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Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups Flavorful and Fresh

by on May 9, 2025

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Get ready for a fresh, fun meal that packs a punch! My Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups are bursting with flavor and crunch. This dish is super easy to make and perfect for dinner or a party. You’ll love how the spicy sauce blends with the tender chicken and crisp lettuce. Let’s dive into the tasty ingredients and simple steps to create this delightful dish that will impress everyone!

For this tasty dish, you need the following ingredients: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch ginger, grated - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 2 green onions, chopped - 1 cup shredded carrots The ground chicken is the star of this recipe. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and depth. The red bell pepper adds a sweet crunch, while green onions and carrots provide freshness and color. To make the sauce, gather these items: - 1/4 cup unsalted peanut butter - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste) Peanut butter gives this dish its name. It adds creaminess and nutty flavor. Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami. Honey balances the spice with sweetness. Adjust the sriracha to fit your heat level. For garnish and serving, you’ll need: - 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated - Crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish Lettuce acts as the cup for your filling. It is crisp and refreshing. Crushed peanuts add extra crunch, while cilantro brightens the dish. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish. These ingredients come together to create a vibrant and flavorful meal. Each bite offers a mix of textures and tastes, making these lettuce cups a fun and satisfying dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch ginger, grated - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 2 green onions, chopped - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1/4 cup unsalted peanut butter - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon sriracha - 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated - Crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish Wash and chop the vegetables first. This saves time later. Set them aside in bowls. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil. Once hot, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you smell that amazing aroma. Now, add the ground chicken. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spatula. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and shredded carrots. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are soft. In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha until smooth. Pour this sauce over the cooked chicken and veggies. Stir well to combine everything. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until it’s heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool a bit. To serve, spoon the spicy chicken mix into the lettuce leaves. Fold them like cups and enjoy your meal! To get perfectly browned chicken, start with a hot pan. Heat your vegetable oil over medium-high. When the oil shimmers, add your minced garlic and ginger. Cook them for about 30 seconds. This step adds great flavor. Then, add the ground chicken. Break it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Wait until the chicken turns golden brown. This browning gives it a nice taste. For a beautiful presentation, use a large platter. Place your lettuce cups in a circle or a line. This makes them easy to grab. Sprinkle crushed peanuts over the tops for crunch. Add fresh cilantro for a pop of color. You can also serve lime wedges on the side. The lime adds a zesty kick. This brightens the dish and enhances flavors. To adjust the spice level, start with one tablespoon of sriracha. Mix it into the sauce with peanut butter and soy sauce. Taste the mixture before adding more. If you like it spicy, you can add more sriracha. Just remember, a little goes a long way. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish, no matter their spice preference. Pro Tips Choose the Right Lettuce: Butter or romaine lettuce provides a sturdy yet tender vessel for the filling, making them easy to hold and eat. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of sriracha based on your heat preference, or substitute with a milder sauce if desired. Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the cups right before serving for a fresh taste. Garnish Creatively: Enhance the presentation by adding colorful toppings like julienned radishes or a sprinkle of sesame seeds along with crushed peanuts and cilantro. {{image_2}} You can swap ground chicken for other meats. Ground turkey works well and is leaner. You might also try ground beef for a richer taste. If you prefer something different, use shredded rotisserie chicken. This cuts down on prep time, too. For a vegetarian version, use tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavors well. Crumble them like ground meat, and cook until golden. Another great choice is mushrooms. Finely chop them for a hearty texture. Mix in extra veggies like zucchini or eggplant for added nutrition. If you want to change the sauce, try almond butter instead of peanut butter. This gives a nutty twist. You can also mix tahini with soy sauce for a unique flavor. For a spicy kick, add more sriracha or chili paste. Experiment with lime juice for a zesty touch. Each option brings a new taste to your lettuce cups! You can store leftover spicy peanut chicken in the fridge. Place the mixture in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, just grab the lettuce cups. Keep the chicken mixture separate to avoid soggy lettuce. If you want to freeze the chicken mixture, use a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for about three months. Let it cool down before sealing. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This helps retain the flavor and texture. To reheat, place the chicken mixture in a skillet. Heat it over medium until warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps it moist and tasty. Once heated, serve it in fresh lettuce cups for a crunchy bite! Yes, you can. Prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep the lettuce leaves separate until you are ready to serve. This way, the lettuce stays fresh and crisp. When you are ready to enjoy, heat the chicken mixture in a pan and then spoon it into the lettuce cups. If you need a substitute, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both options have a similar texture and add a nice flavor. You can also use tahini for a different taste. Just remember that tahini is less sweet than peanut butter, so you might need to adjust the honey a bit. Absolutely! To keep it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is made without wheat, making it safe for those who avoid gluten. Always check the labels on your ingredients to be sure they are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy your spicy peanut chicken lettuce cups worry-free! This post covered every step for making tasty Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups. We discussed key ingredients like ground chicken, fresh veggies, and delicious sauces. I shared simple instructions for cooking and combining flavors. You also learned tips for perfect chicken and great serving ideas. Variations add more choice, like vegetarian options and different sauces. Lastly, we looked at storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Cooking should be fun and easy. Enjoy every bite of your creation!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy sriracha, creamy peanut butter, and fresh veggies creates a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.
  2. Healthy and Light: Using lettuce cups instead of tortillas or bread makes this meal low-carb and refreshing, perfect for a healthy dinner option.
  3. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights.
  4. Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it adaptable for everyone.

Ingredients

Ground Chicken and Vegetables

For this tasty dish, you need the following ingredients:

– 1 lb ground chicken

– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 inch ginger, grated

– 1 red bell pepper, diced

– 2 green onions, chopped

– 1 cup shredded carrots

The ground chicken is the star of this recipe. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and depth. The red bell pepper adds a sweet crunch, while green onions and carrots provide freshness and color.

Sauce Components

To make the sauce, gather these items:

– 1/4 cup unsalted peanut butter

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

Peanut butter gives this dish its name. It adds creaminess and nutty flavor. Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami. Honey balances the spice with sweetness. Adjust the sriracha to fit your heat level.

Garnishes and Additional Items

For garnish and serving, you’ll need:

– 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated

– Crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish

Lettuce acts as the cup for your filling. It is crisp and refreshing. Crushed peanuts add extra crunch, while cilantro brightens the dish. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.

These ingredients come together to create a vibrant and flavorful meal. Each bite offers a mix of textures and tastes, making these lettuce cups a fun and satisfying dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

First, gather all your ingredients. You will need:

– 1 lb ground chicken

– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 inch ginger, grated

– 1 red bell pepper, diced

– 2 green onions, chopped

– 1 cup shredded carrots

– 1/4 cup unsalted peanut butter

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 tablespoon sriracha

– 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated

– Crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish

Wash and chop the vegetables first. This saves time later. Set them aside in bowls.

Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil. Once hot, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you smell that amazing aroma.

Now, add the ground chicken. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spatula. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and shredded carrots. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are soft.

Combining Sauce with Chicken

In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha until smooth. Pour this sauce over the cooked chicken and veggies. Stir well to combine everything. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until it’s heated through.

Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool a bit. To serve, spoon the spicy chicken mix into the lettuce leaves. Fold them like cups and enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips for Perfectly Browned Chicken

To get perfectly browned chicken, start with a hot pan. Heat your vegetable oil over medium-high. When the oil shimmers, add your minced garlic and ginger. Cook them for about 30 seconds. This step adds great flavor. Then, add the ground chicken. Break it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Wait until the chicken turns golden brown. This browning gives it a nice taste.

Serving Suggestions for Presentation

For a beautiful presentation, use a large platter. Place your lettuce cups in a circle or a line. This makes them easy to grab. Sprinkle crushed peanuts over the tops for crunch. Add fresh cilantro for a pop of color. You can also serve lime wedges on the side. The lime adds a zesty kick. This brightens the dish and enhances flavors.

Adjusting Spice Level with Sriracha

To adjust the spice level, start with one tablespoon of sriracha. Mix it into the sauce with peanut butter and soy sauce. Taste the mixture before adding more. If you like it spicy, you can add more sriracha. Just remember, a little goes a long way. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish, no matter their spice preference.

Pro Tips

  1. Choose the Right Lettuce: Butter or romaine lettuce provides a sturdy yet tender vessel for the filling, making them easy to hold and eat.
  2. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of sriracha based on your heat preference, or substitute with a milder sauce if desired.
  3. Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the cups right before serving for a fresh taste.
  4. Garnish Creatively: Enhance the presentation by adding colorful toppings like julienned radishes or a sprinkle of sesame seeds along with crushed peanuts and cilantro.

Variations

Substitutions for Ground Chicken

You can swap ground chicken for other meats. Ground turkey works well and is leaner. You might also try ground beef for a richer taste. If you prefer something different, use shredded rotisserie chicken. This cuts down on prep time, too.

Vegetarian Alternatives

For a vegetarian version, use tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavors well. Crumble them like ground meat, and cook until golden. Another great choice is mushrooms. Finely chop them for a hearty texture. Mix in extra veggies like zucchini or eggplant for added nutrition.

Alternative Sauce Recipes

If you want to change the sauce, try almond butter instead of peanut butter. This gives a nutty twist. You can also mix tahini with soy sauce for a unique flavor. For a spicy kick, add more sriracha or chili paste. Experiment with lime juice for a zesty touch. Each option brings a new taste to your lettuce cups!

Storage Info

Refrigerating Leftovers

You can store leftover spicy peanut chicken in the fridge. Place the mixture in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, just grab the lettuce cups. Keep the chicken mixture separate to avoid soggy lettuce.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to freeze the chicken mixture, use a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for about three months. Let it cool down before sealing. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This helps retain the flavor and texture.

Reheating Guidelines

To reheat, place the chicken mixture in a skillet. Heat it over medium until warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps it moist and tasty. Once heated, serve it in fresh lettuce cups for a crunchy bite!

FAQs

Can I make Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can. Prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep the lettuce leaves separate until you are ready to serve. This way, the lettuce stays fresh and crisp. When you are ready to enjoy, heat the chicken mixture in a pan and then spoon it into the lettuce cups.

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

If you need a substitute, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both options have a similar texture and add a nice flavor. You can also use tahini for a different taste. Just remember that tahini is less sweet than peanut butter, so you might need to adjust the honey a bit.

Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?

Absolutely! To keep it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is made without wheat, making it safe for those who avoid gluten. Always check the labels on your ingredients to be sure they are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy your spicy peanut chicken lettuce cups worry-free!

This post covered every step for making tasty Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups. We discussed key ingredients like ground chicken, fresh veggies, and delicious sauces. I shared simple instructions for cooking and combining flavors. You also learned tips for perfect chicken and great serving ideas. Variations add more choice, like vegetarian options and different sauces. Lastly, we looked at storage tips to keep leftovers fresh.

Cooking should be fun and easy. Enjoy every bite of your creatio

For this tasty dish, you need the following ingredients: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch ginger, grated - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 2 green onions, chopped - 1 cup shredded carrots The ground chicken is the star of this recipe. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and depth. The red bell pepper adds a sweet crunch, while green onions and carrots provide freshness and color. To make the sauce, gather these items: - 1/4 cup unsalted peanut butter - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste) Peanut butter gives this dish its name. It adds creaminess and nutty flavor. Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami. Honey balances the spice with sweetness. Adjust the sriracha to fit your heat level. For garnish and serving, you’ll need: - 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated - Crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish Lettuce acts as the cup for your filling. It is crisp and refreshing. Crushed peanuts add extra crunch, while cilantro brightens the dish. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish. These ingredients come together to create a vibrant and flavorful meal. Each bite offers a mix of textures and tastes, making these lettuce cups a fun and satisfying dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch ginger, grated - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 2 green onions, chopped - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1/4 cup unsalted peanut butter - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon sriracha - 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated - Crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish Wash and chop the vegetables first. This saves time later. Set them aside in bowls. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil. Once hot, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you smell that amazing aroma. Now, add the ground chicken. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spatula. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and shredded carrots. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are soft. In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha until smooth. Pour this sauce over the cooked chicken and veggies. Stir well to combine everything. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until it’s heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool a bit. To serve, spoon the spicy chicken mix into the lettuce leaves. Fold them like cups and enjoy your meal! To get perfectly browned chicken, start with a hot pan. Heat your vegetable oil over medium-high. When the oil shimmers, add your minced garlic and ginger. Cook them for about 30 seconds. This step adds great flavor. Then, add the ground chicken. Break it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Wait until the chicken turns golden brown. This browning gives it a nice taste. For a beautiful presentation, use a large platter. Place your lettuce cups in a circle or a line. This makes them easy to grab. Sprinkle crushed peanuts over the tops for crunch. Add fresh cilantro for a pop of color. You can also serve lime wedges on the side. The lime adds a zesty kick. This brightens the dish and enhances flavors. To adjust the spice level, start with one tablespoon of sriracha. Mix it into the sauce with peanut butter and soy sauce. Taste the mixture before adding more. If you like it spicy, you can add more sriracha. Just remember, a little goes a long way. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish, no matter their spice preference. Pro Tips Choose the Right Lettuce: Butter or romaine lettuce provides a sturdy yet tender vessel for the filling, making them easy to hold and eat. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of sriracha based on your heat preference, or substitute with a milder sauce if desired. Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the cups right before serving for a fresh taste. Garnish Creatively: Enhance the presentation by adding colorful toppings like julienned radishes or a sprinkle of sesame seeds along with crushed peanuts and cilantro. {{image_2}} You can swap ground chicken for other meats. Ground turkey works well and is leaner. You might also try ground beef for a richer taste. If you prefer something different, use shredded rotisserie chicken. This cuts down on prep time, too. For a vegetarian version, use tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavors well. Crumble them like ground meat, and cook until golden. Another great choice is mushrooms. Finely chop them for a hearty texture. Mix in extra veggies like zucchini or eggplant for added nutrition. If you want to change the sauce, try almond butter instead of peanut butter. This gives a nutty twist. You can also mix tahini with soy sauce for a unique flavor. For a spicy kick, add more sriracha or chili paste. Experiment with lime juice for a zesty touch. Each option brings a new taste to your lettuce cups! You can store leftover spicy peanut chicken in the fridge. Place the mixture in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, just grab the lettuce cups. Keep the chicken mixture separate to avoid soggy lettuce. If you want to freeze the chicken mixture, use a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for about three months. Let it cool down before sealing. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This helps retain the flavor and texture. To reheat, place the chicken mixture in a skillet. Heat it over medium until warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps it moist and tasty. Once heated, serve it in fresh lettuce cups for a crunchy bite! Yes, you can. Prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep the lettuce leaves separate until you are ready to serve. This way, the lettuce stays fresh and crisp. When you are ready to enjoy, heat the chicken mixture in a pan and then spoon it into the lettuce cups. If you need a substitute, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both options have a similar texture and add a nice flavor. You can also use tahini for a different taste. Just remember that tahini is less sweet than peanut butter, so you might need to adjust the honey a bit. Absolutely! To keep it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is made without wheat, making it safe for those who avoid gluten. Always check the labels on your ingredients to be sure they are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy your spicy peanut chicken lettuce cups worry-free! This post covered every step for making tasty Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups. We discussed key ingredients like ground chicken, fresh veggies, and delicious sauces. I shared simple instructions for cooking and combining flavors. You also learned tips for perfect chicken and great serving ideas. Variations add more choice, like vegetarian options and different sauces. Lastly, we looked at storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Cooking should be fun and easy. Enjoy every bite of your creation!

Spicy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups

Delicious and spicy chicken mixture served in fresh lettuce cups.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 whole red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 whole green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup unsalted peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 head butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
  • to taste crushed peanuts for garnish
  • to taste fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and shredded carrots. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and sriracha until smooth. Pour the mixture over the cooked chicken and vegetables, stirring well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  • Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
  • To serve, spoon the spicy chicken mixture into the lettuce leaves, folding them like cups.

Notes

Arrange the lettuce cups on a platter and sprinkle crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro on top for an added crunch and freshness. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick!
Keyword chicken, lettuce cups, peanut, spicy

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