Chutney Chicken Lettuce Cups
Last week we kicked off the long weekend by sharing cook-out recipes. This week it is all about food that can be enjoyed during a picnic. I love picnics. There is something romantic about a lazy afternoon spent laying on a blanket, reading a book, holding hands with the one you love, sipping lemonade, and enjoying outdoor inspired food.
I tend to fall back to the same (and easy) recipe when looking for picnic food. It has to be quick to make. Must pack easily. And cannot require a lot of prep once my toes are being tickled by green grass. This exotic version of a creamy chicken salad is perfect. What I love about this creamy salad is the flavoring of zesty lime, spicy jalapeños, and tangy chutney.
I am going to admit that I run to the market and pick-up a roasted chicken when the urge to make this salad strikes. Sometimes it is just easier; right? You will want to make the salad at least 4 hours before heading out to your soiree in the grass, as this will give the flavors time to blend. A couple hours before leaving the house, I wash the lettuce, basil, and cilantro, and pat them dry. Then I wrap them in paper towels, slipping those into zip-lock bags, and tucking away in the refrigerator until it is time to leave. Then I prepare the radishes by slicing them and storing in a small container. Easy. Just before leaving I put everything into a small cooler with a packet of ice. Be sure to keep the creamy chicken salad on ice; you would had to get sick after a romantic soiree.
Your alfresco companion will love the slightly spicy but creamy chicken rolled up in crisp lettuce leaves that have been filled with cilantro and basil. The radishes add an extra crunch that is really delightful with the creamy chicken. There is so much flavor in this salad recipe. If you prefer not to roll everything up in lettuce leaves, it is also great stuffed into pita breads. Easy, versatile and delicious!
Happy summer!
Denise Woodward believes anything can be made at home as long as you have a little patience, and time. All of her recipes are made using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her recipes have been featured on Eat Boutique, the Mushroom Channel, Saveur.com, Foodies of the World, PBS and Fine Cooking.
Denise also creates the recipes on the popular food blog Chez Us. Saveur has featured Chez Us as one of 50 Food Blogs You Should Be Reading as well as one of the Sites They Love. Be sure to read more about what they are cooking up over at Chez Us.
