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!
PrintAsian Garlic Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups
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.
- 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
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
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.
Step 2: Add Flavor
- Stir in garlic, ginger, and diced onion, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add carrots and water chestnuts, stirring to combine.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha (if using).
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Remove from heat and stir in green onions and sesame seeds.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves and garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions.
- 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.