Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Jamaica with these mouthwatering Jerk Chicken Lettuce Wraps! Imagine tender, spice-coated chicken nestled in crisp lettuce leaves, bursting with bold Caribbean flavors that will make your dinner table sizzle with excitement. This recipe is not just a meal – it's a culinary adventure that combines the fiery kick of traditional jerk seasoning with the fresh, light crunch of lettuce, creating a low-carb masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the thighs dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adherence and even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly coat chicken thighs with jerk seasoning, massaging the spices into the meat to ensure complete coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, allowing the pan to become hot before adding chicken.
- Place seasoned chicken thighs into the hot pan, cooking for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken develops a deep, caramelized exterior.
- While chicken is cooking, wash and carefully separate lettuce leaves, arranging them on a serving platter.
- Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then slice into thin strips.
- Sauté sliced red onions and bell peppers in the same pan for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened and lightly charred.
- Arrange sliced chicken and sautéed vegetables on the prepared lettuce leaves.
- Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the wraps, adding a bright, citrusy finish.
- Instruct diners to roll or fold lettuce leaves around the chicken and vegetables, creating a handheld, low-carb meal.
Tips
- Seasoning Secret: For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate in the jerk seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking (or even overnight) to allow the spices to fully penetrate the meat.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy meat every time.
- Pan Perfection: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve that delicious caramelized exterior and prevent sticking.
- Lettuce Selection: Choose large, sturdy lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or romaine hearts that can hold the filling without falling apart.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra Caribbean twist, consider adding a quick homemade mango salsa or a drizzle of coconut-lime sauce to complement the jerk seasoning.
- Meal Prep Hack: Cook extra chicken to use in salads, rice bowls, or sandwiches throughout the week.
- Spice Level Control: Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning to suit your heat tolerance – start with less and add more if you like it spicy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 261kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
