Fresh, vibrant, and full of bold flavor, Honey Lime Chicken Lettuce Cups with Crunchy Slaw are the ultimate light meal for any season. These handheld bites are bursting with juicy, zesty chicken, crisp cabbage and carrot slaw, and a touch of sweetness from honey. Nestled in butter lettuce leaves, this dish is not only low-carb and gluten-free, but also incredibly refreshing.
Whether you’re serving these for a casual lunch, light dinner, or as a fun appetizer for guests, they’re easy to prep, quick to cook, and packed with satisfaction. The layers of texture — crunchy slaw, tender chicken, and crisp lettuce — make every bite exciting.
Ingredients
For the Honey Lime Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)
For the Crunchy Slaw:
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- Pinch of salt
To Serve:
- 1 head butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce, leaves separated and rinsed
- Lime wedges, for garnish
- Extra chopped cilantro
Preparation
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lime juice, garlic, soy sauce, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Add cubed chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 20–30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
Step 2: Make the Slaw
In a separate bowl, combine shredded red cabbage, carrots, rice vinegar or lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt. Toss well and refrigerate while the chicken marinates. This will help the slaw stay crisp and soak up the tangy dressing.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken (with its marinade) and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is caramelized and fully cooked. Stir in chopped cilantro just before removing from the heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Lettuce Cups
Lay out clean lettuce leaves on a serving plate. Spoon some slaw into each leaf. Top with a generous scoop of honey lime chicken.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges for added brightness. These are best enjoyed immediately while the chicken is warm.
Variation
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh cubes.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle with crushed peanuts or crispy wonton strips.
- Saucy Boost: Drizzle with sriracha mayo or a dash of sesame dressing.
- Asian-Inspired: Add grated ginger and a splash of sesame oil to the marinade.
Cooking Note
Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture, or breasts for a leaner option. Ensure chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. You can also grill the chicken for a smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside a light soup or quinoa salad.
- Pair with a glass of iced green tea or citrus-infused sparkling water.
- Make it a platter: let everyone build their own lettuce cups.
Tips
- Marinate the chicken in advance to save time.
- Use romaine leaves for a sturdier alternative to butter lettuce.
- Double the slaw recipe to enjoy it as a side salad later.
Conclusion
These Honey Lime Chicken Lettuce Cups with Crunchy Slaw are the perfect mix of healthy and indulgent — with a sweet-and-zesty marinade, crisp textures, and colorful presentation. Ideal for summer dinners, lunch boxes, or quick weeknight meals, this recipe will become a go-to in your rotation.
It’s light but filling, simple yet impressive, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and you’ll see why fresh never goes out of style! 🥬🍗🍯
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Honey Lime Chicken Lettuce Cups with Crunchy Slaw
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Honey Lime Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)
For the Crunchy Slaw:
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- Pinch of salt
To Serve:
- 1 head butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce, leaves separated and rinsed
- Lime wedges, for garnish
- Extra chopped cilantro
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lime juice, garlic, soy sauce, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Add cubed chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 20–30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
Step 2: Make the Slaw
In a separate bowl, combine shredded red cabbage, carrots, rice vinegar or lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt. Toss well and refrigerate while the chicken marinates. This will help the slaw stay crisp and soak up the tangy dressing.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken (with its marinade) and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is caramelized and fully cooked. Stir in chopped cilantro just before removing from the heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Lettuce Cups
Lay out clean lettuce leaves on a serving plate. Spoon some slaw into each leaf. Top with a generous scoop of honey lime chicken.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges for added brightness. These are best enjoyed immediately while the chicken is warm.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture, or breasts for a leaner option. Ensure chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. You can also grill the chicken for a smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 28g
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and prep the slaw ahead, but assemble the cups just before serving for the best texture.
Q: Are these gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Q: Can I serve this warm or cold?
The chicken is best warm, but the assembled cups can be served at room temperature for gatherings.
Q: What’s the best lettuce to use?
Butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce are ideal for their softness and shape.