Welcome to my kitchen! If you’re looking for a dinner that feels both incredibly fresh and satisfyingly flavorful, you’ve come to the right place. I’m Alara, and I love finding recipes that are a little bit special but super easy to make. These Chili Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps are exactly that. They’re bursting with bright flavors and a hint of sweetness. I know you’ll love them as much as my family does for a light dinner. We’ve poured our hearts into making this recipe simple and delicious, just like my grandmother taught us.
Why You’ll Love These Chili Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These wraps are a winner for so many reasons! They are:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes total.
- Healthy & Light: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies.
- Gluten-Free: Perfect for those with dietary needs.
- Flavorful: A delightful mix of sweet, savory, and a touch of spice.
- Fun to Eat: Great for a casual meal or even a get-together.
Gather Your Ingredients for Chili Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Let’s get our fresh ingredients ready for these amazing wraps! Having everything prepped makes cooking a breeze. We’re focusing on vibrant flavors today.
Chicken and Seasonings
You’ll need 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Make sure to cut them into small cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Then, grab your spices: 1 teaspoon of chili powder, half a teaspoon of cumin, and of course, salt and pepper to taste. This simple mix brings the heat.
Fresh Produce and Flavor Boosters
Get ready for a burst of color! Slice one red bell pepper thinly. Slice one green bell pepper thinly too. You’ll want half a cup of chopped fresh mango. Chop a quarter cup of red onion. Fresh cilantro is key, so grab two tablespoons chopped. Finally, one tablespoon of fresh lime juice adds that zing.
The Perfect Lettuce Cups
For your cups, we need 8 large lettuce leaves. Butter or romaine lettuce works beautifully here. Look for crisp, whole leaves. They should be sturdy enough to hold all the yummy filling. These are your edible bowls for this light dinner.
How to Prepare Your Chili Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Let’s get cooking! Making these wraps is super simple. First, grab a medium bowl. Toss your chicken cubes with chili powder. Add cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up well. This is where the flavor starts.
Seasoning and Searing the Chicken
Next, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Use medium-high heat. Add your seasoned chicken to the hot skillet. Cook it until it’s nicely browned. Make sure it’s cooked all the way through. This usually takes about five to seven minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Adding the Vegetables and Mango
Now, add your sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook them for another three to four minutes. You want them to be slightly tender, not mushy. Then, stir in the chopped mango. Add the red onion and cilantro. Pour in the lime juice. Cook for just one to two minutes more. You just want everything heated through. It smells amazing already!
Assembling Your Chili Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Almost done! Now it’s time to assemble your wraps. Take your fresh lettuce leaves. Spoon the delicious chicken and mango mixture into each leaf. Fill them up, but don’t overstuff them. You want them easy to eat. Serve them right away for the best taste experience.
Tips for Success with Chili Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Want to make these wraps truly shine? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. It’s all about those little details that make a big difference in a dish. These tips help ensure your Chili Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps are perfect every time.
Achieving the Perfect Spice Level
If you love a little heat, you can easily amp up the spice. Just add a pinch of cayenne pepper right along with the chili powder. This gives it a lovely kick without overpowering the other flavors. Taste as you go! It’s your kitchen, after all.
Mango Substitutions and Additions
Fresh mango is wonderful, but don’t worry if it’s not in season. You can totally use canned mango chunks. Just make sure to drain them well first! For extra crunch and color, try adding some shredded carrots or snap peas. They add a nice texture.
Serving Suggestions for Chili Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These wraps are so light and fresh. They really shine on their own! But if you want a fuller meal, think light sides. A simple cucumber salad is lovely. Maybe some black beans or a small portion of brown rice would be nice. A side of avocado slices is always a winner. These pairings keep the focus on the bright flavors of your Chili Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
Storing and Reheating Your Chili Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Got leftovers? That’s great! Store the chicken and mango filling in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store the lettuce leaves separately. This keeps them crisp. For reheating, gently warm the filling in a skillet or microwave. You don’t want to overcook it. Then, spoon the warm mixture into fresh lettuce leaves. Enjoy your delicious Chili Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps again!
Frequently Asked Questions about Chili Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Have some questions about these tasty wraps? I’m happy to help clear things up!
Can I make Chili Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and mango filling a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the lettuce leaves separate and crisp. This makes assembly for your light dinner super quick. It’s a great quick recipe option.
Are Chili Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps spicy?
They have a mild warmth from the chili powder. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add some finely chopped jalapeño to the mix. Adjust it to your liking!
What are the best lettuce types for wraps?
Crisp, sturdy leaves work best. Think butter lettuce, romaine, or even iceberg lettuce. They hold the filling well. Make sure the leaves are large enough to fold or cup.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Chili Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Here’s a look at what you can expect in each serving of these delightful wraps. Remember, these are estimates and can vary slightly based on exact ingredient amounts. Each serving (about 2 lettuce wraps) typically provides:
- Calories: Around 250
- Protein: About 25g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 20g
- Fat: Approximately 8g
- Sugar: Around 15g
Chili Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Sweet perfection
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy these vibrant Chili Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps for a light and flavorful dinner. They’re packed with fresh ingredients and a touch of sweetness, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mango
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 large lettuce leaves (like butter or romaine)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Stir in the chopped mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Cook for 1-2 minutes more until heated through.
- Spoon the chicken and mango mixture into the lettuce leaves.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the chili powder.
- If fresh mango is unavailable, you can use canned mango chunks, drained.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like shredded carrots or snap peas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 lettuce wraps
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
