Cook the 1/2 cup rice whichever method you prefer. I like to parboil, which means, I bring about 4 cups of water to a boil, dump in my rice, give it one quick stir, and then set a timer for 25-30 minutes. Drain off excess water and return to pot and cover until needed later.
Combine all of the sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add enough canola oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.
Once oil is hot, add onions. Sauté onions until soft. Add ground chicken and about 2-3 tbsp of the sauce to the pan and cook through, stirring occasionally.
Add garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the red pepper and water chestnuts.
Add in the rest of the sauce and cook until reduced.
Stir in the rice.
Serve on butter lettuce leaves, topped with grated carrot, sliced green onions, peanuts and chow mein.