Chicken Satay Lettuce Cups with Peanut Sauce

These lettuce cups bring the flavors of chicken satay to a quick lunch without skewers or a grill. Thin chicken strips cook quickly in a skillet, and the peanut sauce doubles as a drizzle and dip. Wash and dry the lettuce well so the leaves hold their shape.

Serves: 4
Prep: 18 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil
• 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons warm water
• 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated and dried
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/2 cucumber, cut into matchsticks
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Method

1. Toss chicken with soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. Set aside while the skillet heats.
2. Whisk peanut butter, lime juice, the second tablespoon of soy sauce, and warm water until smooth. Add water a teaspoon at a time if the sauce is too thick.
3. Heat oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in one layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning once or twice, until the thickest pieces reach 165°F.
4. Arrange lettuce leaves on a platter. Divide warm chicken among them, then add carrot, cucumber, and cilantro.
5. Spoon some peanut sauce over the filling and serve the rest on the side. Fold the leaves around the filling to eat.

Variations

For a peanut-free sauce, use sunflower seed butter and confirm ingredient labels suit your household. Add chopped scallions or crushed peanuts at serving. Replace chicken thighs with breast strips, beginning the temperature check earlier so they do not overcook.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate cooked chicken in a covered container for up to 3 to 4 days. Store sauce separately and keep lettuce leaves washed, dried, and chilled. Reheat chicken until steaming, then assemble cups just before eating.

Read the plan dinner leftovers as tomorrow's lunch and lunchbox prep plan for a busy week for more ways to plan lunch. Add this recipe to the Lucru Home meal planner and list any missing ingredients before shopping.