Description
Fresh, vibrant Thai Peanut Chicken & Rice Lettuce Cups featuring tender chicken in a creamy peanut sauce, fluffy rice, and crispy lettuce leaves. This low-carb meal is ready in 30 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken or diced chicken breast
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon sesame oil
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2–3 tablespoons warm water to thin sauce
2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
1 large head butter lettuce or Boston lettuce, leaves separated
1 cup shredded carrots
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
½ cup chopped peanuts
Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the peanut sauce by whisking together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Add warm water one tablespoon at a time until pourable. Set aside.
2. Prep all vegetables: mince garlic, grate ginger, slice green onions (separating white and green parts), shred carrots, pick cilantro leaves, and chop peanuts. Wash and dry lettuce leaves thoroughly.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink and starting to brown.
4. Push chicken to the sides of the pan. Add garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onions to the center. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then mix everything together.
5. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir well to coat evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. If too thick, add a splash of water.
6. Remove from heat and stir in half of the green onion tops and cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional lime juice, soy sauce, or honey as needed.
7. To assemble, place a spoonful of rice in each lettuce cup, top with the peanut chicken mixture, then garnish with shredded carrots, remaining cilantro, green onions, and chopped peanuts.
8. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side. Let everyone build their own cups for an interactive dining experience.
Notes
For extra juicy chicken, use ground chicken thighs instead of breast meat.
Make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
Prep all components up to 2 days ahead and store separately. Assemble just before serving to prevent soggy lettuce.
For keto/paleo version, use cauliflower rice, almond butter, and sugar-free sweetener.
Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes. Add sriracha for extra heat.
Leftover chicken mixture freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
If the peanut sauce is too thick after storage, thin with warm water or a splash of lime juice.
Butter lettuce works best for its pliable leaves, but romaine or iceberg also work well.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 lettuce cups
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Thai Peanut Chicken, Lettuce Cups, Low-Carb Meals, Healthy Dinner, Easy Thai Recipe, Ground Chicken Recipe, Meal Prep, Gluten-Free Option
