Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Cups Easy and Flavorful Recipe

by Ava on September 6, 2025

Are you ready to whip up a tasty meal that bursts with flavor? Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Cups are a quick, healthy dish that anyone can make. With juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a sweet sauce, these cups are perfect for lunch, dinner, or snacks. Join me as I guide you through an easy recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s get cooking!

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil You start with chicken thighs because they have great flavor. Dicing them makes for easy cooking. Next, olive oil gives a nice base. Garlic and ginger add a punch of taste. The soy sauce brings saltiness, while honey adds sweetness. Rice vinegar gives a tangy kick, and sesame oil adds richness. - 1 cup carrots, grated - 1/2 cup green onions, chopped - 1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce (for cups) Grated carrots bring a crunch and color. Green onions add freshness and a mild onion flavor. For the cups, you want sturdy lettuce. Butter lettuce is soft and sweet. Iceberg offers a nice crunch. - Salt and pepper - Alternative sweeteners for honey Adding salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. If you want to swap honey, use maple syrup or agave. These can give similar sweetness. Always taste your mix and adjust to your liking. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to dice the chicken thighs. Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken into small, even pieces. Aim for about half an inch in size. This helps the chicken cook faster and evenly. Next, prepare the garlic and ginger. Peel two cloves of garlic and mince them finely. For the ginger, take a small piece and grate it with a microplane. This will add a nice kick to your dish. Now, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. When the oil is hot, add the diced chicken thighs. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a nice brown color on the outside and make sure it's thoroughly cooked. Once the chicken is golden brown, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. This allows the flavors to mix and become aromatic. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Make sure to coat all the chicken pieces well. Cook everything together for an extra 2-3 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken just a bit. After the chicken is ready, mix in a cup of grated carrots, half a cup of chopped green onions, and a quarter cup of sesame seeds. Stir everything well so the veggies blend nicely with the chicken. Finally, rinse and separate the lettuce leaves. Use them as cups to hold your teriyaki chicken mixture. Spoon the chicken mix into each leaf and serve right away. Enjoy your flavorful meal! To keep your chicken juicy, do not overcrowd the skillet. If you add too much chicken, it cooks unevenly. This can lead to dry pieces. Cook in batches if needed. Aim for a medium heat. This gives the chicken time to brown without burning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through. Marinating your chicken adds great flavor. A simple mix of soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar works well. You can marinate for at least 30 minutes. Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also boost flavor. Consider using garlic and ginger for a punch. These aromatics complement the teriyaki sauce nicely. To present your dish well, use clean lettuce cups. Rinse and separate the leaves carefully. Spoon the chicken mixture into each cup. Top with grated carrots and green onions for color. Pair these cups with a side of rice or a simple salad. This creates a balanced meal and enhances your dining experience. Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavors. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor. Avoid using pre-minced varieties for maximum impact. Choose the Right Lettuce: Butter lettuce is more tender and pliable than iceberg, making it ideal for cups that can hold more filling. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch and nutrition. {{image_2}} For a tasty vegetarian twist, swap chicken for tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavors well. Use extra-firm tofu for a nice texture. Just cut it into cubes and sauté until golden. Tempeh offers a nutty taste and great protein. You can also adjust the sauce by replacing soy sauce with a plant-based option, like coconut aminos. This keeps it friendly for plant-based diets. Butter lettuce and iceberg lettuce are common choices, but feel free to explore! Romaine lettuce adds a nice crunch. Cabbage leaves can also work well, offering a sturdy wrap. If you crave something different, try collard greens or bok choy. Each option gives a unique flavor and texture to your cups. You can spice things up with chili sauce for a kick. Just mix in a little to your sauce for heat. If you prefer something sweet, use teriyaki sauce instead of the one in the recipe. You can even add some pineapple juice for a fruity twist. These simple changes let you create your perfect teriyaki chicken lettuce cups! Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps your teriyaki chicken fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. To keep the flavors strong, let the chicken cool before sealing it. To reheat chicken, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir it often until it's hot. For lettuce, avoid the microwave. Instead, eat the cups fresh to keep them crunchy. If needed, reassemble them right before serving. To freeze the chicken mixture, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to three months. To thaw, put it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet for best results. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. To do this, cook the chicken and mix it with the sauce. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to eat, just warm the chicken mixture in a skillet. Prepare the lettuce cups fresh to keep them crisp. For the best cups, I recommend using butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce. Butter lettuce is soft and has a nice shape for holding the filling. Iceberg is crunchy and also works well. Both types are sturdy enough to hold the savory chicken without tearing. To make Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Cups gluten-free, simply swap out the soy sauce. Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead. This substitution keeps the flavor intact while making it safe for gluten-free diets. Absolutely! You can use different proteins for this dish. Ground beef or pork works well and adds a nice flavor. If you prefer seafood, try using shrimp or fish. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose to ensure it's fully cooked. Teriyaki chicken lettuce cups are a fun and tasty dish. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, sauces, and fresh produce. You learned how to prep, cook, and add flavors. Tips for juicy chicken and serving ideas help make this dish shine. Feel free to get creative with variations, or store leftovers for later. These cups are flexible and can suit many tastes. Enjoy your cooking adventure with teriyaki chicken lettuce cups!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy Option: Using lettuce cups instead of traditional wraps reduces carbs and adds a fresh crunch.
Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and ginger creates a deliciously sweet and savory flavor profile.
Customizable: You can easily add other veggies or toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Cups

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

You start with chicken thighs because they have great flavor. Dicing them makes for easy cooking. Next, olive oil gives a nice base. Garlic and ginger add a punch of taste. The soy sauce brings saltiness, while honey adds sweetness. Rice vinegar gives a tangy kick, and sesame oil adds richness.

Fresh Produce and Garnishes

– 1 cup carrots, grated

– 1/2 cup green onions, chopped

– 1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce (for cups)

Grated carrots bring a crunch and color. Green onions add freshness and a mild onion flavor. For the cups, you want sturdy lettuce. Butter lettuce is soft and sweet. Iceberg offers a nice crunch.

Optional Seasonings and Substitutes

– Salt and pepper

– Alternative sweeteners for honey

Adding salt and pepper enhances all the flavors. If you want to swap honey, use maple syrup or agave. These can give similar sweetness. Always taste your mix and adjust to your liking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Ingredients

To start, you need to dice the chicken thighs. Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken into small, even pieces. Aim for about half an inch in size. This helps the chicken cook faster and evenly.

Next, prepare the garlic and ginger. Peel two cloves of garlic and mince them finely. For the ginger, take a small piece and grate it with a microplane. This will add a nice kick to your dish.

Cooking the Chicken

Now, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. When the oil is hot, add the diced chicken thighs. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a nice brown color on the outside and make sure it’s thoroughly cooked.

Once the chicken is golden brown, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. This allows the flavors to mix and become aromatic.

Combining the Sauce and Chicken

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Make sure to coat all the chicken pieces well. Cook everything together for an extra 2-3 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken just a bit.

Finishing Touches

After the chicken is ready, mix in a cup of grated carrots, half a cup of chopped green onions, and a quarter cup of sesame seeds. Stir everything well so the veggies blend nicely with the chicken.

Finally, rinse and separate the lettuce leaves. Use them as cups to hold your teriyaki chicken mixture. Spoon the chicken mix into each leaf and serve right away. Enjoy your flavorful meal!

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Juicy Chicken

To keep your chicken juicy, do not overcrowd the skillet. If you add too much chicken, it cooks unevenly. This can lead to dry pieces. Cook in batches if needed. Aim for a medium heat. This gives the chicken time to brown without burning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through.

Enhancing Flavor

Marinating your chicken adds great flavor. A simple mix of soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar works well. You can marinate for at least 30 minutes. Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also boost flavor. Consider using garlic and ginger for a punch. These aromatics complement the teriyaki sauce nicely.

Serving Suggestions

To present your dish well, use clean lettuce cups. Rinse and separate the leaves carefully. Spoon the chicken mixture into each cup. Top with grated carrots and green onions for color. Pair these cups with a side of rice or a simple salad. This creates a balanced meal and enhances your dining experience.

Pro Tips

Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavors.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor. Avoid using pre-minced varieties for maximum impact.
Choose the Right Lettuce: Butter lettuce is more tender and pliable than iceberg, making it ideal for cups that can hold more filling.
Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch and nutrition.

Variations

Vegetarian Options

For a tasty vegetarian twist, swap chicken for tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavors well. Use extra-firm tofu for a nice texture. Just cut it into cubes and sauté until golden. Tempeh offers a nutty taste and great protein. You can also adjust the sauce by replacing soy sauce with a plant-based option, like coconut aminos. This keeps it friendly for plant-based diets.

Different Lettuce Types

Butter lettuce and iceberg lettuce are common choices, but feel free to explore! Romaine lettuce adds a nice crunch. Cabbage leaves can also work well, offering a sturdy wrap. If you crave something different, try collard greens or bok choy. Each option gives a unique flavor and texture to your cups.

Flavor Profiles

You can spice things up with chili sauce for a kick. Just mix in a little to your sauce for heat. If you prefer something sweet, use teriyaki sauce instead of the one in the recipe. You can even add some pineapple juice for a fruity twist. These simple changes let you create your perfect teriyaki chicken lettuce cups!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps your teriyaki chicken fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. To keep the flavors strong, let the chicken cool before sealing it.

Reheating Tips

To reheat chicken, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir it often until it’s hot. For lettuce, avoid the microwave. Instead, eat the cups fresh to keep them crunchy. If needed, reassemble them right before serving.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze the chicken mixture, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to three months. To thaw, put it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet for best results.

FAQs

Can I make Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. To do this, cook the chicken and mix it with the sauce. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to eat, just warm the chicken mixture in a skillet. Prepare the lettuce cups fresh to keep them crisp.

What type of lettuce is best for cups?

For the best cups, I recommend using butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce. Butter lettuce is soft and has a nice shape for holding the filling. Iceberg is crunchy and also works well. Both types are sturdy enough to hold the savory chicken without tearing.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Cups gluten-free, simply swap out the soy sauce. Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead. This substitution keeps the flavor intact while making it safe for gluten-free diets.

Can I use different proteins?

Absolutely! You can use different proteins for this dish. Ground beef or pork works well and adds a nice flavor. If you prefer seafood, try using shrimp or fish. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Teriyaki chicken lettuce cups are a fun and tasty dish. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, sauces, and fresh produce. You learned how to prep, cook, and add flavors. Tips for juicy chicken and serving ideas help make this dish shine.

Feel free to get creative with variations, or store leftovers for later. These cups are flexible and can suit many tastes. Enjoy your cooking adventure with teriyaki chicken lettuce cup