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.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
¼ cup Kikkoman® Hoisin Sauce
1 tablespoon Kikkoman® Yuzu Ponzu
3 green onion stalks, sliced (divided)

Assembly & Garnish

1 head butter lettuce, separated into cups
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons cashews or peanuts, chopped
Sriracha or chili crisp for drizzling (optional)

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