Pin Juicy chunks of chicken tossed with ripe mango and a little chili hit, all tucked into crunchy lettuce—these Mango Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups have saved dinners at my place on more than one busy weeknight. The sweet, tangy, spicy mix is a crowd-pleaser and always disappears fast whenever I bring them out as a fresh appetizer or a light, no-fuss main meal.
These cups first came about when I wanted something healthy but still tempting for a summer dinner. Now my family asks for them every time the first mangoes pop up at the market (especially since the leftovers are perfect for lunchboxes the next day).
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: diced juicy chicken soaks up the sauce best buy firm pink fillets with no gray spots
- Vegetable oil: for high-heat sautéing use a neutral oil for clean flavor
- Salt and black pepper: seasoning to bring out chicken's flavors use freshly cracked pepper for extra aroma
- Soy sauce or tamari: if gluten-free gives savory umami be sure to check for gluten-free labelling if needed
- Honey: adds a floral sweetness balances the chili raw or pure honey works well
- Lime juice: brightens everything and cuts richness pick limes that are heavy for their size
- Chili flakes: for a kick of heat add more or less depending on your spice preference look for vibrant red flakes
- Fresh ginger: grated for zing and warmth choose a piece that is firm without wrinkles
- Garlic cloves: minced for aromatic depth fresh cloves are best over pre-minced
- Mango: peeled and diced juicy sweetness with a tropical note pick a mango that gives slightly when pressed
- Spring onions: thinly sliced for freshness and crunch try to pick ones with crisp green tops
- Red bell pepper: diced for crunch and gentle sweet flavor look for taut shiny skins
- Carrot: julienned for sweetness and texture choose firm bright carrots
- Butter lettuce leaves: sturdy yet tender wrap everything up and stay crisp prefer leaves with no brown spots
- Fresh cilantro leaves: herbal finishing touch picks leaves that are lush and green
- Roasted peanuts: chopped for crunch and nutty contrast optional if nut allergies avoid
- Lime wedges: to squeeze on top for extra tang just before serving
Instructions
- Make the sauce:
- In a small bowl combine soy sauce honey lime juice chili flakes grated ginger and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly so the honey dissolves and set aside while you prep the rest. This blend should taste sweet spicy and bright.
- Sauté the chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add diced chicken in a single layer and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes stirring occasionally until chicken pieces are golden and cooked through with no visible pink. Proper browning adds flavor and texture.
- Add the vegetables:
- Toss in diced red bell pepper and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes. The goal is to soften the veggies slightly but keep a little crunch so their natural sweetness comes through.
- Glaze with sauce:
- Pour in your prepared sauce and toss everything to coat evenly. Let the sauce bubble and thicken slightly as it heats gently for 1 to 2 minutes. This step infuses the chicken and vegetables with flavor and creates a glossy glaze.
- Add mango and spring onion:
- Remove the skillet from the heat then stir in diced mango and half your sliced spring onions. The residual heat releases the mango's aroma without making it mushy. The spring onions add hi t of fresh bite at the end.
- Assemble the lettuce cups:
- Lay out lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Spoon the chicken and mango mixture evenly into each leaf making sure you catch some sauce in each. This lets each cup hold up and stay fresh.
- Garnish and serve:
- Finish with the remaining spring onions fresh cilantro leaves and peanuts if using. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side ready for squeezing over each cup right before eating.
Pin It is hard to pick a favorite part but the mango always wins me over when perfectly ripe it turns these lettuce cups into something that feels a bit indulgent. The first time my kids tried these they were determined to fill their own lettuce cups at the table dinner was lively and hands-on in the best way.
Storage Tips
Leftover filling stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. If you're planning on meal-prepping these keep the lettuce leaves separate to prevent them from getting soggy and only fill the cups right before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken with diced tofu or even peeled cooked shrimp if you want a different take. If you are out of mango try diced pineapple or ripe peach for a similar sweetness and texture. Use tamari for gluten-free needs and almond slivers instead of peanuts if tree nuts are a better fit for your home.
Serving Suggestions
These bright lettuce cups go great with a side of jasmine rice or even a crunchy Asian-style slaw. Sometimes I serve them with iced green tea or a light white wine to keep the meal extra fresh and summery.
Cultural Twist
Lettuce wraps pop up in many Asian cuisines the playful hands-on serving style makes them feel special. This recipe puts a tropical spin on classic flavors inspired by Southeast Asian street food and the juicy mango twist feels right at home every summer.
Pin These lettuce cups are a taste of summer in every bite and can be prepped ahead for quick weeknight dinners. Once you try them, you may find yourself reaching for mangoes a little more often.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute tofu for chicken?
Yes, tofu works well in place of chicken. Use firm tofu, diced and sautéed until golden before adding sauce and vegetables.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
Increase or decrease the chili flakes to suit your taste. Add fresh sliced red chili or hot sauce for extra heat.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, provided you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Always confirm with ingredient labels for gluten content.
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
Pre-cook the chicken filling and store separately. Fill lettuce cups just before serving to maintain crispness.
- → What are good drink pairings?
A crisp Riesling or iced green tea complements the vibrant flavors and keeps your palate refreshed.
- → Are there nut-free topping options?
Skip the peanuts or substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative.