Chicken-Rice Wraps

Flavorful Chicken-Rice Wraps with Pimento and Lettuce

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 3 hours | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Chicken-Rice Wraps are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken strips with flavorful rice, all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves. This recipe is perfect for a light and healthy meal that is easy to prepare and full of flavor.

History

Chicken-Rice Wraps have been a popular dish in many Asian cultures for centuries. The combination of chicken and rice is a classic pairing that is both comforting and nutritious. This recipe puts a modern twist on this traditional dish by adding in some additional flavors and textures.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) boneless chicken breasts
2 tbsp dry sherry
1 tbsp soy sauce
0.75 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground ginger
0.25 tsp crushed red pepper
1 cup chicken broth, divided
1 tbsp cornstarch
3 cups hot cooked rice
2 tbsp diced pimento
12 chilled lettuce leaves

How to prepare

Cut the chicken into julienne strips. Combine sherry, soy sauce, salt, ginger, and red pepper. Add the chicken to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Combine the chicken and 0.75 cup of broth in a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the chicken is opaque, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Dissolve cornstarch in the remaining 0.25 cup of broth, then add it to the chicken. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broth is thickened.
Combine the rice and pimento. Portion 0.25 cup of the rice mixture onto each lettuce leaf. Top with 0.33 cup of the hot chicken mixture. Garnish with additional pimento, if desired.

Variations

Add in some diced vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for added crunch and flavor.
Use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option.
Try using different types of lettuce leaves such as romaine or iceberg for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use a large skillet to cook the chicken to ensure that it cooks evenly and quickly.

- Be sure to stir the chicken frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

- Garnish the wraps with additional pimento for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken-Rice Wraps with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours for maximum flavor.

- Cook the chicken over medium-high heat to ensure that it cooks quickly and evenly.

- Dissolve the cornstarch in broth before adding it to the chicken to prevent lumps from forming.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a vegetarian or seafood option.

- Substitute tamari for soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

- Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a lower-carb option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken and prepare the rice mixture ahead of time to save time on the day of serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Chicken-Rice Wraps on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or additional pimento for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Chicken-Rice Wraps with a side of Asian slaw and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chicken-Rice Wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken-Rice Wraps contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken-Rice Wraps contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken-Rice Wraps contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken-Rice Wraps contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken-Rice Wraps are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and cornstarch, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chicken-Rice Wraps are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Chicken-Rice Wraps are a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. With a balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Chicken-Rice Wraps. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little cottage by the countryside. As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by the most tantalizing aroma coming from her kitchen.

Maria was bustling around, preparing a feast for us to enjoy. She had a big pot simmering on the stove, filled with tender chicken and fragrant spices. I watched in awe as she deftly shredded the chicken and mixed it with cooked rice, fresh herbs, and a secret sauce that she refused to reveal to me.

Intrigued by the delicious smells wafting through the air, I asked Maria if I could help her with anything. With a twinkle in her eye, she handed me a bowl of the chicken-rice mixture and a stack of soft, delicate rice paper wraps.

"Here, my dear," she said. "I'll teach you how to make these Chicken-Rice Wraps. They're a family favorite, passed down from generation to generation."

Maria showed me how to soak the rice paper wraps in warm water until they became pliable, and then how to fill them with a generous spoonful of the chicken-rice mixture. With practiced hands, she demonstrated how to fold and roll the wraps into neat little bundles, ensuring that none of the delicious filling spilled out.

As we worked side by side in her cozy kitchen, Maria shared stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her how to make these wraps when she was just a young girl. She spoke fondly of the countless hours they had spent together in the kitchen, bonding over their shared love of cooking and creating delicious meals for their family.

I listened intently, soaking up every word and savoring the taste of the Chicken-Rice Wraps that Maria had lovingly prepared. The flavors were a perfect balance of savory and sweet, with hints of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce coming together in perfect harmony.

After we had finished making the wraps, Maria set the table with an array of colorful dishes and invited me to sit down and enjoy the fruits of our labor. As we ate, she regaled me with more stories of her childhood and the many recipes she had learned from her grandmother.

I was inspired by Maria's passion for cooking and her dedication to preserving her family's culinary traditions. I knew then and there that I wanted to carry on this legacy and learn as much as I could from her.

Over the years, Maria became my mentor and my guide, teaching me the ins and outs of traditional cooking techniques and sharing her vast knowledge of recipes from around the world. Together, we cooked up a storm in her cozy kitchen, experimenting with new flavors and ingredients, and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

And so, the recipe for Chicken-Rice Wraps became a staple in my own kitchen, a beloved dish that I would make for my family and friends on special occasions. Each time I rolled up the tender chicken and fragrant rice in a soft, delicate rice paper wrap, I would think of Maria and the bond we shared over our love of good food and great company.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful summer afternoon when I first learned to make Chicken-Rice Wraps, I am filled with gratitude for the wonderful friend who opened my eyes to the joys of cooking and the power of sharing a meal with loved ones. And so, I continue to pass on this cherished recipe to the next generation, hoping to instill in them the same love and appreciation for the art of cooking that Maria instilled in me.