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Flavorful Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Cups Easy Recipe with Sweet Chili Sauce

thai basil chicken lettuce cups - featured image
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These Thai basil chicken lettuce cups are a quick, fresh, and flavorful dish featuring juicy ground chicken, aromatic Thai basil, and a sweet chili sauce drizzle, perfect for a light meal or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground chicken (preferably lean but juicy)
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, loosely packed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 small shallots, finely chopped
  • 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp fish sauce (optional)
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 head butter lettuce, washed and separated
  • Sweet chili sauce, for drizzling (store-bought, e.g., Mae Ploy brand)

Instructions

  1. Gently separate butter lettuce leaves, rinse under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.
  2. Finely mince garlic, shallots, and thinly slice red chili.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Add minced garlic, shallots, and red chili to the hot oil. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, avoiding burning the garlic.
  5. Add ground chicken to the pan. Stir and break up clumps. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes, stirring constantly to keep meat juicy.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon fish sauce (if using), and 1 teaspoon brown sugar. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if mixture feels dry.
  7. Turn off heat and immediately toss in fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir gently to wilt basil and release aroma without bitterness.
  8. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into each butter lettuce leaf. Drizzle with sweet chili sauce and serve immediately.

Notes

Avoid burning garlic and shallots by stirring quickly and adjusting heat if necessary. Add basil off the heat to preserve its bright flavor. If filling tastes too salty, a squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the dish. Do not overfill lettuce cups to keep them manageable. For extra texture, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top. Leftover filling can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai basil chicken, lettuce cups, sweet chili sauce, quick recipe, easy dinner, low carb, gluten free, Asian appetizer

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/flavorful-thai-basil-chicken-lettuce-cups-easy-recipe-with-sweet-chili-sauce/