Potsticker-Inspired Chicken Lettuce Boats (Printable Version)

Savory ground chicken with ginger, vegetables, and tangy dipping sauce nestled in crisp lettuce leaves for a light Asian-inspired meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken Filling

01 - 1 pound ground chicken
02 - 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
05 - 2 green onions, finely sliced plus extra for garnish
06 - 1 cup shredded cabbage
07 - 1 medium carrot, grated
08 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
09 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
10 - 1 teaspoon chili-garlic sauce optional
11 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder

→ For Serving

12 - 12 large butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce leaves, washed and dried
13 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

→ Dipping Sauce

14 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
15 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
16 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
17 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
18 - 1 teaspoon chili-garlic sauce optional

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Heat sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the meat begins to brown with crispy edges.
03 - Stir in green onions, shredded cabbage, and grated carrot. Sauté for 3 minutes until vegetables become tender.
04 - Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili-garlic sauce if desired, and cornstarch to the mixture. Stir thoroughly and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the filling thickens and chicken is fully cooked. Remove from heat.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and chili-garlic sauce until well combined.
06 - Spoon the warm chicken filling evenly into each lettuce leaf. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions.
07 - Transfer assembled lettuce boats to serving plates and serve immediately with dipping sauce on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like a potsticker exploded in the best way, but you can actually feel good about eating it.
  • Twenty minutes of active cooking time means dinner happens before you've finished scrolling your phone.
  • The filling is forgiving—if your vegetables are cut chunky or fine, it still works beautifully.
02 -
  • Don't skip toasting your sesame seeds—it transforms them from bland to nutty and delicious in just two minutes over a dry pan.
  • If your filling seems too wet when you're done cooking, that cornstarch will thicken it as it cools slightly, so resist the urge to add more and end up with a gluey mess.
03 -
  • Let the chicken brown undisturbed for the first 60 to 90 seconds before stirring—this develops a golden crust that adds real depth to the flavor.
  • Serve the filling warm and the lettuce chilled for maximum textural contrast, which makes every bite feel intentional and special.
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