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- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced - 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 teaspoon grated ginger - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or orange) - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped - Lettuce leaves (butter or iceberg) - Sesame seeds for garnish To create these tasty wraps, start with boneless skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender, making the dish rich in flavor. Freshly squeezed orange juice is key for brightness. It adds a sweet and tangy kick that balances the savory notes. Next, we need vegetable oil for cooking. It helps to brown the chicken and gives a nice crisp. For added depth, soy sauce brings umami. Honey enhances sweetness, making each bite delightful. Grated ginger and minced garlic provide warmth and aromatic layers. Don’t forget the veggies! A diced bell pepper adds crunch and color. Shredded carrots bring sweetness and texture. Green onions lend a fresh pop. Finally, lettuce leaves wrap everything up. They provide a crisp contrast to the warm filling. Sesame seeds make a perfect garnish for extra crunch. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a vibrant, tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by dicing the chicken thighs into small cubes. This ensures even cooking and great texture. Next, place the diced chicken in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, along with salt and pepper, over the chicken. Mix well so every piece is coated. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Cook until it turns golden brown and is no longer pink in the center. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of orange juice, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Whisk together until well mixed. This sauce adds a bright flavor to the dish. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the orange sauce over it in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Next, add in 1 diced bell pepper and 1 cup of shredded carrots. Stir for an additional 2-3 minutes. This helps the veggies stay crisp yet tender. Remove the skillet from heat. Gently fold in 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. To assemble your wraps, take a lettuce leaf and place a generous spoonful of the orange chicken mixture inside. If you like, you can garnish with sesame seeds and more green onions for extra flavor and crunch. To make your orange chicken shine, start by coating the chicken well. Use cornstarch evenly. This step helps to create a crispy texture when cooked. Make sure every piece is coated. You want a nice crunch in each bite. Next, consider the oil you use for cooking. I recommend vegetable oil for this dish. It has a high smoke point, which is great for frying. You can also try peanut oil for a nutty flavor. Just be careful if you have nut allergies. Presentation matters! Serve your lettuce wraps on a large platter. Add extra orange wedges on the side for color. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a lovely crunch. This small touch can make your dish pop. When it comes to sides, think light and fresh. A simple cucumber salad pairs well. You can also serve steamed rice or quinoa. These options balance the flavors of the wraps. If you want a lighter dish, consider lower-sugar sauce options. You can use less honey or a sugar substitute. This change keeps the flavor without the extra sugar. For protein, swap chicken for ground turkey or tofu. Both options work well and are tasty. You can even add more vegetables for extra nutrition. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas for a colorful mix. Pro Tips Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the diced chicken in the orange juice, soy sauce, and honey mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of the dish significantly compared to bottled versions. Cooking Temperature: Ensure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to achieve a nice sear and lock in moisture. Crunch Factor: Add some chopped water chestnuts or toasted nuts for an extra crunch in your wraps! {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for ground turkey or tofu. Ground turkey cooks fast, so aim for 5-6 minutes. Tofu needs a bit longer, about 7-10 minutes to turn golden. Cut protein into small pieces for even cooking. For a vegetarian twist, try chickpeas or mushrooms. Chickpeas add protein and a nice texture. Use canned chickpeas for quick prep. Mushrooms give a rich taste that blends well with the orange sauce. You can change the sweetness or spice level to fit your taste. Add more honey for a sweeter dish or extra chili flakes for heat. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or snap peas for crunch and color. Feel free to experiment! To keep your orange chicken fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work great. After the meal, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Then, store it in the fridge. The chicken will taste best if eaten within three days. To reheat, I suggest using a skillet. Heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. Stir until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken rubbery. For the lettuce wraps, serve the chicken mixture on fresh leaves. This keeps the wraps crispy and tasty. You can freeze the orange chicken mixture. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove all the air. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet for the best results. Enjoy your orange chicken wraps just like fresh! You can try other leafy greens if you want a change. Here are some great options: - Swiss chard - Collard greens - Romaine lettuce - Napa cabbage These greens add different flavors and textures. Pick what you enjoy most! To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce. You can find brands like Tamari or coconut aminos in stores. These options work well without gluten but keep the flavor intact. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Cook the chicken and sauce in advance. - Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. - Assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp. This way, you save time and still enjoy fresh wraps! These wraps pair nicely with various sides. Consider these options: - Steamed rice or quinoa - Fried rice - Vegetable stir-fry - Asian slaw These sides add flavor and balance to your meal, making it even more enjoyable! In this post, I covered how to make delicious orange chicken lettuce wraps. We explored key ingredients like chicken, fresh orange juice, and flavorful seasonings. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips for perfect results. You can customize the dish with different proteins and vegetables while keeping it healthy. Remember, these wraps are not just tasty; they’re also fun to make. Enjoy your time in the kitchen creating a meal that everyone will love.

Zesty Orange Chicken Lettuce Wraps

A fresh and flavorful dish featuring diced chicken thighs in a zesty orange sauce, served in crisp lettuce wraps.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 unit bell pepper (red or orange), diced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 head butter or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine diced chicken thighs with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is well coated.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and minced garlic.
  • Pour the orange sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat and allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Add diced bell pepper and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and fold in chopped green onions.
  • To assemble the wraps, place a generous spoonful of the orange chicken mixture onto a lettuce leaf.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired.

Notes

Serve the lettuce wraps on a large platter with extra orange wedges on the side for a vibrant touch. You can also sprinkle some extra sesame seeds for added crunch.
Keyword chicken, healthy, lettuce wraps, orange sauce