Go Back
- 1 lb ground chicken - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice - 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste) - 1 cup carrots, grated - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced - 1 head of butter or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated for cups - Salt and pepper to taste To make Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups, gather these fresh ingredients. Ground chicken forms the base of the dish, giving it a hearty texture. Vegetable oil helps cook the meat and adds flavor. Garlic, red onion, and ginger create a fragrant base. These aromatics make your kitchen smell amazing. Diced red bell pepper adds sweetness and color. Soy sauce and fish sauce bring umami and depth. Fresh lime juice adds a bright zing. Adjust the sriracha to match your spice preference. Grated carrots give crunch and sweetness. Fresh cilantro and sliced green onions offer a refreshing taste. Lettuce cups serve as a fun, crisp vessel for the filling. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. These ingredients combine to create a dish that is spicy, sweet, and fresh. You’ll love how they work together! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add two minced cloves of garlic, one chopped small red onion, and one tablespoon of grated ginger. 3. Sauté for about two minutes. Stir until the mixture smells good and the onions turn clear. 4. Raise the heat to medium-high. Add one pound of ground chicken to the skillet. 5. Cook for five to seven minutes. Use a spatula to break the chicken into small pieces until it is brown and cooked through. 1. Add one diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another two to three minutes until it softens. 2. Pour in two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of fish sauce, one tablespoon of fresh lime juice, and one tablespoon of sriracha. 3. Stir well, letting the mix simmer for two minutes. 4. Fold in one cup of grated carrots, half a cup of chopped cilantro, and a quarter cup of sliced green onions. 5. Season the mix with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined. 1. Remove the skillet from the heat. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes. 2. Take a lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the spicy chicken mix into the center. 3. Fold the leaf around the filling like a taco. This makes it easy to eat. 4. For a lovely presentation, arrange the filled lettuce cups on a large platter. 5. Garnish with more chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts for a nice crunch. 6. Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra zest! To ensure your chicken is properly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Stir the chicken well while it cooks. This helps it brown evenly. To adjust spice levels, sriracha is your friend. Start with one tablespoon and taste as you go. You can add more for extra heat. Always mix it well into the chicken. This way, every bite packs a punch. Garnishing your cups makes a big difference. I love to sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. It adds a burst of color and flavor. Crushed peanuts give a nice crunch, too. They elevate the dish and make it look fancy. Serve with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime adds freshness. It balances the spice perfectly. Guests will love this touch. Using store-bought sauces can save time. Look for high-quality soy and fish sauces. This helps you focus on cooking the chicken perfectly. Prepping ingredients in advance also helps. Chop veggies and measure sauces beforehand. This makes cooking smoother and faster. You’ll enjoy the process more when it’s organized. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the vibrant flavors of your dish. Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of sriracha to suit your heat preference, ensuring a balance that everyone can enjoy. Perfect Lettuce Cups: Choose sturdy lettuce leaves like butter or iceberg for better support of the filling and easier handling. Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick assembly on busy days. {{image_4}} You can easily swap out ground chicken. Try using ground turkey or beef instead. Both options work well and change the flavor a bit. If you want a healthier choice, ground turkey is a great pick. Beef gives a richer taste that many enjoy. You can also change the veggies in this dish. Instead of red bell pepper, use zucchini or mushrooms. Carrots can be replaced with chopped cucumbers for a crunch. This way, you can mix it up based on what you have at home. Feel free to explore other sauces for your chicken mixture. Hoisin sauce adds a nice sweet touch. Tamari is a good gluten-free option that tastes great. You can also add more heat with chili paste. Just a little can spice things up and excite your taste buds. If you prefer, you can turn this dish into a salad bowl. Just skip the lettuce cups and serve the chicken on a bed of greens. It makes for a hearty meal packed with flavor. You can also serve this spicy chicken with rice or quinoa. Both sides soak up the sauce well and add some bulk. This way, you create a filling dish that is simple to make and enjoy! To keep your spicy chicken filling fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after it cools. It will stay good for about 3 days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. The filling can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Lettuce cups are best when eaten fresh. To store them, wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel. Place them in a sealed bag in the fridge. This helps them stay crisp for a day or two. Avoid washing the leaves before storing. Excess moisture can lead to sogginess. Always wash them right before you use them. When you’re ready to eat, use a microwave to reheat the filling. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you prefer, you can also heat it in a skillet over low heat. Serve the filling in fresh lettuce cups for the best taste. Add a squeeze of lime for extra flavor. Leftovers of Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store the chicken filling separately from the lettuce. This keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh. Yes, you can make the filling ahead of time. Just cook the chicken mixture and store it in the fridge. Assemble the cups right before serving to keep the lettuce crunchy. These cups go great with jasmine rice or a light salad. You can also serve them with a cold noodle dish for a fun meal. You can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Ensure fish sauce is gluten-free as well. To adjust the spice level, add less sriracha for a milder taste. You can also try adding honey to balance the heat. For more spice, increase the sriracha or add chopped fresh chilies. We've explored a delicious recipe for Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups. I shared the important ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You can make these cups your own with easy swaps and variations. Remember to store leftovers properly and enjoy them later. Use these ideas to create a tasty meal for any occasion. With this recipe, you're all set to impress your family or friends. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Spicy Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups

A flavorful and spicy chicken mixture served in crisp lettuce cups.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup carrots, grated
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1 head butter or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated for cups
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, chopped red onion, and grated ginger. Sauté for approximately 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is fragrant and the onions become translucent.
  • Raise the heat to medium-high and add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, using a spatula to break the chicken into smaller pieces, until it is thoroughly browned and cooked through.
  • Incorporate the diced red bell pepper into the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pepper has softened.
  • Pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and sriracha. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined, and let the mixture simmer for another 2 minutes.
  • Fold in the grated carrots, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to combine.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes.
  • To serve, take a lettuce leaf and spoon a generous portion of the spicy chicken mixture into the center. Fold the leaf around the filling like a taco for easy eating.

Notes

Arrange the filled lettuce cups beautifully on a large platter. For an appealing garnish, sprinkle with additional chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts to add a delightful crunch. Consider serving with lime wedges on the side for an extra splash of zest!
Keyword chicken, lettuce cups, spicy, Thai