Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups: Your New Go-To Recipe

There’s something magical about a meal that’s quick, healthy, and tastes like it came straight from your favorite Thai restaurant. These Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups are all that and more. Imagine tender, flavorful chicken infused with bold, zesty spices, nestled in crisp butter lettuce leaves. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a pro chef in just 15 minutes.

I’ll be honest: I used to shy away from trying to recreate restaurant dishes at home. More often than not, they ended up being, well, a little less than impressive. But everything changed when I stumbled upon the inspiration for these lettuce cups. The first time I tried them, I knew I’d found something special. Not only do they rival the best takeout in town, but they’re also incredibly easy to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at a casual dinner party.

So grab your skillet, and let’s dive into a recipe that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat. Trust me, this is one you’ll want to add to your rotation ASAP!

Why You’ll Love These Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups

1. Quick and Easy: You can have these on the table in just 15 minutes! The recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients but delivers bold, restaurant-quality flavors.
2. Healthy and Light: Low in carbs, high in protein, and packed with fresh veggies, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
3. Customizable: Don’t have ground chicken? Use turkey or tofu instead. Want more spice? Add extra chili sauce. These lettuce cups are endlessly adaptable to suit your tastes.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them as appetizers, a light lunch, or dinner, these cups always hit the spot. They’re also great for entertaining because they look fancy but are ridiculously easy to make.
5. Bursting with Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, lime juice, Thai sweet chili sauce, and ginger creates a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Add the crunch of cashews and fresh herbs, and you’ve got a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite.

Ingredients for Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups

For the Filling:

• 🥄 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty depth of flavor and helps sauté the aromatics.
• 🧅 ¼ cup diced onion (yellow or white): For a subtle sweetness and aromatic base.
• 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced: A must-have for bold, savory flavor.
• 🌿 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger or ginger paste: Adds a warm, slightly spicy kick.
• 🍗 10 oz ground chicken: Lean and tender, perfect for soaking up the flavors of the sauce.
• 🥜 ⅓ cup chopped cashews: For crunch and a touch of nuttiness. You can use raw or roasted cashews.
• 🥕 ¼–½ cup shredded carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
• 🌿 ¼ cup chopped scallions (green onions): For freshness and mild oniony flavor.
• 🌿 ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Brightens the dish with its citrusy, herbal notes.

The Sauce:

• 🥄 ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or Tamari (for gluten-free): The salty umami base of the sauce.
• 🌶️ 2 tablespoons Thai sweet red chili sauce: Brings a balance of heat and sweetness.
• 🍋 Juice of 1 lime: Adds tanginess and a hint of brightness.
• 🍯 1 teaspoon maple syrup, honey, or agave: A touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.

For Serving:

• 🥬 1 head butter lettuce: Its tender, cup-shaped leaves are perfect for wrapping.
• 🌿 Sesame seeds (optional): For a bit of texture and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Aromatics

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the sesame oil. The aroma of sesame oil is your first hint that you’re on your way to something amazing.
2. Toss in the diced onions and let them sauté for about 2–3 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn translucent and start to caramelize.
3. Add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir continuously for another 2 minutes until your kitchen smells absolutely divine.

Cook the Chicken

1. Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Let the chicken cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink and starts to develop a golden-brown crust.

Prepare the Sauce

1. While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, Thai sweet red chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup in a small bowl. This sauce is where the magic happens—it’s a perfect blend of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy.

Combine and Simmer

1. Sprinkle the chopped cashews over the cooked chicken in the skillet. The cashews not only add crunch but also soak up the sauce beautifully.
2. Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together into one harmonious dish.
3. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded carrots, chopped scallions, and cilantro. The fresh herbs and veggies add a vibrant, fresh contrast to the rich, savory filling.

Assemble the Lettuce Cups

1. Arrange the butter lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Their natural cup shape makes them perfect for holding the filling.
2. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf. Be careful not to overfill them—you want to keep them easy to pick up and eat.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like, then serve immediately.

Tips for Success This Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups

1. Drain the Lettuce Well: Make sure your lettuce leaves are completely dry before adding the filling. Wet lettuce can make the cups soggy.
2. Customize Your Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, add extra Thai sweet chili sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
3. Toast the Cashews: For an even nuttier flavor, toast the cashews in a dry skillet before adding them to the chicken.
4. Double the Recipe: These wraps are so good, you might want to make extra for lunch the next day!
5. Serve Immediately: The lettuce cups are best enjoyed fresh, while the filling is warm and the lettuce is crisp.

Variations to Try

1. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground chicken with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat alternative.
2. Gluten-Free: Use Tamari instead of soy sauce.
3. Add More Crunch: Include diced bell peppers or bean sprouts in the filling.
4. Extra Herbs: Swap cilantro for Thai basil or mint for a unique flavor twist.
5. Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of Sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed chili flakes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these wraps as a light main course alongside a bowl of jasmine rice or quinoa.
• Pair them with a side of roasted vegetables or a crunchy Asian slaw.
• For a family-friendly option, serve the filling with steamed rice or noodles instead of lettuce cups.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store the chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over low heat before serving.
• Freezing: The filling freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a skillet.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
   Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and has a similar texture and flavor profile.
2. What’s the best way to wash butter lettuce?
   Separate the leaves and gently rinse them under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
3. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the filling up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat before assembling the wraps.
4. Are there other lettuce options?
   If butter lettuce isn’t available, try romaine hearts or iceberg lettuce for a similar crunch.

Bring Thai Flavors Home

There you have it—Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups that are simple, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. They’re the perfect solution for busy weeknights, last-minute entertaining, or anytime you’re craving something fresh and exciting.

Snap a photo of your creation and tag us online. We can’t wait to see how your lettuce cups turn out!

Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups: Your New Go-To Recipe

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• Author: TAYLOR HARRISON
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 lettuce cups 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups are a quick and healthy meal that’s bursting with bold flavors. Made with tender ground chicken, crunchy cashews, and fresh herbs, all wrapped in crisp butter lettuce, this dish is perfect for light lunches, dinners, or appetizers. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s easy, delicious, and family-friendly!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• For the Filling:
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • ¼ cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • 10 oz ground chicken
  • ⅓ cup chopped cashews
  • ¼–½ cup shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup chopped scallions
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro
• For the Sauce:
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Thai sweet red chili sauce
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• For Serving:
  • 1 head butter lettuce
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

• Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
• Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 3–4 minutes.
• In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, chili sauce, lime juice, and maple syrup.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken. Add cashews and simmer for 2 minutes.
• Stir in carrots, scallions, and cilantro. Remove from heat.
• Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve.

Notes

• For extra crunch, toast the cashews before adding them.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more chili sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Substitute ground chicken with turkey, tofu, or tempeh for a variation.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sauté
• Cuisine: Thai