These Simple Chicken Lettuce Cups are fresh, light, and bursting with flavor. Tender ground chicken is cooked with fragrant garlic, ginger, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce, then tucked into cool, crunchy lettuce leaves for the perfect bite. They’re quick, wholesome, and ideal for busy weeknights or effortless meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add ground chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Stir in the diced bell pepper and grated carrot, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour over the chicken mixture and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves and garnish with green onions. Enjoy!
Variation
- Swap the ground chicken for ground turkey or finely chopped shrimp for a different but equally delicious flavor.
- Add a spicy kick by mixing in sriracha, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños.
- Make it extra crunchy by adding chopped water chestnuts or shredded cabbage to the filling.
Cooking Notes
- Cook the chicken until no pink remains, breaking it into small crumbles for the best texture in the lettuce cups.
- Let the mixture cool just slightly before filling the lettuce leaves warm, not hot, gives the best bite.
- If the sauce reduces too quickly, add 1–2 tablespoons of water or broth to keep everything juicy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice on the side to make it a fuller meal.
- Offer small bowls of toppings like chopped peanuts, extra green onions, or chili paste for customizable cups.
- Pair with a simple cucumber salad or pickled veggies to balance the savory flavors.
Tips
- Rinse and dry the lettuce leaves well so they stay crisp and hold the filling better.
- For meal prep, store the filling and lettuce separately to keep the leaves from wilting.
- Use butter lettuce for soft, flexible cups or iceberg for extra crunch and freshness.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 28 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes! The chicken mixture stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the lettuce cups just before serving for maximum crunch. -
What type of lettuce works best?
Butter lettuce creates soft, flexible cups, while iceberg provides extra crunch. Both work great depending on your preference. -
Can I make these lettuce cups spicier?
Absolutely add sriracha, chili paste, or red pepper flakes to the sauce or on top. -
Is there a low-sodium option?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip extra salt to keep the dish lighter on sodium.
Conclusion
These Simple Chicken Lettuce Cups are fresh, quick, and packed with flavor perfect for light lunches, weeknight dinners, or healthy meal prep. With crisp lettuce, savory chicken, and customizable toppings, they’re a satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again.
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Simple Chicken Lettuce Cups
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Simple Chicken Lettuce Cups are fresh, light, and bursting with flavor. Tender ground chicken is cooked with fragrant garlic, ginger, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce, then tucked into cool, crunchy lettuce leaves for the perfect bite. They’re quick, wholesome, and ideal for busy weeknights or effortless meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add ground chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Stir in the diced bell pepper and grated carrot, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour over the chicken mixture and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves and garnish with green onions. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use butter lettuce for softer cups or iceberg for extra crunch.
- Add crushed peanuts, sriracha, or chili flakes for heat and texture.
- This mixture also works great over rice for a quick bowl-style meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken lettuce wraps, lettuce cups, healthy chicken dinner, easy skillet meal