Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

When I set out to make this recipe, I wanted to recreate my favorite Spicy Lentil Wrap from Trader Joe’s. In my pre-paleo days, this wrap was a lifesaver when I needed something quick and delicious to eat. I haven’t had this wrap in years because A-it isn’t even close to paleo and B-there is no Trader Joe’s in Oklahoma! The hardest part of recreating the lentil wrap was replacing the lentils! I decided on ground chicken because it easily picks up seasoning flavors. These Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Tahini Sauce turned out so good! No they aren’t exactly the Trader Joe’s lentil wrap, but they are an amazing substitute. I love how the chili garlic sauce gives the meat just a little kick that is paired with the cool tahini sauce. These spicy chicken lettuce wraps are perfect to take to work or for a quick dinner!

Guess what?! After leaving Los Angeles more than 2 years ago, I am finally going back!! It is just for a quick weekend getaway, but I am so excited to return to my old home. Los Angeles holds a lot of memories for me. I still can’t believe I used to live there. I miss the weather and the beach daily, but I don’t miss the traffic or being a workaholic. I consider myself a recovering workaholic. When I was younger, all I cared about was my career. I put my career first in all areas of my life, especially my health. I ate terrible and didn’t work out. I binge ate double-cured ice cream and quesadillas with tapatio sauce. I sat at a desk all day without moving. Looking back, I wish I’d found paleo sooner, but I am just happy that I did finally decide to make my health a priority. Finding paleo made me realize I had other passions outside my job. I started to get excited about cooking and trying new recipes. I sometimes forget that I used to be a terrible cook! I’ll stop rambling but the point is that at anytime you can change and decide to eat healthy or do something new. You just have to make the decision and stick with it!

Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients

1 cup sweet onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1lb ground chicken
2 tsp cumin
1 tbls chili garlic sauce
1/2 tsp sea salt

Tahini Sauce

2 tbls tahini
2 tbls warm water
2 tsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
1/8 tsp sea salt

For serving:

Butter lettuce

Directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until onions are translucent.
Add in chicken, cumin, chili garlic sauce and sea salt. With a wooden spoon, break apart and brown chicken until there is no more pink, about 7-10 minutes.

For the tahini sauce: