Savory Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups Delight

by Emily on February 21, 2025

Craving a fresh and tasty meal? Try my Savory Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups! These cups combine ground chicken, crunchy veggies, and a delicious sweet chili sauce. They’re easy to make and perfect for a light lunch or fun dinner. Plus, you can customize them to fit your taste. Let’s dive into the simple steps and tips to make your new favorite dish!

$- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped - 1 carrot, grated - 3 green onions, sliced - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated - Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional) For this dish, I love using fresh and vibrant ingredients. Ground chicken is the star; it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Olive oil helps to sauté the meat and keeps it moist. I use a red bell pepper for color and sweetness. Carrots add crunch and a hint of earthiness. Green onions give a mild sharpness. Sweet chili sauce adds the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Low-sodium soy sauce enhances flavor without too much salt. Fresh ginger brightens the dish. Lime juice adds a zesty kick. Sesame oil lends a nutty aroma, while salt and pepper bring everything together. For the cups, I prefer butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce. They hold the filling well and provide a crisp bite. If you want, garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh finish. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a dish that's colorful, tasty, and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heating the olive oil Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This oil helps cook the chicken and adds flavor. - Cooking ground chicken Add one pound of ground chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir often until the chicken is fully cooked and browned. Make sure there are no pink bits left. - Adding vegetables Next, add one finely chopped red bell pepper, one grated carrot, and the white parts of three sliced green onions. Sauté these for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies are tender. This step adds crunch and color to your dish. - Combining sauces and seasonings Pour in 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, one tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, one tablespoon of lime juice, and one tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir well to combine. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Final assembly of lettuce cups Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Take a lettuce leaf, spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture into the center, and enjoy! You can top it with the remaining green onion slices and chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. How to prevent chicken from drying out To keep your chicken juicy, use medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often so it cooks evenly. Adding sweet chili sauce also helps keep the chicken moist. Adjusting spice levels If you want more heat, add chili flakes or sriracha. Start with a small amount. Taste as you go, so you don’t overpower the dish. If you prefer it mild, reduce the sweet chili sauce. Selecting the best lettuce For crispy cups, use butter or iceberg lettuce. Both provide a nice crunch. Make sure to wash the leaves and dry them well. Fresh leaves hold the filling better. How to neatly serve lettuce cups Spoon the chicken mix into the center of each leaf. Don’t overfill; it makes them messy. Arrange them on a platter for a nice display. This makes it easy for guests to grab their own. Creative plating suggestions You can add color and flair! Use a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top. Place lime wedges around the cups for a pop of color. It makes the dish look vibrant and inviting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor of your dish. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce according to your spice preference. Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick assembly later. Experiment with Wraps: Try using different types of lettuce or even cabbage leaves for a unique texture. {{image_2}} You can switch up proteins in Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups. Ground turkey works well. For a plant-based option, try tofu. It soaks up flavors nicely. If you need gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also use coconut aminos. For vegan adaptations, substitute ground chicken with tempeh or mushrooms. These options still taste great. Want to add some heat? Sprinkle chili flakes or a dash of sriracha into the chicken mix. This will give your cups a nice kick. You can also change the veggies. Try adding diced cucumber, shredded cabbage, or bell pepper. Each adds a new crunch and flavor. Feel free to get creative with your choices. To store your Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups, place the chicken mixture in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. Let it cool before sealing to avoid condensation. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you have leftover lettuce, wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it in a sealed bag. This helps keep the leaves crisp and fresh for a day or two. When it's time to eat your leftovers, reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. This method keeps the chicken moist and tasty. You can also use a microwave, but heat it in short bursts to avoid drying it out. For the lettuce, serve it fresh. If it feels wilted, run it under cold water and pat it dry. This quick rinse can revive the crispness. Can I make Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time. Cook the chicken mixture, then store it in the fridge. Just remember to keep the lettuce leaves separate. This keeps them crisp and fresh. When you're ready, assemble the cups right before serving. What can I serve with Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups? These lettuce cups pair well with rice or quinoa. You could also serve them with a light salad. Consider adding some fresh fruit like mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast. For a fun twist, offer extra dipping sauces on the side. Are Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. The chicken mixture keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just store it in an airtight container. You can pack the lettuce leaves separately. This way, you can enjoy a fresh meal anytime. You learned how to make Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups using simple, tasty ingredients. We covered cooking steps and gave you tips for a great dish. Remember to adjust spice levels and choose fresh lettuce for the best flavor. Feel free to swap ingredients based on your needs. This dish is easy to store and reheat, making it great for meal prep. Now you can enjoy a fun, healthy meal anytime!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean ground chicken and fresh vegetables, these lettuce cups are a nutritious choice.
Flavorful Sauce: The combination of sweet chili sauce and ginger brings a delicious balance of sweet and savory to the dish.
Fun to Eat: Serving the chicken in lettuce cups makes for a fun, hands-on dining experience that everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 lb (450g) ground chicken

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

– 1 carrot, grated

– 3 green onions, sliced

– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)

– 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

– 1 tablespoon lime juice

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated

– Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

For this dish, I love using fresh and vibrant ingredients. Ground chicken is the star; it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Olive oil helps to sauté the meat and keeps it moist. I use a red bell pepper for color and sweetness. Carrots add crunch and a hint of earthiness.

Green onions give a mild sharpness. Sweet chili sauce adds the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Low-sodium soy sauce enhances flavor without too much salt. Fresh ginger brightens the dish. Lime juice adds a zesty kick. Sesame oil lends a nutty aroma, while salt and pepper bring everything together.

For the cups, I prefer butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce. They hold the filling well and provide a crisp bite. If you want, garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh finish. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a dish that’s colorful, tasty, and satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Heating the olive oil

Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This oil helps cook the chicken and adds flavor.

– Cooking ground chicken

Add one pound of ground chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir often until the chicken is fully cooked and browned. Make sure there are no pink bits left.

– Adding vegetables

Next, add one finely chopped red bell pepper, one grated carrot, and the white parts of three sliced green onions. Sauté these for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies are tender. This step adds crunch and color to your dish.

– Combining sauces and seasonings

Pour in 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, one tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, one tablespoon of lime juice, and one tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir well to combine. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

– Final assembly of lettuce cups

Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Take a lettuce leaf, spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture into the center, and enjoy! You can top it with the remaining green onion slices and chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

How to prevent chicken from drying out

To keep your chicken juicy, use medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often so it cooks evenly. Adding sweet chili sauce also helps keep the chicken moist.

Adjusting spice levels

If you want more heat, add chili flakes or sriracha. Start with a small amount. Taste as you go, so you don’t overpower the dish. If you prefer it mild, reduce the sweet chili sauce.

Selecting the best lettuce

For crispy cups, use butter or iceberg lettuce. Both provide a nice crunch. Make sure to wash the leaves and dry them well. Fresh leaves hold the filling better.

Presentation Tips

How to neatly serve lettuce cups

Spoon the chicken mix into the center of each leaf. Don’t overfill; it makes them messy. Arrange them on a platter for a nice display. This makes it easy for guests to grab their own.

Creative plating suggestions

You can add color and flair! Use a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top. Place lime wedges around the cups for a pop of color. It makes the dish look vibrant and inviting.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor of your dish.
Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce according to your spice preference.
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick assembly later.
Experiment with Wraps: Try using different types of lettuce or even cabbage leaves for a unique texture.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can switch up proteins in Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups. Ground turkey works well. For a plant-based option, try tofu. It soaks up flavors nicely. If you need gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also use coconut aminos. For vegan adaptations, substitute ground chicken with tempeh or mushrooms. These options still taste great.

Flavor Variations

Want to add some heat? Sprinkle chili flakes or a dash of sriracha into the chicken mix. This will give your cups a nice kick. You can also change the veggies. Try adding diced cucumber, shredded cabbage, or bell pepper. Each adds a new crunch and flavor. Feel free to get creative with your choices.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To store your Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups, place the chicken mixture in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. Let it cool before sealing to avoid condensation. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you have leftover lettuce, wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it in a sealed bag. This helps keep the leaves crisp and fresh for a day or two.

Reheating Tips

When it’s time to eat your leftovers, reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. This method keeps the chicken moist and tasty. You can also use a microwave, but heat it in short bursts to avoid drying it out. For the lettuce, serve it fresh. If it feels wilted, run it under cold water and pat it dry. This quick rinse can revive the crispness.

FAQs

Common Questions

Can I make Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time. Cook the chicken mixture, then store it in the fridge. Just remember to keep the lettuce leaves separate. This keeps them crisp and fresh. When you’re ready, assemble the cups right before serving.

What can I serve with Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups?

These lettuce cups pair well with rice or quinoa. You could also serve them with a light salad. Consider adding some fresh fruit like mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast. For a fun twist, offer extra dipping sauces on the side.

Are Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. The chicken mixture keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just store it in an airtight container. You can pack the lettuce leaves separately. This way, you can enjoy a fresh meal anytime.

You learned how to make Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups using simple, tasty ingredients. We covered cooking steps and gave you tips for a great dish. Remember to adjust spice levels and choose fresh lettuce for the best flavor. Feel free to swap ingredients based on your needs. This dish is easy to store and reheat, making it great for meal prep. Now you can enjoy a fun, healthy meal anytim

Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups

A delicious and healthy dish featuring ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and a sweet chili sauce, served in crisp lettuce cups.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red bell pepper finely chopped
1 carrot grated
3 green onions sliced
0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon sesame oil
to taste salt and pepper
1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated
optional chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the ground chicken to the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until fully cooked and browned.
Once the chicken is cooked, add the chopped red bell pepper, grated carrot, and the white parts of the green onions to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, grated ginger, lime juice, and sesame oil. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
To serve, take a lettuce leaf and spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture into the center.
Garnish with the remaining green onion slices and chopped cilantro if desired.

Notes

Garnish with cilantro for added flavor.

Keyword appetizer, chicken, healthy, lettuce cups