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- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, roughly chopped - 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated You need ground chicken for a rich flavor. It cooks fast and stays juicy. Use vegetable oil to sauté your aromatics. Garlic and onion bring a strong base taste. The red bell pepper adds sweetness and color. Soy sauce and fish sauce create depth in your dish. The sugar balances the saltiness. Black pepper adds a hint of spice. Sesame oil gives a nutty aroma. Fresh Thai basil is key for authentic flavor. Lettuce leaves serve as your cups. They are crunchy and light. - Chopped peanuts - Sliced chili - Lime wedges Garnishes can elevate your meal. Chopped peanuts add crunch and richness. Sliced chili gives heat for those who like it spicy. Lime wedges provide a fresh, zesty touch. These extras make your Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Cups even better. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Heating the skillet: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Wait until it shimmers; this shows it’s ready. - Sautéing garlic and onion: Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 finely chopped small onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic smells great and the onion looks clear. - Cooking ground chicken: Raise the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of ground chicken. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula. It should turn brown and be fully cooked. - Incorporating red bell pepper: Now, toss in 1 diced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper is tender but still bright. - Mixing in sauces and seasonings: Carefully add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. - Folding in Thai basil: Finally, fold in 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh Thai basil leaves. Cook for another minute until the basil wilts. Remove the skillet from heat. - Spoon filling into lettuce leaves: Take a lettuce leaf and scoop a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center. - Adding garnishes: If you like, sprinkle with chopped peanuts and add sliced chili on top for a bit of heat. Enjoy your fresh, light meal! To avoid dry chicken, use fresh ground chicken. Cook it until just browned. This keeps it juicy. Use medium-high heat for even cooking. Stir often to break apart the chicken. This helps it cook evenly. For a kick, add sliced chili to the mix. Start with one chili if you prefer mild. You can also add more fresh herbs like cilantro. This brightens the dish and adds depth. Arrange filled lettuce cups on a large platter. This makes a beautiful display for guests. Serve lime wedges on the side. Guests can squeeze lime juice for added flavor. Pair these cups with a light drink like iced tea. It balances the meal perfectly. Pro Tips Use Fresh Basil: Fresh Thai basil adds an authentic flavor to the dish. Be sure to use it just before serving to maintain its vibrant taste. Adjust Spice Level: For a milder dish, remove the chili seeds or omit them entirely. For more heat, add extra sliced chilies or a dash of hot sauce. Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time. Just reheat it before serving to save time during meal prep. Serving Suggestions: Serve with lime wedges for guests to squeeze over their lettuce cups for a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the dish. {{image_4}} You can change the meat in this dish. Ground turkey works well. It has a mild taste. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian option. Tofu absorbs flavors nicely, making it tasty. Using mushrooms is another great choice. They add a nice texture and umami flavor. If you need gluten-free options, try tamari sauce. It has a similar taste to soy sauce but is gluten-free. You can also switch up the flavors. Adding lime juice gives a fresh twist. For a sweeter sauce, add more sugar or honey. Feel free to swap the red bell pepper. Zucchini or carrots can add crunch and color. You might also add spinach or kale for extra greens. These options boost nutrition and taste without overpowering the dish. To store leftovers, place the chicken mixture in an airtight container. Make sure the lettuce cups stay separate to keep them crisp. Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just spoon the chicken back into fresh lettuce leaves. For best results, freeze the chicken mixture without the lettuce. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The mixture can last up to two months in the freezer. When it's time to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until it warms through. Then, assemble your lettuce cups fresh! Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Cook the chicken mixture and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to serve, just reheat it in a pan. Prepare the lettuce cups fresh for the best taste. Butter lettuce or romaine lettuce works great for this dish. Both types have sturdy leaves that hold the filling well. Butter lettuce is softer and has a nice crunch, while romaine is crisp and refreshing. Choose what you prefer! To spice things up, add sliced chili peppers to the chicken mixture. You can also serve fresh chili on the side. Another option is to drizzle some sriracha or chili sauce over the filled lettuce cups. Adjust the spice level to match your taste. While fresh Thai basil gives the best flavor, you can use dried as a substitute. However, the taste will be different. Use half the amount of dried basil compared to fresh. Add it earlier in the cooking process to allow the flavors to develop. These lettuce cups pair well with jasmine rice or quinoa. You can also serve a side of fresh fruit like mango or pineapple. A light cucumber salad adds a nice crunch too. Consider offering lime wedges to squeeze over the cups for added zest. This blog post covered a tasty Thai basil chicken recipe in lettuce cups. We explored essential ingredients, tasty tips, and fun variations. Keeping your chicken juicy and flavorful is key. You can switch proteins and sauces to match your taste. Remember to store leftovers wisely for later enjoyment. These cups offer a fresh twist on dinner. Enjoy making this dish for family and friends, and get creative with your garnishes! Most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!

Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Cups

A flavorful and fresh dish featuring ground chicken, Thai basil, and crisp lettuce cups.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 head butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
  • to taste chopped peanuts for garnish (optional)
  • to taste sliced chili for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and the onion turns translucent.
  • Raise the heat to medium-high and add the ground chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is well-browned and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  • Incorporate the diced red bell pepper into the skillet. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the bell pepper is just tender.
  • Carefully pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, ground black pepper, and sesame oil. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well-combined and coated in the sauce.
  • Gently fold in the chopped Thai basil leaves, cooking for an additional minute until they wilt. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
  • To assemble, take a lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center.
  • If desired, sprinkle with chopped peanuts and add sliced chili on top for an extra kick.

Notes

For an attractive display, arrange the filled lettuce cups on a large platter. Serve with lime wedges on the side to allow guests to squeeze fresh lime juice over their cups for an added zesty flavor.
Keyword appetizer, basil, chicken, lettuce cups, Thai