Filling Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps are everything you'd want them be and then some! They have well rounded flavor, you'll find them easy to make, and they have the perfect crunch factor thanks to the tender crisp veggies, lettuce, and peanuts.

The chicken (or turkey) keeps them nice and filling but if you want an even heartier meal you can serve these with a side of rice.

You can adjust the sauces here to suite your taste. If you like the flavor of fish sauce you can add more. If you love heat load them up with the Sambal Oelek or Sriracha. And for more peanut flavor be sure to try them finished with a creamy peanut sauce (it so delicious and worth the extra bit of effort).

I know it's a fairly lengthy list of ingredients here but I don't recommend leaving any out. Everything comes together beautifully to create a truly tasty, veggie and chicken-filled lettuce wrap that you'll want to make on repeat.

This refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad has such a welcome, satisfying blend of textures paired with well rounded flavor. The dressing has a crave-able rich peanut flavor, the veggies offer the salad so much freshness and a great crunch, and the chicken makes it hearty and filling.

It's fairly easy to make since it includes a shortcut of store-bought, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. This also makes it a no cooking required dinner salad recipe.

There's just bit of measuring, chopping and tossing. And if you happen to have someone to help one of you can prep the salad while the other person makes the dressing.

It's a nutritious, all in one salad that's great for serving as a main dish entree for lunch or dinner. You'll love all the deliciousness in every bite!

Satisfying Sesame Noodles and Variations

That saucy noodle craving is real and this recipe (with it's delicious Asian flavors) is the perfect way to satisfy it!

This versatile recipe can be served as is or you could also include a protein such as chicken or shrimp.

Another great option is to sneak in sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, matchstick carrots, cabbage, bell pepper or pea pods.

You could also swap out the pasta or noodles for a healthier option. There are lots of choices out there now, with things like brown rice noodles, whole wheat noodles or pasta, lentil or chick pea based noodles, or others including things like spinach.

The key is to stick with this incredible sauce and you will want this dish on repeat!

Homemade Peanut Brittle

While it's true that peanut brittle can be very temperamental it's also true that by following a straightforward method and helpful tips along the way you'll realize it's easier to make than you've likely heard.

I made six batches today (12 cups of sugar and 6 sticks of butter later) taking notes and learning things along the way until I got it to taste just like I remember.

It starts out with the most basic ingredients and finishes with a classic nostalgic treat that's sure to tempt and satisfy those sweet tooth cravings.

Just don't overdue it (eating too much) like I always did as a kid. Sugar rush. But oh such a memorable, classic holiday treat I always looked forward to every Christmas!

Whenever you make it of course just be careful, this is boiling hot sugar syrup. And do work quickly! Peanut brittle is known for how fast it likes to set (I've included tips below).

Craving something sweet? Try my Sweet Holiday Chex Mix recipe!

Homemade Chex Mix

Who doesn't love Chex Mix? A snack that goes way back when, and always a fun one around the holidays.

For years I had just been buying Chex Mix at the store but this year I figured it was due time to try making it at home. And now I'm hooked because this fresher, buttery version is just that much better!

I've listed three common options to cook it. My personal favorite is the oven method but all work well.

With the slow cooker you just have to be available to stir every so often which can be a bit tedious in my opinion, and the microwave works fine but I think the perfectly crisp texture of the oven option wins.

Here we use a homemade seasoned salt blend (including salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and sugar). The great thing about that is that you can have more control over amount of salt, and you can switch it up (using other spices or adjusting those listed here).

It's a versatile recipe with so many options. Or just stick with the classic because you can't go wrong with it as is!

What is Pad Thai?

Pad Thai is Thailands National dish and likely the most popular order at the majority of Thai restaurants here in the U.S.

It is a noodle stir fry dish traditionally made up of rice noodles, shrimp, tofu, eggs and a deeply flavored, sweet and sour sauce. The sauce is usually consists of ingredients such as fish sauce, tamarind paste, dried shrimp and palm sugar.

Is This Authentic Pad Thai?

I'll be the first to admit this is not the typical Pad Thai you'd find in Thailand. My version uses common ingredients found in the U.S. with a similar, and equally as delicious flavor to an authentic version.

So, you won't have to make a special trip to the Asian grocery store that may be 30 miles or more away from home.

In this Pad Thai you'll find tender pieces of chicken and lots of fresh vegetables and it's all tossed with the most crave-worthy sauce, and of course, finished with an abundance of crunchy peanuts.

You'll see based off of the reviews and comments this has been a reader favorite!

Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle

You wouldn't believe how easy it is to make this Microwave Peanut Brittle. Not only that but it has the perfect texture and it tastes delicious! No one will even know you made it in the microwave.

It will make a perfect last-minute gift for that friend or neighbor on your list, or for yourself of course!

If you like your peanut brittle to have more of the meltaway effect, I like to spread it as little as possible so it's light and crisp. If you like it more of the traditional way just spread it out thin. Either way, you are going to love this!

Cauliflower Fried Rice with Chicken

There are few dinners more comforting than a quick and easy fried rice. Usually, it's made up of leftover rice (or cooked jasmine rice if I'm really committed), leftover ham or chicken breast, and several cloves garlic. But if you're limiting carbs or trying to increase your veggies, you'll find this a great substitute for the boring day-old rice.

In fact I actually like this version even better than the cooked rice version. It's incredibly filling, but you don't feel weighed down like when you eat a bunch of the empty calories of white rice. You can cut more fat and calories by using a different neutral oil, like avocado oil or canola oil.

I've made this three times already, but I thought I'd wait until the new year to share it with you, because December was all about those cookies.

And now I guess I need to make up for all those cookies with lots of healthy meals this month :).

But honestly, I know I'll never be one who's able to give up sugar and desserts, so I like to make mostly healthy meals like this to help balance it out a little. Fried rice recipes are a great option for sneaking in more vegetables or cleaning out your fridge.

Ingredients for This Recipe

• Cauliflower
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Sesame oil (or vegetable oil if there are allergies)
• Green onions
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Frozen peas and carrots blend
• Eggs
• Soy sauce

Scroll below for the full printable recipe.

How to Make Cauliflower Fried Rice

• Cut the florets from the cauliflower, leaving most of the stem behind. Pulse half at a time in a food processor into fine bits, just a bit larger than couscous (you should have 4 cups).
• Transfer cauliflower to a large roll of several layers of paper towels, then wrap and squeeze to remove some of the excess moisture. Set aside.
• Heat 1/2 Tbsp olive oil and 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil in a large 12-inch (fairly deep) non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add in chicken and cook, tossing occasionally, until cooked through, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
• Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil to now empty skillet, set over medium-high heat. Add in green onions, ginger, and garlic, and saute 20 seconds.
• Add in cauliflower "rice" and saute 3 minutes. Add in peas and carrots and saute until heated through, about 3 minutes.
• Push the mixture to the edges of the pan. Add the last 1/2 Tbsp of sesame oil to the center, then add eggs and scramble and cook just until set.
• Return chicken to the pan. Pour soy sauce over everything, then toss and cook 1 minute longer.
• Serve warm with green onions, peanuts, and Sriracha.

A Protein-Rich One-Pan Dinner

My whole family loves this Cauliflower Fried "Rice" and it's a one-pan meal I'll make again and again.

This dish is made with tons of veggies (cauliflower, carrots, peas), lean protein-packed chicken, and eggs to add one more protein and make it that much more filling.

Something great about stir fries is that you can customize them for any flavor you enjoy. Experiment with other meats, like beef or pork, or shrimp fried rice, or use different cuts for more juicy chicken (I love boneless skinless chicken thighs). Use different amounts of salt and pepper, season with a dark soy sauce, or add sriracha for some heat. I also like to throw in whatever veggies I have in the fridge—broccoli, carrots, asparagus, anything goes! Just pay attention to how long it takes individual ingredients to fry.

I love that it's a quick and easy dinner too. As in you can pretty much make it faster than it would take to go pick up take-out. Plus, the leftovers are perfect for taking lunch to work the next day.

I think I'm going to start freezing my own cauliflower rice so I have a head start with this fried rice and my Loaded Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice.

You could also try using store-bought frozen cauliflower rice. That should work great here as well.

More Recipes You Might Like

• Very Veggie Fried Rice
• Teriyaki Chicken
• Asian Lettuce Wraps

Instructions

Chicken Bowl Recipe Layered with Rice Veggies and Creamy Peanut Sauce

If there's a food out there that includes peanut sauce I already know I love it. So before I had even made these Chicken, Veggie and Brown Rice Bowls with Peanut Sauce I was already in love but once I tasted them I was totally smitten!

They have a few steps but they are a breeze to make (hello rotisserie chicken), so these are perfect for lunch or dinner.

Try them for Meal Prep!

These are also perfect for meal prep if you are into that, I had one bowl then saved the rest for my husband for lunches and he couldn't be happier.

Ingredients You'll Need for This Recipe

• Brown rice
• Rotisserie chicken
• Veggies - sweet potatoes, bell pepper
• Olive oil
• Spices - cumin, coriander, cinnamon, S&P
• Cilantro
• Peanuts

For the Peanut Sauce

• Creamy peanut butter
• Honey
• Lime
• Soy sauce
• Fresh garlic and ginger
• Sriracha

Use Instant Rice or Quinoa for a Quicker Option

The only slow part of this recipe is that 50 minute brown rice cook time. Feel free to use leftover brown rice or substitute instant brown rice or quinoa for a quicker option, then you should be able to have this meal ready in about 30 minutes.

Can I Use Cooked Chicken Breasts or Thighs?

To keep this meal simple I decided to go with rotisserie chicken. You can cook your own chicken, preferably bone-in breasts for more flavor or chicken thighs. Or grilled chicken breasts would be another great option.

How to Make Chicken Bowls

• Cook rice according package instructions.
• Preheat oven an grease baking sheet.
• Toss potatoes with oil and spices on baking sheet.
• Place potatoes in a mound on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and toss, spread even.
• Roast until tender, tossing once halfway.
• Mix all peanut sauce ingredients in a bowl.
• In serving bowls layer rice, chicken sweet potatoes, bell pepper, cilantro and peanut sauce

A Meal in One with all the Toppings

I don't recommend skimping out on any of the veggie and topping ingredients, each one really does just adds a delicious flavor and texture and each ingredient together is what really makes these bowls sing!

Then don't be shy with the peanut sauce because we all know that's the best part!

More Chicken Recipes You'll Love

• Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
• Thai Chicken Tacos with Peanut Sauce
• Rainbow Spring Roll Bowls with Peanut Sauce