Save to Pinterest Mango chili chicken lettuce cups deliver the ultimate refreshing bite—juicy chicken meets the sweetness of mango and the gentle kick of chili, all balanced by the cool crunch of butter lettuce. This is my go-to recipe when I want something exciting that still feels light, and it always disappears at parties.
When I first served these at a summer get together, friends kept asking for the recipe. Now I make them any time I want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: provide lean protein choose pieces that are firm and pink for freshness
- Vegetable oil: helps with even browning a neutral oil like grapeseed or canola works well
- Salt and black pepper: round out base seasoning opt for fresh cracked pepper if possible
- Soy sauce: imparts umami depth select tamari if you need gluten free
- Honey: gives natural sweetness use local if you can for best flavor
- Lime juice: brightens and balances the dish look for limes that are heavy for their size
- Chili flakes: add heat adjust amount based on your preference
- Fresh ginger: adds zing and warmth choose pieces with smooth skin and firm flesh
- Garlic: infuses savory notes the fresher the better for full flavor
- Ripe mango: supplies juicy sweetness select mangos with a yielding touch and fragrant aroma
- Spring onions: bring mild sharpness find ones with crisp white base and deep green tops
- Red bell pepper: lends crunch and color aim for glossy skin and firm feel
- Carrot: brings sweetness and texture look for bright and unblemished specimens
- Butter lettuce leaves: create the perfect edible cup pick vivid green leaves that are unblemished
- Fresh cilantro: makes a beautiful fragrant topping
- Roasted peanuts: add crunch if you like plus extra flavor
- Lime wedges: finish with a pop of flavor
Instructions
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl combine soy sauce honey lime juice chili flakes grated ginger and minced garlic stir until well blended and set aside so flavors meld
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high wait until the oil shimmers then add diced chicken season with salt and black pepper stir frequently for about six minutes until chicken turns golden on the outside and is fully cooked inside you want all pieces white with no translucent spots
- Add Veggies:
- Add diced red bell pepper and julienned carrot to the pan stir fry for two minutes until they start to soften but still hold some crunch this creates layers of texture
- Sauce It Up:
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan toss everything to coat let it sizzle for one to two minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken and vegetables
- Add Mango and Spring Onions:
- Take pan off the heat stir in diced mango and half of the sliced spring onions this keeps the mango juicy and the onions vibrant
- Assemble Lettuce Cups:
- Arrange butter lettuce leaves on a large platter spoon chicken mixture evenly into each cup be generous with filling for best bites
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with remaining spring onions cilantro leaves and chopped roasted peanuts if using serve with lime wedges on the side for extra zing
Save to Pinterest My favorite part is watching everyone’s faces light up at the first bite of juicy mango and chili kissed chicken. This dish also reminds me of warm patio evenings when every flavor feels extra vibrant.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in airtight containers kept separate lettuce leaves from filling to avoid sogginess. Refrigerate up to two days. Reheat chicken filling gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling. I keep the filling and lettuce well sealed so everything is stay crisp for late night snacking.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken for diced shrimp tofu or even tempeh for a vegetarian version. For more heat use a pinch of cayenne or sliced fresh chilies instead of flakes. If mango is not available diced pineapple works for another juicy twist. Regular soy sauce can be replaced by coconut aminos for a soy free option.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect as a light meal or appetizer alongside rice noodles plush with extra herbs. I love setting out a tray for guests with extra toppings cilantro lime peanuts so everyone can customize their cups. A cold green tea or dry Riesling pairs beautifully.
Cultural and Historical Context
Lettuce cups have roots in Asian cuisines where fillings of savory and sweet get scooped into crisp leaves. This version blends classic flavors with a tropical twist from mango making it a crowd pleasing fusion hit at modern gatherings.
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer peak mango gives best sweetness in winter try pineapple or even finely diced apple Add thinly sliced cucumber during warmer months for bonus crunch Swap spring onions for finely diced red onion in autumn for a deeper bite
Success Stories
Every time I serve these lettuce cups they vanish long before any other dish on the table. Friends constantly ask for the recipe and I have fielded more than one request for party catering. Once someone confessed they ate four cups before anyone else got a chance.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Make chicken filling up to the mango step cool completely then freeze in an airtight bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat gently and continue with fresh mango and assembly. This tip is a lifesaver for making party prep easy.
Save to Pinterest Finish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime for an invigorating burst. These lettuce cups will bring the taste of summer to any gathering.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a vegetarian or seafood version. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- → How spicy are these lettuce cups?
The heat comes from chili flakes and is adjustable to taste. Add fresh red chili for extra spice if preferred.
- → Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
The chicken filling can be made in advance and chilled. Assemble in lettuce cups just before serving for maximum freshness.
- → What toppings work well for garnish?
Roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, spring onions, and lime wedges add flavor and crunch to each serving.
- → Are these lettuce cups suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure the dish stays gluten-free. Always check labels for hidden gluten in condiments.
- → What drink pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Riesling or iced green tea complements the fresh flavors and slight heat from the chili.