Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Rice Cups
Zesty, fragrant, and oh-so-satisfying – these rice cups pack a punch of Thai basil and juicy chicken in every bite.
Total: 35 minPrep: 15 minCook: 20 min4 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 8 large lettuce leaves, rinsed and dried
- 3 tablespoons Thai basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Steps
- 1 Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 2 Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 3 Add chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4 Stir in red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
- 5 Add soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and sesame oil. Toss to coat.
- 6 Remove from heat and stir in Thai basil leaves.
- 7 Spoon cooked rice into lettuce leaves, top with chicken mixture.
- 8 Serve immediately, garnished with additional Thai basil and red pepper flakes if desired.
Equipment
- skillet
- tongs
- sharp knife
- cutting board
Variations
- Add tofu for a vegetarian option or shrimp for a seafood twist.
Substitutions
- Substitute cilantro for Thai basil if needed; use brown rice for a whole grain option.
Pairings
- Spring rolls
- Mango sticky rice
Nutrition
Calories:
350 kcal
Fat:
12g fat
Carbs:
30g carbohydrates
Protein:
35g protein
Fiber:
3g fiber
Sugar:
5g sugar
Sodium:
600mg sodium
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use crispy iceberg lettuce for sturdy cups that hold their shape.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of cucumber salad or a simple Thai chili dipping sauce.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken mixture ahead and store separately from the rice and lettuce. Assemble before serving.
What type of lettuce works best?
Boston or iceberg lettuce work well due to their sturdy leaves.