Easy Orange Chicken Lettuce Cups – A 15-Minute Meal
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that comes together in 15-20 minutes, these Orange Chicken Lettuce Cups are a must-try! They’re sweet, savory, a little spicy, and packed with protein—all while staying light and fresh. The combination of orange zest, fresh orange juice, coconut aminos, and chili crunch gives the meat an irresistible flavor, making this an easy weeknight dinner you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Creator: Leslie Stokes
These lettuce cups are also great for meal prep—just cook the filling in advance and store it separately from the lettuce. When you’re ready to eat, assemble in seconds for a quick and healthy meal!
Why You’ll love these
– Fast & Easy – Ready in just 15-20 minutes!
– Packed with Flavor – Fresh orange zest, honey, and chili crunch create the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.
-High in Protein – Using ground turkey or chicken keeps this meal lean yet satisfying.
– Great for Meal Prep – The filling stores well and can be reheated for a quick lunch or dinner.
– Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free – Made with wholesome, simple ingredients.
These Orange Chicken Lettuce Cups are the perfect balance of fresh, zesty, and satisfying.
Whether you need a quick dinner, a light meal prep option, or something healthy yet flavorful, this recipe checks all the boxes. Try them out and let me know what you think—tag me on social media if you make them!
For my Sauce Girlies
If you are like ne and need a sauce for everything, I suggest using a sweet chili sauce for these!
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
These lettuce cups make an excellent meal prep option!
Here’s how to store and reheat them:
• For Meal Prep: Cook the filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the lettuce, avocado, and toppings separate.
• For Reheating: Warm the filling in a skillet or microwave before assembling. Avoid heating the lettuce to keep it crisp.
• Freezing Option: The cooked orange chicken mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Orange Chicken Lettuce Cups
These orange chicken lettuce cups are packed with sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, making them a delicious high-protein meal prep option. Serve them with avocado and rice for a more filling meal or keep them light with just the lettuce cups!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground turkey or chicken
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 red bell peppers chopped
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 4 tbsp orange juice
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp chili crunch
- 1/4 tsp dried ginger or 1/2 tsp fresh, minced
For Serving:
- Butter lettuce cups
- Green onions sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Avocado sliced
- Cooked rice optional
Let's Make It
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until mostly browned.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped bell peppers. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the peppers begin to soften.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, coconut aminos, sesame oil, honey, and chili crunch.
- Simmer: Pour the sauce over the meat mixture (reserving a little for drizzling later if you want). Stir well and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the meat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Assemble: Spoon the orange chicken mixture into butter lettuce cups. Top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and avocado. Drizzle with the reserved sauce.
- Serve: Enjoy as-is or pair with a side of rice for extra carbs!
- These store well in meal prep containers—just keep the lettuce separate until ready to eat!
Nutrition Facts
(Per Serving, Without Rice)
• Calories: ~300
• Protein: ~35g
• Carbs: ~15g
• Fats: ~12g
