Cold Sesame Chicken Lettuce Cups
Cold, fast, no cooking required if you’ve got shredded chicken in the fridge. The sesame-ginger dressing is bright and light — nothing heavy, nothing hot, nothing that asks much of your stomach. The lettuce keeps it cool and crisp. This is the kind of meal that takes ten minutes and tastes like you planned ahead.
Allergens:
Ingredients
Dressing:
Ingredient notes:
- Cooked chicken - Rotisserie chicken is the fastest option. Leftover baked chicken works perfectly here. Canned chicken in water can substitute in a pinch.
- Sesame oil - Toasted only. A small amount is enough - it’s the defining aromatic of the dressing. Don’t increase the amount.
- Rice vinegar - Unseasoned rice vinegar is preferred. Seasoned rice vinegar already contains added sugar and salt - adjust honey and soy if you use it.
- Butter lettuce - Keep it cold until the moment you serve. The cool, crisp cup against the dressed chicken is what makes this recipe feel refreshing rather than heavy.
- Cucumber - Adds cool crunch and hydration. Thinly sliced or cut into small matchsticks both work.
Recipe Instructions
- Make the dressing in the bowl - In your serving bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, grated ginger, honey, and lime juice until combined. Taste it - it should be bright, slightly sweet, and nutty. A little more lime sharpens it. A little more honey softens it.
- Dress the chicken - Add shredded chicken to the bowl. Toss to coat in the dressing. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes - the chicken soaks up the dressing better with a moment to rest.
- Build the cups - Arrange chilled butter lettuce leaves on a plate or flat surface. Spoon the dressed chicken into each leaf. Top with thinly sliced cucumber, green onion, fresh cilantro or mint if using, and a pinch of sesame seeds.
- Eat - Eat cold. Pick up each cup and eat it whole if you can - the wrap-and-bite is the point. Set the extras on the plate for when you’re ready.
Recipe notes:
On the dressing Whisk it in the bowl you’re eating from. One less dish. It takes 30 seconds.
Make it a meal prep moment The sesame dressing keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days in a small jar. Make a double batch and use it all week over greens, shredded chicken, or cold soba.
Nutrition Per Serving
Serving Size: 4–5 lettuce cups
| without sesame seeds | with 1 tsp sesame seeds | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 280 | 295 |
| Protein | 38g | 38g |
| Total Fat | 7g | 9g |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10g | 11g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5g | 2g |
| Sugar | 6g | 6g |
| Sodium | 490mg | 490mg |
Based on 5oz cooked chicken breast and unseasoned rice vinegar. Values will vary with rotisserie chicken and sodium content of soy sauce used. Nutritional information is estimated and provided for general guidance.