Pin Imagine the perfect harmony of savory Asian flavors wrapped in a crisp, fresh lettuce leaf instead of a traditional dumpling wrapper. These Potsticker-Inspired Chicken Lettuce Boats capture all the aromatic ginger and garlic notes of classic potstickers but transform them into a lighter, brighter, and lower-carb experience. The ground chicken filling develops those coveted crispy edges that potsticker lovers crave, while remaining juicy and tender inside.
Pin The beauty of these lettuce boats lies in their balance of textures and flavors - tender chicken with crispy edges, cool crisp lettuce, fresh crunchy vegetables, and a punchy dipping sauce that brings everything together. It's a delightful handheld meal that satisfies cravings for Asian flavors without the fuss of wrapping traditional dumplings.
- Chicken Filling: 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken, 1 cup (100 g) finely shredded Napa cabbage, 2 green onions (thinly sliced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 Tbsp fresh ginger (grated), 1 Tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free), 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional), 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
- For Crispy Edges: 2 Tbsp neutral oil (e.g., canola, avocado)
- Assembly: 12 large leaves butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce (washed and dried), 1 small carrot (julienned), 1/4 cup (25 g) shredded purple cabbage, 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Dipping Sauce: 2 Tbsp soy sauce (or tamari), 1 Tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Prepare the filling
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, shredded Napa cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, Sriracha (if using), and white pepper until well combined.
- Cook for crispy edges
- Heat neutral oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken mixture in an even layer. Let cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to develop crispy edges.
- Finish cooking
- Stir and continue to cook, breaking up the chicken, until fully cooked and golden brown in spots, another 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Make the dipping sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together all dipping sauce ingredients.
- Assemble
- To assemble, spoon chicken filling into lettuce leaves. Top with julienned carrot, shredded purple cabbage, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Serve
- Serve immediately with dipping sauce on the side.
For the crispiest results, make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the chicken mixture. The sizzle when the meat hits the pan is your sign that you'll get those delicious caramelized edges. When cooking the filling, resist the urge to stir too frequently - those undisturbed minutes create the crispy texture that makes this dish special.
For a different flavor profile, try adding 1/4 cup chopped water chestnuts to the filling for extra crunch. Ground turkey works beautifully as a substitute for chicken if that's what you have on hand. For a vegetarian version, you could use crumbled firm tofu or tempeh instead of chicken - just be sure to really crisp it up in the pan for the best texture.
These lettuce boats are perfect as a light dinner, but also make excellent appetizers for a gathering. Simply prepare the filling ahead of time and reheat just before serving. For a complete meal, serve alongside steamed jasmine rice for those who want some extra substance. As suggested in the recipe notes, these pair wonderfully with a crisp, dry Riesling or a refreshing glass of chilled green tea.
Pin These Potsticker-Inspired Chicken Lettuce Boats bring the joy of dumplings to your table without the fuss of wrapping and pleating. They're perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. The combination of fragrant chicken filling with fresh vegetables creates a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and light at the same time. Whether you're watching your carbs or just looking for a fresh take on Asian flavors, these lettuce boats are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of lettuce is best for holding the filling?
Butter or Bibb lettuce leaves work best due to their sturdy texture and mild flavor, providing a perfect vessel for the filling.
- → Can I substitute the ground chicken with other proteins?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative that maintains a similar texture and flavor profile.
- → How do I achieve the crispy caramelized edges on the chicken?
Cook the chicken mixture undisturbed in a hot skillet with neutral oil for a few minutes before stirring to develop crispy, golden-brown edges.
- → What can I use if I need a gluten-free option for the soy sauce?
Tamari or coconut aminos are excellent gluten-free alternatives that preserve the savory depth of the dish.
- → Is there a way to add extra crunch to the filling?
Chopped water chestnuts can be stirred into the mixture to add a refreshing crunch without overpowering the flavors.