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Flavorful Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Cups

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These Thai basil chicken lettuce cups are a quick, zesty appetizer or light meal featuring savory, slightly spicy chicken wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. Ready in under 30 minutes, they offer a fresh and flavorful bite perfect for entertaining or a fast dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground chicken (preferably lean)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped
  • 2 small shallots, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, loosely packed
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 8–10 large iceberg or butter lettuce leaves, washed and dried
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: mince garlic, chop chilies, slice shallots and green onions, pluck basil leaves, and wash and dry lettuce leaves.
  2. Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of neutral oil.
  3. Cook the aromatics: add garlic, chilies, and shallots; stir constantly until fragrant and softened, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add ground chicken, breaking up clumps, and cook until no longer pink and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and brown sugar; mix well and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Turn off heat and fold in fresh Thai basil leaves and sliced green onions.
  7. Spoon the warm chicken mixture into individual lettuce leaves, arrange on a platter, and serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

Use high heat to brown chicken quickly for better flavor. Add basil off heat to preserve aroma and color. Keep lettuce leaves dry to avoid sogginess. Adjust chili amount to control heat. Substitute ground chicken with tofu or mushrooms for vegetarian option. Use tamari for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai basil chicken, lettuce cups, appetizer, quick recipe, easy dinner, Thai flavors, ground chicken, fresh herbs

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/flavorful-thai-basil-chicken-lettuce-cups-easy-zesty-appetizer-recipe/