Jerk Chicken Lettuce Cups (Print Version)

Spicy jerk-seasoned chicken paired with mango salsa and coconut crema in crisp lettuce cups.

# What You'll Need:

→ Jerk Chicken

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Mango Salsa

06 - 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
07 - 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
08 - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
09 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
11 - Juice of 1 lime
12 - Pinch of salt

→ Coconut Crema

13 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
14 - 2 tablespoons coconut milk
15 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
16 - 1/2 teaspoon honey, optional
17 - Pinch of salt

→ To Serve

18 - 8 large butter lettuce leaves or romaine hearts
19 - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
20 - Lime wedges

# Cooking Steps:

01 - In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces, jerk seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, and salt. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
02 - While chicken marinates, combine diced mango, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a separate bowl. Mix gently to combine without bruising the mango. Set aside at room temperature.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, coconut milk, lime juice, honey if using, and salt until smooth and creamy. Transfer to refrigerator until assembly.
04 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook, stirring frequently, for 6 to 8 minutes until fully cooked through and lightly charred at edges. Remove from heat.
05 - Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Spoon warm jerk chicken into each leaf, top with mango salsa, and drizzle with coconut crema. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Explosion of Flavor: The combination of spicy jerk seasoning and sweet mango salsa creates a tropical taste sensation.
  • Fresh and Healthy: These wraps are naturally gluten-free and low-carb, perfect for a light lunch or appetizer.
  • Quick to Assemble: With a prep time of 25 minutes, it's an easy way to serve a sophisticated, colorful dish.
02 -
  • Lettuce Choice: Use large butter lettuce leaves for a soft cup, or romaine hearts if you prefer more of a crunch.
  • Preparation: Dice the mango and vegetables into small, uniform pieces to ensure every bite of salsa is perfectly balanced.
  • Nutrition: Each serving provides 320 calories and 25 g of protein, making it an excellent high-protein, light meal option.
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