Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups (High‑Protein, 15‑Minute Dinner)
These Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups are the perfect quick and flavorful weeknight dinner — sweet, spicy, crunchy, and packed with protein.
Made with ground chicken, a glossy sweet‑chili glaze, and a refreshing sesame‑lime slaw, this recipe delivers huge flavor with minimal effort.
Everything comes together in about 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights, meal prep, or anyone craving a lighter dinner that still feels satisfying.
If you love fresh, vibrant meals that balance sweet heat with creamy crunch, these lettuce cups are going to be a new go‑to.
And if you’re looking for MORE easy, yet flavor packed meal ideas, then I know you’ll love my Buffalo Chicken Smash Tacos with a Zesty Ranch Slaw!
These Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups are a fresh, high‑protein dinner that comes together fast and tastes incredible.
The chicken cooks in a sticky sweet‑chili sauce with hints of garlic, ginger, and lime, while the sesame‑lime slaw adds the perfect crunchy, creamy contrast.
Everything gets piled into crisp lettuce leaves for a light but satisfying meal that’s easy to customize and perfect for meal prep.
They’re bright, flavorful, and packed with texture — the kind of dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups
- • High‑protein + macro‑friendly without feeling restrictive
• Ready in 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
• Sweet, spicy, and crunchy — the flavor combo is unreal
• Fresh and light, but still filling thanks to the chicken + slaw
• Customizable with toppings like peanuts, cilantro, or extra lime
• Meal‑prep friendly — the chicken and slaw store well
• Family‑friendly with adjustable heat levels
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- • ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- • 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- • 1–2 tsp sriracha (optional for heat)
- • 1 tsp garlic powder
- • ½ tsp ginger powder (or 1 tsp fresh grated)
- • ½ tsp salt
- • 1–2 tbsp water to thin, if needed
- Sesame‑Lime Slaw
- • 2 cups shredded cabbage
- • 1 large carrot, shredded
- • 2 green onions, sliced
- • ⅓ cup Greek yogurt
- • 1 tbsp lime juice
- • 1 tsp sesame oil
- • 1 tsp honey
- • ½ tsp garlic powder
- • Pinch of salt
- For Serving
- • Butter lettuce or romaine leaves
- • Sesame seeds
- • Extra lime wedges
- • Cilantro
Process
- Make the Slaw
- 1. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, sesame oil, honey, garlic powder, and salt.
- 2. Add cabbage, carrot, and green onion.
- 3. Toss until coated and chill while you cook the chicken.
- 2. Cook the Chicken
- 1. Heat a skillet over medium‑high.
- 2. Add ground chicken and cook until browned.
- 3. Stir in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), garlic powder, ginger, and salt.
- 4. Add a splash of water if needed to create a glossy, sticky sauce.
- 5. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- 3. Assemble
- 1. Spoon sweet chili chicken into lettuce cups.
- 2. Top with sesame‑lime slaw.
- 3. Finish with sesame seeds, cilantro, peanuts, and a squeeze of lime.
I love how easy these come together! And make for great leftovers, too!
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works perfectly and keeps the same flavor profile.
What lettuce works best?
Butter lettuce is the easiest to fill, but romaine or iceberg cups also work great.
Can I make these spicier?
Add extra sriracha, chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili crisp on top.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes — store the chicken and slaw separately. Assemble right before eating so the lettuce stays crisp.
What can I serve with these?
Rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even crispy wonton strips for extra crunch.
Can I make this dairy‑free?
Absolutely. Swap the Greek yogurt in the slaw for coconut yogurt or a dairy‑free alternative.
Can I use a different sauce?
Sweet chili is the star, but teriyaki, honey sriracha, or sesame garlic also work beautifully.
More Flavorful Dinners You’ll Love!
If you make these Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Or tag me on social media so I can see your creations!
Sweet Chili Chicken Lettuce Cups (High‑Protein, 15‑Minute Dinner)
Print Pin RateIngredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 –2 tsp sriracha optional for heat
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ginger powder or 1 tsp fresh grated
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 –2 tbsp water to thin if needed
Sesame‑Lime Slaw
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 large carrot shredded
- 2 green onions sliced
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
For Serving
- Butter lettuce or romaine leaves
- Sesame seeds
- Extra lime wedges
- Cilantro
Instructions
Make the Slaw
- In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, sesame oil, honey, garlic powder, and salt.
- Add cabbage, carrot, and green onion.
- Toss until coated and chill while you cook the chicken.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium‑high.
- Add ground chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), garlic powder, ginger, and salt.
- Add a splash of water if needed to create a glossy, sticky sauce.
- Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Assemble
- Spoon sweet chili chicken into lettuce cups.
- Top with sesame‑lime slaw.
- Finish with sesame seeds, cilantro, peanuts, and a squeeze of lime.
