Savory, crunchy and fresh with a little bit of sweet, these Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Basil and Cashews are an easy weeknight recipe that cooks up in 15 minutes!  Leave your forks in the draw because this eat-with-your-hands meal is a whole lot of fun to roll up!

Build-Your-Own Meals

As a mom with littles, any activity that includes F-U-N is the one they remember and want to do again.  While we have had our share of mealtime tantrums and defiance, I have quickly learned that creating a pleasing and I daresay fun experience at the dinner table can transform the environment and my kids desire to try new foods.  And eating with your hands is just plain fun!

These Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Basil & Cashews are fun to build and eat.  Each family member can choose which and how much of the filling and toppings to make their own tasty lettuce wrap.  It’s really amazing how giving autonomy to each family member can actually reduce anxiety around trying foods and create a more pleasant experience for everyone.

This recipe is rich in protein and has a nice dose of healthy fats from the nuts.  Cooking a side of quinoa or brown rice adds some whole grains and fiber.  Or add in more veg by sauteing some cauliflower rice with a bit of toasted sesame oil.

Let’s Talk Lettuce

Choosing the right lettuce for lettuce wraps is quite important because no one wants their filling falling out!  A popular restaurant uses iceberg lettuce for their lettuce wraps recipe and while it doesn’t boast a lot of nutrition, it does have a nice crunch.  Romaine hearts is another option that won’t fall apart as you munch. 

However, my family’s favorite type of lettuce is Bibb (aka, Butter or Boston).  This type of lettuce is tender and smooth with loosely-coiled leaves.  Heads of bibb lettuce can often be found in clam-shells in the produce department.  However, some of the bibb varieties are so thin and tender that they easily break.  A simple solution is to double up the lettuce leaves if needed.  

Quick Modifications

Whether you are out of an ingredient or have family members with food allergies, there are several ways to adapt this recipe to make it fit.  Here are a few ideas:

• Replace soy sauce with gluten free tamari or liquid aminos (do note that aminos may have varying levels of sodium so taste before serving and adjust as needed)
• Cook a side of quinoa or brown rice with chicken or vegetable stock and an all-purpose seasoning blend like Everything But the Bagel. Eat as a side dish or add as filling in your lettuce wraps.
• Can’t find ground chicken?  Use ground turkey.  I’ve tried both and they taste great!
• Replace cashews with chopped peanuts.
• Add more veggies by including some chopped water chestnuts in the chicken mixture or serving with a side of cauliflower rice.