Flavor-Packed Asian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups Recipe

Crisp lettuce cups cradle a vibrant garlic sesame chicken that bursts with tantalizing Asian-inspired flavors.

The savory blend of tender chicken marinated in rich, aromatic seasonings creates an irresistible bite.

Each morsel packs a punch of umami and subtle heat that dances across your palate.

Fragrant garlic and nutty sesame weave through the dish, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

These light, refreshing cups offer a perfect balance of protein and crisp vegetables.

Lean and packed with bold tastes, this recipe transforms a simple meal into an exciting dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 3

All You Need For Asian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups

• Ground Chicken: Select fresh, lean ground chicken for a lighter, healthier filling that absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Water Chestnuts: Add delightful crunch and unexpected texture to enhance the chicken mixture's overall mouthfeel.

• Garlic, Ginger, Diced Onion: Create a powerful flavor foundation that infuses the chicken with deep, authentic Asian-inspired taste.
• Green Onions: Provide a fresh, sharp finish that brightens the entire dish with its vibrant, mild onion essence.

• Soy Sauce: Delivers rich, umami depth and authentic Asian flavor profile to the chicken mixture.
• Hoisin Sauce: Introduces sweet and tangy complexity that elevates the entire dish.
• Rice Vinegar: Balances the sauce with a subtle, tangy brightness.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce coating.
• Sriracha: Optional heat booster for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Sesame Seeds, Sesame Oil: Contribute nutty, toasty undertones that are quintessentially Asian.
• Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to the filling.

Tools To Prep Asian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking ground chicken and mixing ingredients.
• Small bowl: Perfect for whisking together the flavorful sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for breaking up chicken and stirring ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps ensure accurate sauce measurements.
• Whisk: Needed to blend sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Use for chopping green onions, carrots, and water chestnuts.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.

How To Make Asian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups

• Sizzling Skillet Prep

Heat a large skillet with sesame oil, creating a fragrant cooking surface ready for the chicken adventure.

• Chicken Transformation

Toss ground chicken into the hot skillet, breaking it into delicate crumbles while it turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let the meat dance and sear until perfectly cooked.

• Flavor Explosion

Introduce a magical blend of minced garlic, ginger, and diced onions that will awaken every taste bud. Sprinkle in crunchy carrots and water chestnuts for unexpected texture.

• Sauce Magic

Whisk together a symphony of soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, honey, and a spicy sriracha kick. Pour this liquid gold into the skillet, letting it simmer and embrace the chicken in a glossy coating.

• Fresh Finale

Sprinkle vibrant green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the simmering mixture. Scoop the aromatic chicken into crisp lettuce cups, creating a handheld feast that promises to delight and surprise.

Tips For Asian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups

• Quick Chilling Trick: Pop the cooked chicken mixture in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before serving to help the flavors meld and intensify, creating a more robust taste profile.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Swap: Replace traditional iceberg or butter lettuce with crisp romaine or crunchy endive for different textures and a fresh twist on the classic lettuce cup.
• Protein Power Alternative: Easily substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, tofu, or even plant-based crumbles for a diverse range of dietary preferences without compromising the delicious Asian-inspired flavor.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by reducing or increasing sriracha sauce, or replacing it with chili garlic sauce for a more complex, deeper spice experience that suits individual taste preferences.

Serving Asian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups Right

• Fresh Lettuce Bed: Create a crisp foundation by carefully separating whole butter lettuce leaves, ensuring they're clean and perfectly shaped for holding the flavorful chicken mixture.
• Party Platter Presentation: Arrange lettuce cups on a large rectangular platter with the chicken filling in a separate bowl, allowing guests to build their own lettuce wraps and customize their meal.
• Accompaniment Companions: Serve with quick pickled cucumber slices, extra sriracha sauce, and chopped peanuts on the side to add crunch, heat, and additional texture to the lettuce cups.
• Quick Meal Transformation: Turn leftovers into a delicious salad by chopping lettuce and mixing with the chicken mixture, creating a light and refreshing alternative to the original lettuce cup format.

How To Store Asian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups

• Smart Meal Prep: Prepare chicken mixture up to 3 days ahead in sealed containers, keeping sauce and filling separate to maintain crisp texture. Refrigerate components individually for freshest taste.
• Freezer-Friendly Fix: Portion cooked chicken in airtight freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently.
• Lettuce Leaf Tip: Wash and dry lettuce leaves thoroughly, storing between paper towels in sealed container. Keep refrigerated for maximum crispness, using within 2-3 days for best quality.
• Reheat with Care: Warm chicken mixture in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of water to prevent drying. Stir frequently and heat until thoroughly warm. Avoid microwave to maintain original texture and flavor.

Crispy Asian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Scrumptious asian garlic sesame chicken lettuce cups deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Crisp lettuce leaves cradle savory marinated chicken, offering a delightful meal you will savor with each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) ground chicken
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 2 tbsps low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• ½ small onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup water chestnuts, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 head butter lettuce or romaine lettuce
• Extra sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Skillet Preparation: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, creating an even cooking surface for the chicken.
2. Chicken Browning: Add ground chicken, breaking it down and cooking until thoroughly browned and no pink remains, approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Aromatic Infusion: Introduce minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced onion, sautéing until the mixture releases a rich, fragrant aroma.
4. Vegetable Integration: Fold in julienned carrots and water chestnuts, blending these crisp elements seamlessly with the chicken.
5. Sauce Creation: Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha in a separate bowl to develop a complex flavor profile.
6. Sauce Incorporation: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken mixture, allowing it to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Final Touches: Remove from heat and gently mix in chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added depth and texture.
8. Serving Presentation: Spoon the seasoned chicken into crisp lettuce leaves, creating elegant, handheld cups ready for enjoyment.
9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle additional sesame seeds and green onion slivers on top, then serve immediately to maintain optimal flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Choose Lean Chicken: Select ground chicken with lower fat content for a healthier, lighter version of the dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for a more concentrated flavor or adding a touch of water if it becomes too dense.
• Prep Ingredients First: Chop and measure all ingredients before cooking to ensure smooth, stress-free preparation and prevent burning or overcooking.
• Customize Lettuce Cups: Swap traditional lettuce with butter lettuce or iceberg for easier wrapping and a different texture profile, catering to personal preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg