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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.

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.