Asian Lettuce Wraps

So I mentioned that one of my “good deals” at the grocery store this past weekend was antibiotic and hormone free ground chicken.  I have never bought this before because its generally too pricey but this week it was less than the ground beef!  So what to make?  We have a favorite ground beef recipe that I decided might just work with ground chicken.  I was right and it was delicious!  Its similar to a very popular restaurant chain’s lettuce wrap appetizer… so if you like those, you need to try this recipe.

Asian Lettuce Wraps:
1 Lb Ground Chicken
1/2 can Water Chestnuts, chopped
2-3 stalks Celery, chopped
1/2c. Brown Sugar – not packed
1/4c. Soy Sauce
1 Tbs Sesame Oil
3 cloves of Garlic, minced
1/2 tsp freshly grated Ginger (can also use 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
1/2-1 tsp crushed red pepper (the full amount is SPICY!)
Salt & Pepper to taste

Mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger & red pepper and set aside.  Brown the ground chicken with the water chestnuts, celery, minced garlic, salt, pepper and sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Drain the fat and place back in the skillet.  Add the brown sugar/soy sauce mixture and stir to coat.  Simmer for 3-4minutes to blend the flavors.  Serve over rice or wrapped in your favorite lettuce leaf. 
Recipe slightly adapted from Six Sisters’ Stuff.

This recipe also works very well with ground beef and has become a favorite in our house. The hubs actually requests it weekly, although it doesn’t get made quite that often!  The next time I make this I’m thinking of adding roasted peanuts to the mix.

If you make this, let me know if your family likes it!

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Burritos

I mentioned that this week our grocery bill was a whopping $36 because we are making do with mostly on hand items. When I searched my shelves and fridge I found a can of black beans, frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I stock up on these when I find a good sale on the hormone and antibiotic free kind), a half used bulk jar of salsa and about 6 large flour tortillas leftover from quesadilla night.  So what did I come up with for dinner?

Salsa Chicken Burritos!

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Burritos:
2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 medium sized jar mild salsa (I used about 20oz or so)
1 can black beans, drained
Tastefully Simple Fiesta Party Dip Mix
Large flour tortillas
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream

Place chicken in your slow cooker.  Cover chicken with salsa completely. Sprinkle Fiesta Party Dip Mix over top to taste. (I used about a teaspoon or so just to give it a little kick) Set slow cooker on low and let it cook for about 5 hours or until chicken is falling apart. Take 2 forks and shred the chicken breasts. Add the black beans and mix the chicken, salsa and beans thoroughly. Cook for an additional half hour.

Take a large flour tortilla and sprinkle with cheese. Place chicken mixture on top of cheese and roll like a burrito. Add a dollop of sour cream to finish.

Viola! Completely easy and tasty dinner packed with a little extra protein!  Enjoy!