Here’s a quick, flavorful dinner that comes together in about 15 minutes: Easy Rotisserie Chicken Lettuce Cups with Peanut Sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something light, healthy, and satisfying without a lot of fuss. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken keeps prep time to a minimum while delivering great taste.
These lettuce cups are bright, crunchy, and versatile. I used radicchio instead of the more common butter lettuce or iceberg. Radicchio brings a striking color and a subtle bitter note that contrasts nicely with the savory chicken and creamy peanut sauce. It’s also sturdier than many delicate lettuces, so it holds fillings well without tearing. If you prefer, you can substitute iceberg, butter lettuce, or romaine for a milder flavor and softer texture.
Why this recipe works
The recipe balances textures and flavors: tender shredded rotisserie chicken, crisp vegetables, crunchy peanuts, fresh herbs, and a tangy-spicy peanut drizzle that ties everything together. With minimal chopping and no cooking required beyond shredding the chicken and whisking the sauce, it’s an ideal option when time is limited but you still want an impressive, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- For the peanut sauce:
- 1 tbsp creamy unsweetened peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce)
- 1 tsp fish sauce (optional for depth of flavor)
- For the lettuce cups:
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (about 1 whole chicken)
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, halved lengthwise and sliced into 2″ pieces (green and white parts)
- 1 large head radicchio, leaves separated and torn (or substitute iceberg or butter lettuce)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- ¼ cup loosely chopped roasted peanuts
- Cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the peanut sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, sriracha, lime juice, coconut aminos, and fish sauce until smooth. Taste and adjust for sweetness, acidity, or heat as needed—add more lime juice for brightness or a touch of water to thin the sauce.
- Assemble the cups: Arrange radicchio leaves on a platter or on individual plates. Fill each leaf with a portion of shredded rotisserie chicken, then top with sliced red bell pepper and green onion pieces. Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts over each cup for added crunch.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the peanut sauce over the filled lettuce cups, garnish with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze a bit of lime over each cup just before eating for extra freshness. Enjoy immediately.
Variations and tips
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute shredded tofu, tempeh, or cooked chickpeas for the chicken and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
- Swap the greens: Use butter lettuce, iceberg, or romaine for a milder taste and softer texture. Radicchio gives a more robust bite and holds up well to heavier fillings.
- Adjust the heat: Reduce or omit the sriracha for a milder sauce, or add more if you like things spicy. You can also add a pinch of brown sugar or honey if you prefer a touch of sweetness.
- Store-bought shortcut: If you prefer, replace the homemade peanut sauce with a store-bought sesame or tahini-based dressing—just drizzle before serving.
Prep and serving information
- Total time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
These lettuce cups make a light dinner, a shareable appetizer, or a low-carb lunch. They’re easy to scale up for guests and travel well if you pack the sauce separately. Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days; reassemble the cups just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
Additional info
Author: Alex Snodgrass
Nutrition information is automatically calculated by some tools and should be considered an approximation. If you need precise nutrition data, calculate based on the exact brands and quantities you use.
If you enjoyed this recipe, try experimenting with different vegetables, proteins, and sauces to create new flavor combinations. These lettuce cups are a flexible base for fresh, fast meals year-round.