Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Lettuce Cups are a light, refreshing, and flavor-packed meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining. This dish combines juicy honey-lime sautéed chicken with creamy avocado, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and a zesty chipotle lime sauce. Served in crisp lettuce leaves, it’s a healthy and satisfying way to enjoy all the vibrant flavors of summer without the heaviness. Whether you’re eating clean, avoiding carbs, or just want something delicious and fun to eat with your hands, these lettuce cups are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, chopped
- 1½ tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Cups:
- 1 head romaine or butter lettuce, leaves separated
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- ¾ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp chipotle or smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Heat 1½ tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped chicken to the skillet.
- Drizzle in the honey, lime juice, and add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté for 8–10 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chipotle or smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Assemble the Cups
- Lay out the lettuce leaves on a serving platter or tray.
- Into each cup, spoon in the honey-lime chicken.
- Add a few pieces of diced avocado.
- Sprinkle in black beans, corn, red onion, and fresh cilantro.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
- Drizzle the chipotle lime sauce over each filled lettuce cup.
- Optional: garnish with extra cilantro and a lime wedge.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the lettuce is crisp.
- Enjoy as a light meal or party appetizer.
Variation
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the filling or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
- Sweet Touch: Mix in mango or pineapple chunks with the avocado.
- Cheesy Addition: Top with shredded cheddar or crumbled cotija.
- Vegan Version: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or sautéed mushrooms.
Cooking Note:
- Don’t overfill the lettuce cups to avoid them tearing or being difficult to eat.
- If using frozen corn, thaw and drain before adding to the cups.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve alongside tortilla chips or grilled vegetables.
- Pair with a chilled limeade or cucumber mint agua fresca for a refreshing combo.
- These cups make a great make-ahead lunch—just store components separately and assemble before serving.
Tips:
- Use butter lettuce for a softer, more flexible leaf.
- Make extra sauce for dipping veggies or topping grilled meats.
- Keep lettuce chilled until serving for extra crunch.
Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Lettuce Cups
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, chopped
- 1½ tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Cups:
- 1 head romaine or butter lettuce, leaves separated
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- ¾ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp chipotle or smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Heat 1½ tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped chicken to the skillet.
- Drizzle in the honey, lime juice, and add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté for 8–10 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chipotle or smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Assemble the Cups
- Lay out the lettuce leaves on a serving platter or tray.
- Into each cup, spoon in the honey-lime chicken.
- Add a few pieces of diced avocado.
- Sprinkle in black beans, corn, red onion, and fresh cilantro.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
- Drizzle the chipotle lime sauce over each filled lettuce cup.
- Optional: garnish with extra cilantro and a lime wedge.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the lettuce is crisp.
- Enjoy as a light meal or party appetizer.
Notes
- Don’t overfill the lettuce cups to avoid them tearing or being difficult to eat.
- If using frozen corn, thaw and drain before adding to the cups.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sodium: 410mg
- Protein: 27g
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and prep the sauce and fillings in advance. Store everything separately and assemble just before serving.
What type of lettuce works best?
Butter lettuce and romaine hearts are best for their shape and strength.
Can I use another protein?
Absolutely—shredded rotisserie chicken, shrimp, or ground turkey all work great.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative for the sauce.
Conclusion
Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Lettuce Cups are fresh, nutritious, and bursting with bold flavor. The savory-sweet chicken, creamy avocado, zesty sauce, and crisp lettuce make each bite irresistible. Whether you’re entertaining guests or preparing a weeknight meal, these lettuce cups offer an easy, healthy, and seriously satisfying option. The best part? No utensils required—just pick up and devour!