Name: Thai-Style Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 large head iceberg or butter lettuce; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 large red onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 pounds ground chicken; 1½ tablespoons soy sauce; 3 tablespoons fish sauce; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons lime zest; 3 tablespoons lime juice; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 large scallions, sliced; ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro; ¼ cup chopped fresh mint; ¼ cup chopped cashews or peanuts; Sriracha, to taste; Finely sliced carrots, for garnish; Lime wedges, for serving; Cilantro and/or mint sprigs, for garnish

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Thai-Style Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups are a total weeknight winner: think crisp, cool lettuce cradling sizzling-hot, aromatic chicken—the kind that’s bursting with ginger, lime, and a sweet-savory sauce. Every bite delivers a symphony of flavors and textures, from tender meat to crunchy nuts and fresh herbs. What I especially adore is how customizable these cups are, making them just as perfect for family dinners as for gatherings with friends. Once you try these, you’ll want them in regular rotation, trust me!

Thai-Style Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s real beauty in how this ingredient list comes together: simple, but packed with bold flavors and colors. Each item has a purpose, layering in taste, texture, or freshness to make every bite of your Thai-Style Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups pop.

Lettuce cups: Try iceberg for crunch or butter lettuce for a softer bite; these are the “vessels” that hold the flavorful filling together.
Vegetable oil: Essential for sautéing and unlocking the flavors of the aromatics.
Red onion: Adds mellow sweetness and deep color to the filling.
Fresh ginger: This zingy root brings a warm, citrusy kick; grate or finely chop for best flavor.
Garlic: Because what’s a stir-fry without that robust garlicky base?
Ground chicken (not all breast meat): The hero protein here; a mix gives you juicy, flavorful meat.
Soy sauce: Adds umami and a touch of salt; use gluten-free if needed!
Fish sauce: Classic Thai secret-weapon condiment for depth and salty tang.
Brown sugar: Just a touch creates a delicious sweet-salty balance.
Lime zest: Infuses the filling with bright citrus notes before you even add juice.
Lime juice: The acidity that lifts and brightens every other flavor.
Red pepper flakes: For a subtle background heat—adjust to your taste.
Scallions: Bring freshness, mild onion flavor, and a sweet pop of color.
Fresh cilantro: Adds vivid green flecks and that classic Thai grassy aroma.
Fresh mint: Unexpected, but adds amazing cooling freshness.
Cashews or peanuts: Toasted and chopped for crunch and nutty richness.
Sriracha: Optional, but a dab brings smoky heat if you love things spicy.
Finely sliced carrots: Optional, for added color and sweet crunch.
Lime wedges: Pass these around for extra tang at the table.
Cilantro and/or mint sprigs: For garnish, making each cup gorgeous and fresh-smelling.

How to Make Thai-Style Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups

Step 1: Prepare the Lettuce Cups

If you’re using iceberg lettuce, fill a big bowl with cold water and prep your lettuce by removing the core—don’t cut all the way through, just deep enough to get the core out. Discard any tough or ragged outer leaves, submerge the whole head, and gently pull apart the leaves. Pat them dry and chill in the fridge until you’re ready; this keeps them crisp. For butter lettuce, you can just peel away the leaves—no soaking needed!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat up your vegetable oil in a large sauté pan over medium. Toss in the red onion and ginger, letting them soften and fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma for about 4–5 minutes. Add the garlic, cooking just a minute more so it doesn’t burn but releases its flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Crank the heat to high, add your ground chicken, and start breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until mostly opaque—about 3 minutes—before pouring in the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime zest, juice, and some red pepper flakes. Keep stirring and breaking up the meat, cooking until the chicken is done and gorgeously saucy, usually another 5–6 minutes.

Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs and Nuts

Turn off the heat and fold in the sliced scallions, cilantro, mint, and your chopped nuts. This is when your filling transforms: bright greens, herbal smells, and nutty crunches show up all at once. Give it a quick taste and add more lime or spice if you want. Spoon it generously into your lettuce cups.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Time to assemble! Fill each lettuce cup with a heaping spoonful of chicken mixture and let everyone top theirs with Sriracha, extra herbs, carrots, and lime juice. Every cup is a playground for toppings, so don’t be shy.

How to Serve Thai-Style Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups

Garnishes

These cups absolutely shine when loaded with fresh lime wedges, extra cilantro or mint, a sprinkle of finely sliced carrots, or a drizzle of Sriracha for heat. Cashews or peanuts give that finishing crunch—don’t skip them if you love texture!

Side Dishes

Pair your Thai-Style Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups with fragrant jasmine rice, a lightly dressed cucumber salad, or even a platter of mango slices for a sweet finish. It’s not only about contrast—it turns this dish into a full meal that feels like a treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, arrange the lettuce cups open-faced on a big platter, with bowls of fillings and toppings on the side so guests can build their own. Or serve as passed appetizers on a tray—each cup becomes a perfectly portioned, mess-free bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover filling, transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the lettuce and toppings separate so everything stays crisp and fresh.

Freezing

The chicken filling of these Thai-Style Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups freezes wonderfully. Just cool it fully, spoon into an airtight, freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge whenever a craving hits!

Reheating

Reheat the thawed or refrigerated filling either on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring until hot, or zap it in the microwave. Once it’s steamy, spoon it back into fresh, cold lettuce cups and it’ll taste just as lively as day one.

FAQs

Can I make Thai-Style Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork works beautifully, and even finely chopped tofu or mushrooms make a tasty vegetarian swap. Just adjust the cook time as needed.

What’s the best way to keep lettuce cups crisp?

After you’ve prepped the lettuce, keep the leaves in the fridge right until serving. Cold, dry lettuce gives the best crunch and structure for your savory filling.

Do I have to use fresh herbs?

Fresh cilantro and mint elevate these cups with bright flavors, but if you’re in a pinch, you can skip one or substitute with more scallions or basil. Just know the herbs really make the dish sing!

How spicy are Thai-Style Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups?

The recipe is quite flexible—you control the heat by adjusting the red pepper flakes and Sriracha. Kids or heat-sensitive eaters? Use less spice, and offer hot sauce at the table for everyone else.

Can I prep Thai-Style Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups for a party?

Definitely! Make the filling a day ahead, wash and chill the lettuce separately, and prep all toppings in advance. Come party time, you’ll just spoon, garnish, and serve for an effortless wow factor.

Final Thoughts

It’s truly hard not to fall in love with Thai-Style Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups—they’re quick, colorful, endlessly customizable, and packed with fresh flavor. If you’re looking to shake up your dinner routine or impress friends without a fuss, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!

Thai-Style Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Thai-style minced chicken lettuce cups are a flavorful and refreshing dish that’s perfect for a light meal or appetizer. The combination of savory ground chicken, aromatic herbs, and a zesty lime dressing wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Instructions

Lettuce Preparation: If using iceberg lettuce, cut off the stem and core, remove outer leaves, gently separate leaves, and chill in water. For butter lettuce, skip this step.
Cooking the Chicken: Sauté onion and ginger, add garlic, then cook ground chicken. Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime zest, lime juice, and red pepper flakes. Cook until chicken is done. Mix in scallions, cilantro, mint, and nuts.
Serving: Spoon chicken mixture into lettuce cups. Serve with optional garnishes.
Note: Refer to a guide on preparing fresh ginger if needed.