Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup finely chopped water chestnuts or bell peppers
- 2 green onions, sliced
For Serving
- Butter lettuce or romaine leaves, for serving
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, chili sauce
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive or sesame oil until hot but not smoking.
- Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Cook the chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in soy sauce (or tamari), hoisin sauce if using, rice vinegar (or lime juice), and black pepper evenly into the cooked chicken.
- Incorporate veggies: Mix in finely chopped water chestnuts or bell peppers and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld and vegetables soften slightly.
- Finish with green onions: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sliced green onions for fresh flavor and color.
- Assemble lettuce cups: Spoon the warm chicken mixture into washed and separated butter lettuce or romaine leaves, creating individual cups.
- Add toppings and serve: Garnish with optional toppings like sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or chili sauce for extra texture and spice, then serve immediately while warm and fresh.
Notes
- Butter lettuce offers soft, flexible leaves that are perfect for wrapping and holding the filling without tearing.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce or hoisin to balance saltiness and sweetness based on your personal taste preference.
- This dish works well as a light dinner or a flavorful appetizer for gatherings.
- Any leftover chicken filling can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
