Pin Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups deliver everything I crave in a meal—creamy, savory chicken coated in fragrant peanut sauce, tucked into cool, crisp lettuce, finished with bright herbs and crunchy vegetables. Effortless and fast, these are my go-to for hot days or when I want something refreshing yet satisfying. They make any dinner feel like a treat, and my friends request them for every gathering.
The first time I made these was for a summer potluck when it was too warm to use the oven. By the end of the night, there was not a single lettuce cup left. Now they are my trusted quick fix for a flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs: Finely diced chicken takes on flavor well and stays juicy. Choose skinless pieces for tenderness and easy prep
- Vegetable oil: A neutral, high-heat oil that lets other flavors shine
- Onion: Sweet and aromatic when sautéed pick one that feels heavy for its size and has shiny skin
- Garlic: Adds deep, savory undertones Look for firm, plump cloves with no green shoots
- Fresh ginger: Brings a warm, spicy kick Use a ginger root that feels smooth and taut
- Peanut butter: Opt for a creamy version for smooth sauce Use a natural brand with just peanuts and salt if possible
- Soy sauce or tamari: Lends essential salty umami Choose low-sodium for more control over saltiness
- Lime juice: Brightens and balances flavors Freshly squeezed is best
- Honey or brown sugar: Offers mellow sweetness and rounds out acidity Pick a deep golden honey or moist brown sugar
- Rice vinegar: Adds tang Use unseasoned for the cleanest flavor
- Sriracha: Provides gentle heat Add more or less to suit your taste for spice
- Water: Adjusts sauce consistency for drizzling If your peanut butter is thick use a bit more water
- Butter or iceberg lettuce leaves: Act as crisp, refreshing vessels Go for leaves with no browning—they should look sturdy and cup-shaped
- Carrot and cucumber: Both give crunch and color Fresh, firm vegetables work best
- Roasted peanuts: Chopped for crunch Choose unsalted if you want to control salt levels
- Fresh cilantro and mint: Give bright, herbal notes Leaves should be vibrant and not wilting
- Spring onions: Offer freshness and subtle bite Look for bright green tops and avoid limpness
- Lime wedges: For added zest at the table
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
- In a medium bowl blend together the peanut butter soy sauce lime juice honey rice vinegar and sriracha. Whisk until completely smooth adding three tablespoons of water to loosen the sauce as needed. Adjust the amount of water until you get a pourable but thick texture. Set the sauce aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Once the oil ripples add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about two minutes stirring occasionally until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This step helps build irresistibly sweet base flavor.
- Add Garlic and Ginger:
- Toss minced garlic and grated ginger into the skillet with the softened onions. Cook for about one minute stirring constantly until the air smells fragrant and the mixture looks glossy. Do not let the garlic brown as it can become bitter.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Add diced chicken to the skillet. Spread it out so the pieces can sear instead of steam. Let the chicken brown and cook through stirring occasionally for six to eight minutes. Cut into a larger piece to check for doneness—juice should run clear and texture should be firm.
- Coat with Peanut Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Pour the peanut sauce straight over the cooked chicken mixing well until every piece is coated. Let the chicken bubble gently in the sauce for two to three minutes so flavors meld and thicken. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Lettuce Cups:
- Arrange clean lettuce leaves on a platter forming little cups. Use a spoon to fill each leaf with a generous scoop of the warm peanut chicken mixture. Do not overfill or the cup may tear.
- Top and Garnish:
- Scatter julienned carrots and cucumber over the chicken in each lettuce cup. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts fresh cilantro and mint and a scatter of sliced spring onions. Everything should look bright and inviting.
- Serve:
- Transfer the assembled lettuce cups to a serving tray and give everyone lime wedges to squeeze over the top to taste. Serve immediately so the cups stay crisp and fresh.
Pin One of my favorite parts is the sauce—peanut butter and lime together create an addictive balance. I still remember the first time my kids got to sprinkle their own toppings and how much fun they had building their own cups.
Storage Tips
Store the chicken mixture in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the garnishes and lettuce separate to avoid sogginess. Fill lettuce cups only when you are ready to eat to maintain the best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken with diced extra-firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Almond butter works beautifully in place of peanut butter if you have allergies. Romaine hearts can stand in for butter lettuce if needed. For added color and crunch include shredded red cabbage or thinly sliced bell pepper.
Serving Suggestions
These lettuce cups shine as appetizers but are also hearty enough for a light dinner or lunch. Double the recipe for family gatherings. Serve with jasmine rice or a tangy cucumber salad alongside to round out the meal.
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
Thai cuisine masterfully blends sweet sour and savory elements. These lettuce cups are inspired by Thai street food which often features peanut sauces and fresh herbs. During the summer I love making these with homegrown mint and local carrots at their sweetest. They are especially welcome when you want something light that still satisfies.
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in spiralized zucchini or radishes when you find them fresh at the market. Try with grilled peaches in summer for a sweet twist. Add a warming pinch of extra ginger in the colder months for comfort.
Success Stories
Every time I serve these at a party the platter empties first. A friend once asked for the recipe during the meal then started bringing them to her own gatherings. They make everyone feel creative because you can build your own blend of toppings. They also make a perfect picnic lunch packed separately and assembled right before eating.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Prepare only the chicken mixture and cool it completely before freezing in a labeled airtight container. When you need a fast meal defrost in the fridge overnight then reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water. Keep toppings and lettuce fresh and crisp for serving.
Pin These flavorful lettuce cups offer a vibrant mix of textures and tastes, perfect for a light meal or impressive appetizer. Enjoy the fresh, customizable experience from preparation to the last bite.
Recipe Q&A
- → What kind of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh is ideal, finely diced for even cooking and tenderness.
- → Is the peanut sauce spicy?
The sauce has a slight kick from sriracha, but you can adjust the amount or omit it for a milder taste.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute diced tofu for chicken and follow the same steps for a meatless option.
- → How do I keep lettuce leaves crisp?
Rinse and chill the lettuce before serving. Assemble just before eating to maintain crunch.
- → What garnishes enhance the flavor?
Fresh cilantro, mint, peanuts, carrot, cucumber, and lime wedges brighten the finished cups.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.