Thai Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups (Print)

Chicken in luscious peanut sauce served in lettuce cups with herbs and veggies for a light, flavorful bite.

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, finely diced
02 - 1 tbsp vegetable oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

→ Peanut Sauce

06 - 4 tbsp creamy peanut butter
07 - 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
08 - 1 tbsp lime juice
09 - 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
10 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
11 - 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
12 - 3–4 tbsp water (to thin sauce as needed)

→ Lettuce Cups & Garnishes

13 - 12 large butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves
14 - 1 small carrot, julienned
15 - 1/2 cucumber, julienned
16 - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
17 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
19 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
20 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - In a bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Gradually whisk in 3 tablespoons of water until a smooth sauce forms. Adjust consistency with additional water if necessary. Set aside.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for approximately 2 minutes until softened.
03 - Incorporate the minced garlic and grated ginger into the skillet. Cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly browned and no longer pink.
05 - Reduce the heat to low. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken. Stir to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
06 - Arrange the large lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Spoon a generous portion of the warm peanut chicken mixture into each lettuce cup.
07 - Top each filled lettuce cup with julienned carrot, julienned cucumber, chopped roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, fresh mint, and thinly sliced spring onions.
08 - Serve immediately, accompanied by lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • Uses everyday ingredients you may already have
  • Ready in just over half an hour
  • Balanced texture: juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, crunchy toppings
  • Customizable heat level to your liking
  • Hands-on but stress-free—perfect for a weeknight or company
02 -
  • High in protein and naturally dairy-free
  • Packed with vitamins and texture from fresh vegetables
  • Can be prepped ahead—just fill lettuce when ready to eat
03 -
  • Pat chicken pieces dry before cooking for better browning
  • Always taste your peanut sauce and tweak with extra lime juice or salt at the end
  • Use lettuce with ruffled edges for a sturdier cup that holds fillings better
  • If using iceberg lettuce submerge leaves in ice water for ten minutes to get extra crispness
  • Let kids help with garnishing for a fun interactive meal

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