Peanut-Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups are a low-carb wrap option that’s high in protein, full of crunch, and drizzled with a flavorful sesame-peanut sauce. When most people think of a wrap, they imagine soft tortillas packed with meat, cheese, and vegetables. But in a world increasingly focused on fresh, healthy alternatives, there’s a new wrap contender stealing the spotlight: Peanut-Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups.
These low-carb, high-flavor lettuce wraps are light, refreshing, and bursting with the savory-sweet magic of peanut and sesame. Whether you’re looking to cut back on carbs, add variety to your lunch rotation, or simply want a delicious dish with Asian-inspired flavors, Peanut-Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups are the perfect choice.
Peanut-Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups?
Peanut-Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups are a type of Asian-inspired lettuce wrap that combines tender, stir-fried chicken with a rich peanut-sesame sauce, served in crisp lettuce leaves. The dish is typically garnished with shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, green onions, and sometimes fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.
They’re often served as appetizers in Asian restaurants but are just as good (if not better) as a light main course.
What Goes Into These Wraps?
The “Wrap” – Lettuce
The foundation of the wrap is a large, sturdy lettuce leaf. The best options are:
- Butter lettuce (also known as Bibb or Boston lettuce)
- Romaine hearts
- Iceberg lettuce (for extra crunch)
The Filling – Chicken
Chicken breast or thighs are commonly used. They’re chopped or ground and stir-fried for quick cooking. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
The Sauce – Peanut-Sesame Magic
This is where all the flavor lives. Ingredients often include:
- Creamy peanut butter
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Honey or maple syrup
- Garlic and ginger
- A dash of sriracha or chili flakes for heat
Toppings – Texture & Crunch
Garnishes make these wraps pop:
- Shredded carrots
- Chopped peanuts
- Green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
How to make Peanut-Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 1 lb ground chicken or finely chopped chicken breast
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp sriracha or chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp warm water (to thin if needed)
For serving:
- 1 head butter lettuce (or Romaine)
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro or mint (optional)
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and sriracha. Add warm water to reach a pourable consistency.
- Combine: Pour sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to coat evenly. Heat for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Assemble the Wraps: Separate lettuce leaves, rinse, and pat dry. Spoon the chicken mixture into each leaf and top with carrots, peanuts, green onions, and herbs.
- Serve: Add a squeeze of lime juice and enjoy immediately!
Health Benefits of Peanut-Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups
These lettuce wraps aren’t just delicious—they’re packed with nutritional benefits:
Low in Carbs and Calories
By ditching the bread wrap, you significantly cut down on carbs and calories, making this a perfect option for keto, paleo, and low-carb diets.
Protein-Packed
Chicken provides lean, high-quality protein, helping you feel fuller longer.
Healthy Fats
Peanut butter and sesame oil provide heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
Rich in Fiber and Micronutrients
Lettuce and veggie toppings add fiber, vitamins A and C, and other essential nutrients.
Customization Ideas:
These wraps are endlessly versatile. Here’s how to switch things up:
- Make it vegetarian: Use crumbled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas instead of chicken.
- Add noodles: Thin rice noodles can bulk it up.
- Go spicy: Add chili oil or double the sriracha.
- Add mango or cucumber for a sweet and refreshing twist.
- Try other proteins: Shrimp, ground turkey, or even shredded beef.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips:
These wraps are meal-prep friendly. Here’s how:
- Prep components ahead of time: Store the chicken, sauce, and toppings separately.
- Store lettuce leaves dry to avoid wilting—wrap them in a paper towel and place in an airtight container.
- Assemble just before eating for maximum freshness and crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other lettuce for wraps?
Yes! While butter lettuce is a popular choice for wraps due to its soft texture and size, you can also use romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce. Just choose leaves that are large, sturdy, and able to hold the filling without tearing.
Can I make Peanut-Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups with a different protein?
Absolutely! You can swap out the chicken for:
- Ground turkey or beef
- Tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option
- Shrimp or fish for a seafood version
- Chickpeas for a plant-based alternative
What makes the sauce so special in these wraps?
The sauce combines peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to create a perfect balance of savory, nutty, and tangy flavors. The addition of honey or maple syrup gives it a touch of sweetness, while sriracha adds a bit of heat.
Are Peanut-Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups healthy?
Yes! Peanut-Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups are a healthy choice. They’re low in carbs, gluten-free (if you use tamari instead of soy sauce), and packed with lean protein and healthy fats from the peanut butter and sesame oil. The fresh veggies in the wraps also provide fiber and important nutrients.
How do I store leftover Peanut-Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups?
You can store the components separately:
- Chicken mixture: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Lettuce leaves: Wrap in paper towels and place in a sealed container to keep them crisp.
- Sauce: Store in a jar or container for up to 1 week in the fridge.
Assemble the wraps fresh when you’re ready to eat to maintain the crunch of the lettuce.
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