Chicken Stir Fry Wraps and Reality TV

The new season of TV shows has begun! Tonight, as I write this post we are watching Survivor: Gabon. So far it's an interesting combination of people. I do wonder how some of these people make the cut for the show when it seems they don't have much physical ability. We'll just have to see how it continues on... to keep my interest someone has to stand out for me to want to root for them. There's been a few seasons that I didn't finish watching since I couldn't get behind some of the people. I'm curious enough tonight that I'll have to watch a few episodes. Anyone else watching it? I'd love to hear what you thought of the first episode!

For tonight's dinner, I wanted to try something that was kind of different for us. I pulled out my copy of Everyday Food: Great Food Fast, and decided to make the Chicken Stir Fry Wraps. Of course, I didn't have fresh ginger on hand. I usually do, but this time I didn't. I knew that the chicken would need some extra flavor, so I decided to add some Chinese Five Spice. I love the sweet scent of that spice blend. This recipe went together really quickly, and was tasty. I would definitely think the fresh ginger would add a flavor punch to take this dish up another notch. The lettuce wraps also make serving this so atractive.

I loved using the lettuce wraps instead of a flour tortilla. It kept the meal light and feeling like I ate something healthier. I can see so many other ways of changing this recipe to keep things interesting. Maybe try Mexican flavors, or swap out the chicken for thinly sliced pork. I love recipes that lend themselves to variation.

Looking for some other stir-fry and Asian themed meal ideas? Check these ideas out for inspiration:

Recipegirl made Tyler Florence's Cold Sesame Noodles and they look perfect for a side to the meal I made tonight, or even for a simple lunch to take to work.
Perhaps a Quick Beef Stir-Fry would suit your craving? Check it out at Simply Recipes.
Head over to Kalyn's Kitchen for a Pork and Broccoli Stir-Fry, and some step-by-step tips on making this delicious recipe.

Don't forget to share your thought on my poll on the right sidebar. It would be great to get as many opinions as I can!

Chicken Stir-Fry Wraps
Adapted from : Great Food Fast

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved and sliced very thin (I used about 1 pound)
2 tablespoons olive oil - divided
coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced (I used about 1/2 an onion)
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger (I left this out since I didn't have any - used about 1 teaspoon Chinese 5 Spice)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (I left this out so the kids would eat this)
3 tablespoons soy sauce (I used low-sodium)
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
12-16 Boston lettuce leaves (we used about 5 leaves)

Directions
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and cook until done. Remove to a bowl and keep warm.

Add the last tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, then add the red bell pepper and onions. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become lightly browned.

Reduce the heat to medium, then add the garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, only about 30 seconds or so. Add the soy sauce, vinegar and cornstarch mixture. Remove from heat and stir to completely combine. Add the chicken back to the mixture and toss to coat with the sauce.

Serve in lettuce cups.