If you’re craving something vibrant, fresh, and bursting with flavor, you have to try these Loaded Hoisin Lettuce Cups with Chicken. This dish combines tender, savory chicken thighs simmered in a luscious hoisin and yuzu ponzu sauce, piled high on crisp butter lettuce cups, and topped with crunchy nuts and fresh herbs. Each bite delivers a perfect contrast of textures and a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, making these lettuce cups not just a meal but an experience. Trust me, once you make Loaded Hoisin Lettuce Cups with Chicken, they will become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Loaded Hoisin Lettuce Cups with Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simplicity and the harmony of fresh, colorful ingredients. Each element plays a key role: the juicy chicken provides the hearty base, veggies add crunch and sweetness, and the hoisin and yuzu ponzu sauces bring layers of umami and zing.

Vegetable oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection without sticking.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chosen for their juicy, tender texture that stays moist during cooking.
Bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color to brighten the dish.

Shiitake mushrooms: Earthy flavor that deepens the overall taste.
Garlic: Freshly minced to infuse the dish with irresistible aroma.

Kikkoman® Hoisin Sauce: The star flavor—sweet, savory, and complex for that signature glaze.
Kikkoman® Yuzu Ponzu: Adds a citrusy tang that lifts the hoisin’s richness beautifully.
Green onion stalks: For freshness and a mild onion bite, both cooked and raw.

Butter lettuce: Crispy, tender leaves perfect for scooping and wrapping the filling.
Cilantro: Bright, herbal note that complements the savory chicken.
Cashews or peanuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor on top.

How to Make Loaded Hoisin Lettuce Cups with Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and adding vegetable oil. Once hot, toss in the chopped chicken thighs. Stir them occasionally for about 6 to 8 minutes until they develop a nice golden-brown crust and are cooked through. This searing step locks in juices and builds a flavorful base.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Next, introduce the thinly sliced bell peppers and shiitake mushrooms to the skillet. Cook everything together for about 3 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften slightly while the mushrooms release their earthy aroma. This adds layers of texture and a subtle sweetness that balances the dish.

Step 3: Garlic Infusion

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute, making sure it doesn’t burn but grows fragrant. Garlic is a simple ingredient that instantly lifts the flavor profile with its warm, inviting scent.

Step 4: Saucy Simmer

Lower the heat to medium and stir in the hoisin sauce and yuzu ponzu. Mix well so every piece of chicken and vegetable gets coated in this rich, tangy glaze. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This step brings all the ingredients together with a glossy finish.

Step 5: Final Touches

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the chopped green onions. These add a burst of savory freshness that brightens the dish just before assembly.

Step 6: Assemble the Cups

To build your Loaded Hoisin Lettuce Cups with Chicken, spoon the warm chicken mixture into individual butter lettuce cups. Top with the remaining green onions, chopped cilantro, and crunchy nuts. Serve immediately so the lettuce stays crisp and the flavors are at their peak.

How to Serve Loaded Hoisin Lettuce Cups with Chicken

Garnishes

Garnishes make a big difference here. I love adding a drizzle of sriracha or chili crisp right before serving for a spicy kick. The contrast of heat alongside the sweet and tangy sauce enhances every bite. Fresh cilantro and crunchy nuts not only add texture but also brighten flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

These lettuce cups are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with light side dishes like steamed jasmine rice or a simple cucumber salad. A bowl of miso soup or pickled vegetables also complements the rich chicken filling perfectly, rounding out the meal without overpowering the delicate balance of the cups.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or casual gathering, serve the chicken mixture in a warm bowl next to a platter of lettuce cups and garnishes so guests can build their own. Alternatively, present the fully assembled loaded cups on a large serving platter for a colorful, inviting appetizer display that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the cooked chicken mixture separately from the lettuce cups to keep everything fresh and crisp. Place the chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator, which will stay good for 3 to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken mixture if needed—cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the lettuce as it will wilt and become soggy upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Assemble into fresh butter lettuce cups to maintain that satisfying crunch and freshness right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts are leaner but can dry out faster, so cook carefully and consider slightly reducing the cooking time to keep the meat tender and juicy.

What if I can’t find yuzu ponzu?

If yuzu ponzu isn’t available, substitute with regular ponzu sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for a similar citrusy tang.

Are these lettuce cups gluten-free?

They can be made gluten-free if you use gluten-free hoisin and ponzu sauces. Check labels carefully, especially for hoisin sauces, as some contain wheat.

How spicy are these lettuce cups?

The base recipe isn’t very spicy, but adding sriracha or chili crisp as a topping amps up the heat to your liking. You control the level of spice easily with these condiments.

Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap chicken with diced tofu or chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly Loaded Hoisin Lettuce Cups with Chicken alternative. Adjust cooking times accordingly and enjoy the same bold flavors.

Final Thoughts

These Loaded Hoisin Lettuce Cups with Chicken combine freshness, satisfying textures, and complex flavors in a format that’s fun to eat and easy to love. Whether for a casual dinner or an impressive appetizer, they bring a burst of excitement to your table. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how addictive these cups can be!

Loaded Hoisin Lettuce Cups with Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: Lila

Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

These Loaded Hoisin Lettuce Cups with Chicken are a flavorful and healthy appetizer or light meal featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with bell peppers, shiitake mushrooms, and savory hoisin and yuzu ponzu sauces. Served in crisp butter lettuce cups and topped with fresh green onions, cilantro, and crunchy nuts, they offer a perfect balance of textures and a touch of Asian-inspired zest. Add a drizzle of sriracha or chili crisp for a spicy kick.

Instructions

Heat the skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil to coat the pan evenly.
Cook the chicken: Add the chopped chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

Add vegetables: Stir in the thinly sliced bell peppers and shiitake mushrooms. Cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
Add garlic: Mix in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Add sauces: Lower the heat to medium, then stir in the hoisin sauce and yuzu ponzu. Mix thoroughly and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.

Finish with green onions: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the sliced green onions to incorporate freshness.
Assemble the cups: Spoon the chicken mixture into each butter lettuce cup, creating individual servings.
Garnish and serve: Top the lettuce cups with the remaining green onions, chopped cilantro, and chopped cashews or peanuts for a crunchy finish. Drizzle with sriracha or chili crisp if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a tender and juicy texture.
Butter lettuce works best for wrapping, but iceberg or romaine can be substituted.
Adjust the amount of hoisin and ponzu sauce to taste for sweetness and tanginess.

For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with tofu or shredded mushrooms.
Add a drizzle of sriracha or chili crisp to customize the spice level.
Chopping nuts finely helps distribute crunch without overpowering each bite.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer

Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate, includes 1/4 of recipe)

Calories: 280
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 620mg

Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 3g

Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Hoisin chicken lettuce cups, Asian lettuce wraps, quick chicken appetizer, healthy lettuce wraps, savory chicken cups