Asian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups

These Asian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups are a fresh, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s quick and easy to make! Made with tender ground chicken, garlic, ginger, and a savory sesame sauce, they are packed with bold flavors and served in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb, high-protein meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or appetizers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in just 20 minutes!
  • Low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.
  • Packed with bold garlic, sesame, and ginger flavors.
  • Great for meal prep or a quick, healthy meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Filling:

  • Ground chicken (or turkey)
  • Garlic, minced
  • Ginger, minced
  • Soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • Sesame oil
  • Hoisin sauce (or low-sugar alternative)
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sriracha (optional for heat)
  • Green onions, chopped
  • Water chestnuts, diced (optional for crunch)
  • Sesame seeds

For Serving:

  • Butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg lettuce leaves
  • Shredded carrots (optional)
  • Extra sesame seeds
  • Chopped cilantro (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken:

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.

2. Add Aromatics & Sauce:

Stir in garlic, ginger, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and Sriracha. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add water chestnuts and green onions, then stir to combine.

3. Assemble the Lettuce Cups:

Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves. Garnish with sesame seeds, shredded carrots, or cilantro.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

Eat immediately and enjoy the fresh, flavorful crunch!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add more Sriracha or red pepper flakes.
  • Crunchy Texture: Top with crushed peanuts or cashews.
  • Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.
  • Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded cabbage.
  • Sweet & Savory: Stir in a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the chicken mixture for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 30-45 seconds.

FAQs

1. What lettuce works best for lettuce cups?

Butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg are great choices!

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Turkey works just as well.

3. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free hoisin sauce.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the filling ahead and store it in the fridge, then assemble when ready to eat.

5. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Just shred it and toss it in the sauce for a quick version.

6. What side dishes go well with this?

Try it with cauliflower rice, stir-fried veggies, or miso soup.

7. Can I use tofu instead of chicken?

Yes! Crumbled tofu or tempeh makes a great vegetarian alternative.

8. What’s the best way to add crunch?

Top with chopped peanuts, cashews, or crispy wonton strips.

9. Can I serve this in tortillas instead?

Absolutely! Use flour or corn tortillas for an Asian-inspired taco twist.

10. How do I keep the lettuce cups from getting soggy?

Fill them right before serving and use crisp lettuce varieties like romaine or iceberg.

Conclusion

These Asian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups are a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s perfect for meal prep or a light dinner. With tender chicken, bold garlic-ginger flavor, and a savory sesame sauce, they’re sure to be a family favorite! Try them today for a delicious, guilt-free meal!

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Asian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups

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These Asian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups are a light, flavorful, and protein-packed meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner! Tender ground chicken is cooked in a savory garlic sesame sauce and served in crisp lettuce leaves for a delicious low-carb, gluten-free dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Filling:

  • 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
  • ½ small onion, finely diced
  • ¼ cup shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup water chestnuts, finely chopped (optional, for crunch)
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (or extra soy sauce for a lighter option)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
  • 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional, for heat)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

For Serving:

  • 1 head butter lettuce or romaine lettuce (for cups)
  • Extra sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.

Step 2: Add Flavor

  1. Stir in garlic, ginger, and diced onion, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add carrots and water chestnuts, stirring to combine.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha (if using).
  2. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

  1. Remove from heat and stir in green onions and sesame seeds.
  2. Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves and garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make it Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Store the chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving in fresh lettuce leaves.
  • Extra Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or cashews on top before serving.
  • Spicy Option: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.

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