Description
These Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups are a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a light meal or appetizer. Ground chicken is cooked with a vibrant blend of sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and fresh vegetables, then nestled into crisp butter lettuce leaves for a refreshing and satisfying bite. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe combines sweet, savory, and crunchy elements to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Lettuce Cups
- 1 head of butter lettuce
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, preparing the pan for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is completely browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add sauces: Stir in 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce and 1 tablespoon soy sauce to the chicken. Mix well to coat the meat evenly, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Cook vegetables: Add 1 cup chopped bell peppers and 1/2 cup shredded carrots to the pan. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Finish with green onions: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped green onions to add freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- Prepare lettuce leaves: Wash the head of butter lettuce thoroughly and separate the leaves carefully to form cups for serving.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the warm chicken mixture into the butter lettuce leaves. Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh butter lettuce for crisp, sturdy leaves that hold the filling well.
- For added crunch, consider topping the cups with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds.
- You can substitute ground turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for casual gatherings.
- Adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce to control the sweetness and heat level.
