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Delicious Dish

Carolyn's Dish / Chicken & Turkey

Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Tacos Recipe

February 17, 2019|By Carolyn Cohen
Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Tacos - carolyn's dish recipe by Carolyn Cohen

Servings

4

Ingredients

  • 1½ tbsp fish sauce or low sodium soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos
  • 1 stalk of lemongrass, (about 1 Tbs. finely minced)*
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes
  • ½ tsp packed brown sugar (or honey)
  • ½ cup water
  • 1½ pounds minced chicken (I like a mix of dark and white meat)
  • 1 227-ml can water chestnuts (drained and sliced in rounds)
  • 2 green onions (chopped in small rounds)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • A few tbsp minced cilantro
  • A few tbsp minced mint leaves
  • About 16-20 Boston lettuce leaves

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a non-stick fry pan (large enough to hold the chicken later), mix together the fish sauce, soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos, minced lemongrass, red chili flakes, brown sugar and water.

  2. 2

    Bring it to a boil and simmer for a few minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the chicken and water chestnuts and mix it through.

  4. 4

    Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the chicken into small pieces as it cooks.  Cook until it is no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.  Remove from heat.

  5. 5

    Sprinkle the green onions, lime juice, cilantro and mint. Stir.Spoon a generous amount into each lettuce leaf.

  6. 6

    Enjoy!

Notes

*Cut the root end off the lemongrass and then cut the lemongrass where the white part meets the greener part (you only use the white part, discard the root end and the darker part. Slice the lemongrass piece in half in the length and remove the outside two layers of the lemongrass, this part is too tough, discard. Then chop the white part very finely. You can freeze the rest of the lemongrass for another use, chopped or whole.

Tips & Storage

How to Store
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Chicken and turkey reheat well in the oven at 325°F to keep the meat moist.
Can I Freeze This?
Absolutely. Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Cooking Tip
Use a meat thermometer to ensure poultry reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking for juicier results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Tacos?

This Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Tacos recipe by Carolyn Cohen includes step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. You'll need 12 ingredients and the recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels.

How many servings does this spicy thai chicken lettuce tacos recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can easily double or halve the recipe to suit your needs.

What goes well with this spicy thai chicken lettuce tacos?

This recipe pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try it as part of a complete meal with complementary sides, salads, or proteins.