chicken is cooked, remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to redistribute internal juices.
- Assemble wraps by placing cooked jerk chicken in center of each lettuce leaf, then top with diced mango, red bell pepper, and avocado slices.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while chicken is still warm.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate in the jerk seasoning for at least 10 minutes. For even better results, marinate it for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator to let the spices fully penetrate the meat.
- Choose the Right Lettuce: Romaine or butter lettuce works best for wraps due to their sturdy leaves, which can hold the filling without tearing. Make sure to select large, intact leaves for easy wrapping.
- Keep it Fresh: When preparing your vegetables, ensure they are diced evenly for a balanced bite. Fresh ingredients like mango and avocado add a sweet and creamy contrast to the spicy chicken.
- Cook Chicken Properly: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it’s safely cooked while remaining juicy and tender.
- Serve Immediately: These wraps are best enjoyed fresh! Assemble them just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and the chicken warm.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add sliced jalapeños for heat, or a drizzle of lime juice for a zesty kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 332kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 31g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg