Go Back
+ servings
image of fresh chicken breast butter lettuce leaves garlic ginger green onions bell peppers carrots soy sauce coconut aminos brown sugar sesame seeds arranged on white marble counter with clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden cutting boards under soft daylight
Benjamin

Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Cups

A light, flavorful, and family-friendly meal featuring savory teriyaki chicken served in crisp butter lettuce cups. Ready in under 30 minutes and packed with bold umami flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Teriyaki Chicken Filling
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 lb ground chicken can substitute ground turkey
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1/4 cup water chestnuts finely chopped, optional for crunch
For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos for soy-free
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or mirin
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot starch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water for slurry
For the Wraps and Toppings
  • 1-2 heads butter lettuce leaves separated, rinsed and dried
  • 1/4 cup green onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 optional shredded carrots for topping
  • 1 optional chopped peanuts or cashews for topping
  • 1 optional fresh cilantro for topping
  • 1 optional lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet,
  • Small mixing bowl
  • cutting board,
  • Chef's Knife

Method
 

Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
  2. In a separate cup, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. This will be used to thicken the sauce later.
Cook the Chicken Filling
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the sesame oil. Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Add the chopped water chestnuts (if using) and stir to combine. Pour in the prepared teriyaki sauce and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
  4. Give the cornstarch slurry a quick whisk and pour it into the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that clings to the chicken. Remove from heat and stir in half of the sliced green onions.
Assemble the Lettuce Cups
  1. Arrange the butter lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Spoon the warm teriyaki chicken into each lettuce cup. Top with sesame seeds, remaining green onions, and any additional toppings like shredded carrots, chopped nuts, or cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh finish.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 28gFat: 14g

Notes

This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Store the chicken filling separately from the lettuce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the filling gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
QR Code linking back to recipe