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For this tasty dish, you need fresh and simple items. Here’s the list: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped - 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely diced (any color) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons peanut butter - 1 tablespoon honey (or agave syrup for vegan option) - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, separated into leaves - Chopped peanuts and cilantro for garnish Each ingredient adds flavor and texture. The ground chicken gives protein. The bell pepper and green onions add crunch. Peanut butter brings creaminess, while lime juice adds brightness. To make this dish, you will need some basic tools: - Large skillet - Wooden spatula - Small bowl for mixing sauce - Whisk for blending ingredients - Cutting board and knife - Serving platter These tools make cooking easy and fun. The skillet helps cook the chicken evenly. The spatula lets you stir without making a mess. You can make your lettuce cups even better with some extras: - Chopped peanuts for crunch - Fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor - Extra lime wedges for squeezing - Red pepper flakes for added heat These optional garnishes boost the taste and look of your meal. Enjoying Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups this way makes every bite special. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken. Cook it until it turns brown. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This helps it cook evenly. Once it's done, it should be nice and crumbly. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, lime juice, and red pepper flakes (if you want some heat). Mix until it is smooth. This sauce adds a rich flavor to the dish. You can taste it to see if you like the balance. If you want more sweetness, add a bit more honey. Once the chicken is browned, add the chopped green onions, bell pepper, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté these ingredients for another 2 to 3 minutes. You want the veggies to soften but still have some crunch. After that, pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and veggies. Stir everything well, ensuring it all gets coated. Cook for an extra 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly before serving. To make the best peanut chicken, use fresh ground chicken. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until it turns brown, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula while it cooks. This helps it brown evenly. Add green onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger to the chicken. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes. This softens the veggies and adds depth. For a boost of flavor, mix soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, lime juice, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Pour this sauce over the chicken mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend well. Serve the peanut chicken in fresh lettuce leaves. Spoon the mix into each leaf. Top with chopped peanuts and cilantro for crunch and freshness. Arrange the cups on a platter with lime wedges for a colorful look. For extra flavor, offer extra sauce on the side for dipping. Pro Tips Prep Ahead: Prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This will allow the flavors to develop even more and make for a quick assembly at mealtime. Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, marinate the ground chicken in the soy sauce and ginger for about 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Freshness Matters: Use fresh, crisp lettuce leaves for the cups. They should be sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing. Romaine or butter lettuce works best. Customizable Filling: Feel free to add other vegetables like shredded carrots, water chestnuts, or even diced mushrooms to the chicken mixture for added texture and nutrition. {{image_2}} If you want a vegetarian or vegan twist, try substituting ground chicken with plant-based proteins. You can use crumbled tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavors well and add a nice texture. For the sauce, replace honey with agave syrup for a vegan-friendly choice. You get a tasty dish that keeps all the fun and freshness. Besides chicken, many options can work. Ground turkey offers a leaner alternative. If you like seafood, try using cooked shrimp instead. For a unique flavor, consider shredded jackfruit. It has a meaty texture and absorbs the sauce beautifully. Each option gives you a different taste while keeping it light and fresh. You can easily customize the recipe to fit dietary needs. If you prefer gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari. For a nut-free version, leave out peanut butter and use sun butter instead. You can also replace the sesame oil with olive oil if that's what you have. These swaps let you enjoy Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups without worry! To keep your Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups fresh, store them separately. Place the chicken mixture in an airtight container. I recommend using glass containers for better storage. Store the lettuce leaves in another container lined with a paper towel. This helps absorb moisture. If you want to freeze the chicken mixture, cool it first. Once cool, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out any extra air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. The mixture can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat the chicken mixture on the stove over low heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. You can add a splash of water if it seems dry. For a quick option, use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Serve the warm mixture in fresh lettuce leaves. Yes, you can use other nut butters. Almond butter or cashew butter works well. Each nut butter brings its own taste. Almond butter is mild and sweet. Cashew butter adds a creamy texture. Both options keep your dish tasty and fun. To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar taste but is safe for gluten-free diets. Check all other ingredients, too, for hidden gluten. Most brands of peanut butter are gluten-free, but it's wise to check. This way, you can enjoy the meal without worry. These cups pair well with rice or quinoa. You can also add a fresh salad on the side. For a crunchy snack, try some veggie sticks. If you want something warm, serve a light soup. Each option makes your meal more complete. This blog post covered how to make delicious Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups. We discussed ingredients, tools, and optional garnishes. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking chicken, making sauce, and combining everything. I shared tips for perfecting your dish and options for dietary needs. We also went over storage and reheating tips to keep leftovers tasty. When you make this dish, feel free to explore variations. Enjoy creating your own version of these cups. Happy cooking!

Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups

Delicious and healthy lettuce cups filled with savory peanut chicken and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely diced (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or agave syrup for vegan option)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 head butter or romaine lettuce, separated into leaves
  • to taste chopped peanuts and cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the chopped green onions, bell pepper, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, lime juice, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth.
  • Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
  • To serve, spoon the peanut chicken mixture into individual lettuce leaves, and top with chopped peanuts and cilantro.

Notes

Arrange the filled lettuce cups on a platter with extra lime wedges and chopped cilantro for garnish. Serve with a drizzle of extra sauce on the side for dipping!
Keyword healthy appetizer, lettuce cups, peanut chicken