If you’re craving something easy, fresh, and bursting with flavor, these Chicken Lettuce Cups are the way to go! They’ve quickly become a favorite in our household, and it’s easy to see why. Not only are they quick to whip up on a busy weeknight, but they also hit all the right notes—savory, sweet, a bit spicy, and wonderfully crunchy.
A Healthier Alternative
One of the things I love most about this dish is the choice of ground chicken or turkey, which offers a leaner alternative to ground beef. Paired with crisp butter lettuce leaves, it’s a lighter take on a hearty filling, perfect for anyone looking to cut down on carbs without sacrificing taste. Plus, the added crunch from water chestnuts and peanut pieces gives these cups an extra layer of texture that’s just so satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Chicken Lettuce Cups are a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The sauce is a game-changer—peanut butter adds a creamy richness, hoisin sauce provides that touch of sweet umami, and a kick of Sriracha keeps it from being too tame. The combination of garlic and ginger packs that extra punch, making the filling irresistibly fragrant. This sauce infuses the meat with deep, savory notes, while the crisp lettuce, shredded carrots, and lime wedges bring a refreshing brightness to every bite.
Tips for Success
- Customize the Spice: If you’re serving a crowd with varying heat preferences, you can easily keep the Sriracha on the side. This allows everyone to adjust the spice level to their taste.
- Keep it Crisp: Butter lettuce is ideal because of its sturdy yet tender leaves. It holds up well to the savory filling without wilting, making it the perfect vehicle for these wraps.
- Time-Saving Prep: Pre-chopping the veggies and mixing the sauce ahead of time can make this meal even faster to prepare, especially on a busy weeknight.
Perfect for Family Dinners or Entertaining
These lettuce cups are incredibly versatile—whether you’re serving them as a light dinner, an appetizer, or even a party dish, they’re sure to be a hit! The flavors are so well-rounded that they appeal to both kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re fun to eat, making them a great way to get everyone around the table.
With their refreshing crunch and a savory-sweet filling, these Chicken Lettuce Cups are bound to become a go-to meal in your household too. Give them a try, and enjoy a deliciously simple dinner that’s big on flavor and low on fuss.
Lettuce Cups
Ingredients
2 TBSP oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 lbs ground meat such as beef or chicken
1 8-ounce can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
1 bunch of green onions, white and green parts divided, chopped
- For the sauce:
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 TSBP honey
2 TBSP rice vinegar or lime juice
2 tsp Sriracha
1 TBSP sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 inch of ginger, shredded or minced (if you don't have any, replace with 1 tsp ground ginger spice)
- For serving:
1/3 cup peanut pieces for serving
1 Butter Lettuce, washed and leaves dried with a paper towel
1 shredded carrot
Lime wedges for serving
Directions
- Mix all the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Heat 1 TBSP oil in a large heavy pan. Add onions and peppers and cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat until softened and starting to become golden. After 2 minutes, add white parts of green onions and cook. Remove to a plate.
- Heat the remaining 1 TBSP oil. Add chicken and cook for a few minutes on medium high heat until browned in spots. Make sure to break up the pieces. The chicken doesn't need to be cooked all the way, just mostly cooked, broken up into pieces and browned in spots.
- Add the sauce and chestnuts and cook until thickened, all the chicken pieces, are coated in it and the chicken is fully cooked through. Return reserved veggies cooked in steps 2 to stir fry and mix well. Serve on top of lettuce leaves garnished with peanuts, carrots, green parts of green onions and shredded carrots. Serve with lime wedges. Enjoy!
