Hoisin Chicken with Lettuce Cups Recipe
If you are searching for a dish that bursts with bold flavors yet feels light and fresh, you are going to absolutely love this one. Hoisin Chicken with Lettuce Cups is a vibrant, fun-to-eat meal that combines tender, savory chicken glazed in sweet and tangy hoisin sauce with the crisp, refreshing crunch of lettuce leaves. It’s a brilliant balance of textures and tastes, perfect for a casual dinner or when you want to impress friends with minimal fuss. Let me walk you through everything you need to bring this delightful dish to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Hoisin Chicken with Lettuce Cups lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture—from the juicy chicken thighs to the refreshing pickled carrots and zingy lime juice.
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Thighs stay tender and juicy, but you can substitute with breast if you prefer leaner meat.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and carrying the flavors beautifully.
- ⅓ cup hoisin sauce: The star of the show, providing sweetness and depth.
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that lifts the dish.
- 2 carrots, julienned: For crunch and a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar: Brings acidity to balance richness.
- 1 tbsp lime juice: Adds brightness and freshness.
- ½ tsp sesame oil: Offers a nutty warmth, enhancing the overall taste.
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes: Important for seasoning to perfection.
- ½ tsp caster (superfine) sugar: Balances the acidity with subtle sweetness.
- ¼ cup whole-egg mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, luscious sauce for drizzling or dipping.
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for mayo): Adds extra nuttiness to the mayo.
- ½ tsp rice wine vinegar (for mayo): Lightens the mayo with a dab of acidity.
- 1 baby cos (romaine) lettuce or 2 baby gem lettuces: Leaves removed for the perfect crisp cups.
- 125 g dried vermicelli rice noodles: Cooks up soft and silky for the base inside your lettuce cups.
- 1 Lebanese cucumber, finely sliced: Adds a refreshing crunch and coolness.
- 1–2 red bird’s eye chillies (optional): For those who love a bit of heat.
- 2 tbsp crushed roasted peanuts: Provides delightful texture and earthiness.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime completes and brightens each bite.
How to Make Hoisin Chicken with Lettuce Cups
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the chicken thighs, olive oil, hoisin sauce, and freshly minced garlic in a large bowl. Toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated. You can either cook the chicken right away or marinate it for up to 24 hours in the fridge to deepen the flavors. The hoisin sauce works its magic, soaking into the chicken for a rich and irresistible taste.
Step 2: Pickle the Carrot
While the chicken marinates or waits, whip up a quick pickle with the julienned carrots. In a medium bowl, mix the carrots with rice wine vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, sea salt flakes, and a bit of caster sugar. This mixture softens the carrots just enough to bring a tangy crunch to the dish without overpowering it.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large, heavy frying pan over medium–high heat. Place the marinated chicken in the pan and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway so it cooks evenly. Add ¼ cup of water in the last couple of minutes to loosen up the sauce slightly, ensuring that luscious hoisin glaze clings to every bite. Once done, slice or shred the chicken to make it easy to fill the lettuce cups.
Step 4: Make the Sesame Mayo
This creamy mayo drizzle takes the dish to the next level. In a small bowl, whisk together whole-egg mayonnaise, a teaspoon of sesame oil, and half a teaspoon of rice wine vinegar until smooth and silky. This sauce adds a nutty tang that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and fresh veggies.
Step 5: Assemble the Lettuce Cups
Now, the fun part! Gently place a small bundle of cooked rice noodles into each lettuce cup. Add a spoonful of the tangy pickled carrot, some thin slices of cucumber, and strips of hoisin chicken. Finish with a drizzle of the sesame mayo, a few slices of red chilli if you like it spicy, and a sprinkle of crushed roasted peanuts. Don’t forget a wedge of lime on the side to squeeze over just before eating for a pop of zesty brightness.
How to Serve Hoisin Chicken with Lettuce Cups
Garnishes
Garnishing Hoisin Chicken with Lettuce Cups is where you can get creative. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint add an herbaceous lift. Thinly sliced spring onions, extra crushed peanuts, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add a satisfying crunch and visual appeal. The bright red bird’s eye chillies not only bring the heat but color that really pops against the green lettuce.
Side Dishes
Because the lettuce cups themselves are a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, keep side dishes light and complementary. A simple Asian-style cucumber salad or a bowl of miso soup works beautifully. If you want something heartier, steamed jasmine rice or a light fried rice can round out the meal without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can elevate your Hoisin Chicken with Lettuce Cups at any dinner party or family gathering. Serve the chicken, noodles, pickled carrots, and garnishes separately with a platter of washed lettuce leaves so guests can assemble their own. Or, arrange the fully assembled cups neatly on a chic wooden board or bright serving dish for an inviting and colorful centerpiece that encourages sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover cooked chicken and pickled vegetables separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves fresh and crisp by storing them in a paper towel-lined container to absorb moisture. It’s best to assemble the cups just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Freezing cooked hoisin chicken is possible, but avoid freezing the pickled carrots and lettuce cups as their texture won’t hold up. Freeze the chicken in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, you’ll preserve that delicious flavor and tender texture.
Reheating
Reheat the thawed chicken gently on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water to keep it saucy and moist. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent drying out. Once warm, proceed to assemble with fresh pickled veggies and crisp lettuce cups for best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful bite, chicken breast can be substituted for a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook the breast meat, as it dries out more quickly.
Is hoisin sauce gluten-free?
Many hoisin sauces contain wheat, but there are gluten-free versions available at specialty stores or online. Always check the label if you need to avoid gluten.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes. Simply use a dairy-free mayonnaise to create the sesame mayo drizzle and your Hoisin Chicken with Lettuce Cups remain just as delicious and creamy.
What type of lettuce works best for the cups?
Baby cos (romaine) or baby gem lettuces are perfect because their leaves are sturdy enough to hold fillings and have a mild flavor that complements rather than competes with the filling.
How spicy is the dish, and can I adjust the heat?
The heat level comes primarily from the optional red bird’s eye chillies. You can adjust the amount or omit them altogether to suit your taste. Adding chillies is a great way to customize the recipe’s spice level.
Final Thoughts
Hoisin Chicken with Lettuce Cups is one of those magical dishes that feels like a treat but comes together with ease and freshness you can enjoy any day. It’s the perfect combination of textures, flavors, and colors that will keep you reaching for seconds. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become a beloved staple in your cooking rotation, just like it is in mine. So get chopping and get ready to savor every bite!
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Hoisin Chicken with Lettuce Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Hoisin Chicken with Lettuce Cups recipe, featuring tender marinated chicken thighs coated in rich hoisin sauce, crisp pickled carrots, fresh cucumber, vermicelli noodles, and a creamy sesame mayo drizzle, all served in refreshing baby cos lettuce cups for a light, healthy, and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (can be substituted with chicken breast)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
Pickled Carrot
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ½ tsp caster (superfine) sugar
Sesame Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60 g) whole-egg mayonnaise
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp rice wine vinegar
To Serve
- 1 baby cos (romaine) lettuce or 2 baby gem lettuces, leaves removed to create lettuce cups
- 125 g (4½ oz) dried vermicelli rice noodles (prepared as per the packet instructions)
- 1 Lebanese (short) cucumber, finely sliced
- 1–2 red bird’s eye chillies, finely sliced (optional)
- 2 tbsp crushed roasted peanuts
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs, olive oil, hoisin sauce, and freshly minced garlic. Toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated. Set aside and allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate and marinate for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- Pickle the carrot: Place the julienned carrots in a medium bowl. Add the rice wine vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, sea salt flakes, and caster sugar. Toss well to coat the carrots evenly. Let the carrots sit at room temperature while you prepare other components so they absorb the flavors.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning once midway through cooking to ensure even browning. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add ¼ cup (60 ml) of water to the pan to loosen the sauce and create a flavorful glaze. Once cooked through, slice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the sesame mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sesame oil, and rice wine vinegar until smooth and well combined. This creamy sauce will be used for drizzling or dipping with the lettuce cups.
- Prepare the noodles and lettuce: Cook the vermicelli rice noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. Carefully separate the lettuce leaves to form individual cups for assembling.
- Assemble the lettuce cups: To each lettuce cup, place a small bundle of cooked vermicelli noodles, a spoonful of pickled carrot, a few slices of fresh cucumber, and some hoisin chicken strips. Drizzle with sesame mayonnaise, add sliced red bird’s eye chillies if using, and sprinkle with crushed roasted peanuts. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Chicken breast can be substituted for thighs but may result in a leaner texture.
- For a dairy-free mayonnaise option, use a vegan or egg-free mayo alternative.
- Hoisin sauce can vary in sweetness; adjust sugar in pickled carrot to balance flavors if needed.
- Bird’s eye chillies are optional and can be omitted or substituted with milder chillies for less heat.
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies flavor but is not mandatory.
- Use fresh, crisp lettuce leaves to prevent sogginess and provide the best texture contrast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Marinating and Pan Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 lettuce cups)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Hoisin chicken, lettuce cups, Asian chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, vermicelli noodles, pickled carrot, sesame mayo
