Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 red bell pepper - 2 green onions - 2 cloves garlic - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper - Butter or romaine lettuce - Sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro When you make Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups, fresh ingredients shine. Chicken thighs bring juicy flavor. I prefer boneless and skinless for ease. The red bell pepper adds a sweet crunch. Green onions offer a nice bite. Garlic and ginger give depth and warmth. For sauces, sweet chili sauce is key. It balances heat and sweetness. Soy sauce adds umami, boosting the flavor. Sesame oil gives a nutty note. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. The wraps are just as important. Butter or romaine lettuce makes perfect cups. They are crisp and hold the filling well. Sesame seeds give a hint of crunch. Fresh cilantro adds brightness and color. Each bite is a mix of flavors and textures. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of diced boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the skillet. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to get nice and brown all over. Make sure it is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Next, it’s time to add some color and crunch. Stir in one finely chopped red bell pepper, two chopped green onions, two minced garlic cloves, and one tablespoon of grated fresh ginger. Cook this mixture for another 2 to 3 minutes. You want the veggies to soften but still have a bit of crunch. This adds great flavor and texture to your dish. Now let’s make the sauce that ties everything together. Pour in 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix everything well to coat the chicken and veggies evenly. Let it simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken a bit. The smell will be amazing! To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F for safety. You want a nice golden color on each piece. This adds flavor and texture. To avoid soggy lettuce cups, do not overfill them. A little chicken mixture goes a long way. You can also serve the filling on the side. This keeps the lettuce crisp. Want to adjust the seasoning? Try adding more ginger or garlic for a stronger taste. You can also experiment with spice levels. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat. For cooking techniques, sautéing the chicken quickly on high heat seals in moisture. This keeps the chicken tender and juicy. For a beautiful presentation, stack the filled lettuce cups on a platter. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds color and flair. Pair these cups with a light side salad or some rice. These sides balance the meal and add texture. Pro Tips Tip Title: Use High Heat: Cooking the chicken on high heat helps to achieve a nice sear, which adds flavor and texture. Tip Title: Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the overall flavor of the dish significantly. Tip Title: Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce to suit your taste; add more for a sweeter dish or less for a more savory profile. Tip Title: Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the lettuce cups immediately after assembling to prevent the leaves from wilting. {{image_2}} You can swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast, just 3-5 minutes. Tofu needs a bit longer, about 7-10 minutes. For shrimp, look for a pink color to know it's done. Tofu should be golden and firm. Experimenting with proteins keeps the dish exciting. Add more veggies to change the taste. Try diced carrots, or sliced cucumbers. You can also mix in some chopped mushrooms for extra texture. Different sauces can give a new twist. Use sriracha for heat or hoisin sauce for sweetness. These little changes make each bite unique. Need a gluten-free option? Use tamari instead of soy sauce. This swap keeps the flavor without gluten. To cut calories, use less sauce and choose lean chicken. You can also skip the sesame oil. These changes help fit your dietary needs while keeping it tasty. Store the Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe. They last about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure the chicken mixture cools before sealing. You can freeze the chicken mixture but not the lettuce cups. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It lasts up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat in a skillet on medium until hot. This keeps the flavor and texture just right. To make meals easier, prepare the chicken mixture in advance. You can cook it on the weekend. Store it in the fridge for quick weeknight meals. Just assemble the cups when you're ready to eat. This saves time and effort. Keep the lettuce separate until serving for crispness. To make these cups, follow these steps: 1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add diced chicken thighs, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until brown and cooked through. 2. Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped red bell pepper, green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. 3. Sauce it Up: Pour in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. 4. Prepare Lettuce Cups: Wash and dry lettuce leaves. Keep them whole for serving. 5. Assemble: Spoon sweet chili chicken into each lettuce leaf, making small cups. 6. Garnish and Serve: Top with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for flavor and looks. Yes, you can use different types of lettuce. Here are some good options: - Butter Lettuce: Soft and pliable, perfect for cups. - Romaine Lettuce: Crunchy and sturdy, holds the filling well. - Iceberg Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, adds great crunch. Choose what you prefer or what you have at home! You can store these cups for up to 3 days in the fridge. To keep them fresh: - Refrigerate: Keep the chicken mixture in an airtight container. - Store Lettuce: Store lettuce leaves separately to prevent sogginess. For the best taste, eat them fresh. If you want to make them ahead, prepare the filling and assemble just before serving. You learned how to make delicious Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups. We covered the main ingredients, sauces, cooking steps, and storage tips. You can mix flavors and try different proteins to suit your taste. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly for later use. This dish is simple and fun to make. Now, get started and enjoy a tasty meal with family or friends!$

Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups

Delicious chicken mixture served in fresh lettuce leaves, perfect for a light meal or appetizer.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 unit red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 unit green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
to taste unit salt and pepper
1 head butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
for garnish unit sesame seeds
for garnish unit fresh cilantro

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Stir in the chopped red bell pepper, green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
While the chicken mixture is cooking, prepare the lettuce leaves by washing them and patting them dry. Gently separate the leaves and keep them whole for serving.
Spoon the sweet chili chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf, making small cups.
Sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh cilantro on top for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Keyword appetizer, chicken, lettuce cups, sweet chili