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Chicken Lettuce Cups

Chicken Lettuce Cups

Maria G. Brooks
Chicken Lettuce Cups are a healthy, fresh, and flavorful dish made with ground chicken cooked with savory seasonings and vegetables, served in crisp lettuce leaves.
These bite-sized wraps are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal.
The combination of lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and tangy sauce makes them both satisfying and nutritious.
Easy to prepare and versatile, they can be customized with different toppings and garnishes to suit your taste.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine asian, Chinese-inspired
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Chef’s Knife
  • 1 Spoon: For serving
  • 1 Measuring Spoon Set

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450g ground chicken
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
  • 1 medium carrot finely diced
  • 1 medium bell pepper finely diced
  • 3 green onions chopped
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 1 head butter lettuce or any preferred lettuce for cups
  • 2 tbsp chopped peanuts optional
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro optional
  • 1 tsp chili flakes optional, for spice

Instructions
 

Prepare the Lettuce Cups

  • Wash and separate the lettuce leaves carefully.
    Dry them with a paper towel and set them aside. Choose larger, sturdier leaves for better wrapping.

Cook the Chicken Filling

  • Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
    Stir occasionally until the chicken is browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).

Add Garlic, Ginger, and Vegetables

  • Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Toss in the diced carrots, bell peppers, and green onions.
    Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Season the Chicken Filling

  • Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and lime juice.
    Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Assemble the Lettuce Cups

  • Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf.
    Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and chili flakes if desired.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

    Notes

    • Storage: The chicken filling can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispness of the lettuce, store the filling separately and assemble the cups when ready to serve.
    • Substitutions: Feel free to substitute ground turkey, tofu, or mushrooms for the chicken for a different take on the dish.
    • Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you prefer spicier cups.
    • Low Carb: This recipe is already low-carb, making it perfect for keto or paleo diets. You can also serve with cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.
    Keyword Chicken Lettuce Cups