Potsticker-Inspired Chicken Lettuce Boats (Printable)

Fresh lettuce cups filled with savory Asian-seasoned chicken, vegetables, and sesame seeds.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken Filling

01 - 1 lb 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 or coconut aminos 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 or coconut aminos
15 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
16 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
17 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
18 - 1 teaspoon chili-garlic sauce, optional

# Steps:

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 chicken begins to brown and develops crispy edges.
03 - Stir in green onions, shredded cabbage, and grated carrot. Sauté for 3 minutes until vegetables soften.
04 - Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili-garlic sauce if desired, and cornstarch. Stir thoroughly and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens and chicken is fully cooked through. Remove from heat.
05 - Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, and optional chili-garlic sauce in a small bowl until combined.
06 - Spoon warm chicken mixture evenly into each lettuce leaf. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and additional green onions.
07 - Arrange assembled lettuce boats on a serving platter and serve immediately with dipping sauce on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It scratches that potsticker craving without the carb load or the tedious folding.
  • The whole thing comes together faster than takeout delivery, and your kitchen smells incredible the entire time.
  • These feel fancy enough to serve guests but casual enough for a solo dinner that still feels special.
02 -
  • Don't skip toasting the sesame oil or letting the chicken brown—these small moments create the flavor you're actually after.
  • The cornstarch is non-negotiable if you want the filling to stay in your lettuce boats instead of pooling at the bottom of your plate.
03 -
  • Brown the chicken without moving it around for the first minute or two; this creates a crust that adds depth and texture.
  • Keep your dipping sauce a little looser than you think you need it—it will thicken slightly as it cools, and you want it to flow into every crevice of your filling.
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