Cranberry-Chicken Lettuce Cups

This cranberry-chicken lettuce cup recipe delivers a refreshing twist on traditional chicken salad by pairing tender chicken with tangy cranberries and crisp vegetables, all wrapped in cool lettuce leaves for a light yet satisfying meal. The combination creates perfect balance between protein, freshness, and subtle sweetness that works beautifully as an appetizer or light lunch option.

I first created these lettuce cups when looking for a lighter alternative to traditional sandwiches for a summer gathering. The combination was such a hit that they've become my go to recipe whenever I need something that feels special but requires minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breast: provides lean protein and creates the hearty base for this dish; use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience and flavor
• Dried cranberries: add sweet tart flavor that perfectly balances the savory elements; look for ones without added sugar when possible
• Celery: delivers essential crunch and freshness; choose crisp stalks with bright color for best texture
• Green onions: provide mild onion flavor without overpowering the delicate balance of ingredients
• Fresh parsley: brightens the entire dish with color and herbaceous notes
• Toasted nuts: optional but highly recommended for richness and texture depth
• Mayonnaise: binds everything together with creamy richness; substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version
• Dijon mustard: adds sophisticated tanginess that elevates the entire mixture
• Apple cider vinegar: provides acidity that wakes up all the flavors
• Butter or Bibb lettuce: creates the perfect edible vessel with their naturally cup shaped leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the dressing:

Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Season thoughtfully with salt and pepper. This step creates the flavor foundation for the entire dish so taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The dressing should have a balanced tangy flavor that will complement the sweetness of the cranberries.

Mix the filling:

Combine your chopped chicken, cranberries, celery, green onions, parsley and optional nuts in a large bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over everything and gently fold the ingredients together until evenly coated. Take care not to overmix which can break down the ingredients too much. The texture should remain chunky and distinct.

Assemble the cups:

Select the largest, most cup like leaves from your lettuce head. Wash them thoroughly and pat completely dry to prevent sogginess. Arrange these leaves on your serving platter, creating a slight overlap for visual appeal. Spoon approximately 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture into each leaf creating a generous but manageable portion.

Garnish and serve:

Sprinkle additional cranberries, toasted nuts or fresh herbs over the tops of each filled cup. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds texture contrast. Serve immediately for the best eating experience.

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The dried cranberries are truly the secret star of this recipe. I discovered their magic when trying to use up holiday leftovers one year. Their sweet tart flavor creates such perfect balance with the savory chicken that I now keep them stocked in my pantry specifically for this dish.

Make It Your Own

These lettuce cups welcome personalization. Try adding diced apple for extra sweetness and crunch, or incorporate halved red grapes for juicy bursts of flavor. For those who enjoy heat, a dash of hot sauce or finely diced jalapeño transforms the profile completely. You might also experiment with herbs beyond parsley. Fresh dill offers brightness while basil brings Mediterranean notes to the dish.

Storage Solutions

The chicken mixture keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The lettuce leaves should always be stored separately and washed just before serving to maintain their crispness. For meal prep, consider portioning the chicken mixture into individual containers for grab and go lunches throughout the week. Simply bring along whole lettuce leaves wrapped in damp paper towels.

Entertaining With Lettuce Cups

These lettuce cups make perfect party food. Create a build your own station by setting out the chicken mixture alongside bowls of additional toppings like extra cranberries, nuts, avocado chunks and different herbs. Provide a variety of lettuce options from butter lettuce to romaine hearts or even endive leaves for bite sized versions. This interactive approach encourages guests to customize their own perfect bites.

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Common Questions

→ Can I make these lettuce cups ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For best results, keep the filling separate from the lettuce leaves until just before serving to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy.

→ What can I substitute for mayonnaise to make it healthier?

Plain Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for mayonnaise, creating a lighter version with added protein. You could also use a mixture of Greek yogurt and avocado, or try a plant-based mayo alternative.

→ Are there alternatives to butter lettuce for this dish?

Absolutely! While butter or Bibb lettuce works best due to its cup-like shape and tender texture, you can also use romaine hearts, iceberg lettuce cups, or even large spinach leaves. For a different approach, the filling can be served in small tortillas or as a sandwich.

→ How can I add more flavor to the chicken mixture?

Try adding diced apple or halved red grapes for a sweet-savory twist. Other great additions include a tablespoon of curry powder, chopped fresh herbs like dill or tarragon, a splash of lemon juice, or some finely diced red onion instead of green onions.

→ What's the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?

Poached chicken breasts provide a tender, neutral base that absorbs the dressing well. Simply simmer chicken breasts in water or broth with a bay leaf and peppercorns for about 15 minutes until cooked through. Rotisserie chicken also works wonderfully as a time-saving option.

→ Can I make a vegetarian version of these lettuce cups?

Yes! Replace the chicken with chickpeas (mashed slightly), crumbled firm tofu, or chopped tempeh. You could also use a mixture of cooked quinoa and diced vegetables for a hearty vegetarian alternative that maintains the protein content.