Asian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups are a fresh, flavorful, and healthy meal option featuring tender chicken coated in a savory garlic sesame sauce, all served in crisp lettuce leaves. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or dinner, bringing together the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and healthy – Low in carbs and packed with protein.
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Bold flavors – A delicious combination of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame.
- Perfect for meal prep – Make ahead for easy lunches or dinners.
- Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or switch up the protein.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground chicken (or diced chicken breast)
- Garlic (minced)
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- Hoisin sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Green onions (sliced)
- Water chestnuts (diced, optional for crunch)
- Carrots (shredded, optional)
- Lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine work best)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
- Cook the chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chicken until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Combine everything: Pour the sauce into the skillet, then add green onions, water chestnuts, and carrots. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble the lettuce cups: Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves and sprinkle with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or serve with additional sauce on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the mixture.
- Different Protein: Use ground turkey, beef, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Nutty Flavor: Add crushed peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more nutrients.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Yes! Butter lettuce, romaine, and iceberg work well for lettuce cups.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken mixture ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
What’s the best way to keep the lettuce crisp?
Store lettuce leaves in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
Can I add rice or noodles to this dish?
Yes! Serve the chicken mixture over rice or rice noodles for a heartier meal.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of hot sauce.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking ground chicken?
Yes! Shred rotisserie chicken and mix it with the sauce for a quick alternative.
What can I serve with lettuce cups?
Try serving with a side of steamed edamame, miso soup, or a cucumber salad.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes! Make the chicken mixture in advance and store separately from the lettuce until ready to eat.
How do I add more umami flavor?
A splash of fish sauce or a teaspoon of miso paste can enhance the savory taste.
Conclusion
Asian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups are a flavorful, healthy, and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With a balance of savory garlic, sweet hoisin sauce, and crunchy lettuce, this dish is both satisfying and simple to prepare. Try different variations and make it your own!
PrintAsian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
These Asian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups are a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal! Juicy chicken is coated in a garlicky sesame sauce and served in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and light dish. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken (or finely chopped chicken breast)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for heat)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For Serving:
- 1 head butter lettuce, iceberg, or romaine (leaves separated)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or cashews (optional for crunch)
- Extra sesame seeds & green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add ground chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.
2. Add Flavor:
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha.
- Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in green onions and sesame seeds, then remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Lettuce Cups:
- Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves.
- Top with carrots, peanuts, and extra green onions if desired.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with extra soy sauce or sriracha on the side!
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, beef, or tofu for a variation.
- Want it extra crispy? Add water chestnuts or chopped mushrooms for texture.
- Make it a meal! Serve with rice or noodles for a heartier dish.
- Storage: Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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