Chicken & Mango Salsa Lettuce Cups

When it comes to quick, healthy, and delicious meals, these Chicken & Mango Salsa Lettuce Cups take the crown. Packed with vibrant flavours, a balance of textures, and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is everything you want in a light yet satisfying dish. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a casual lunch, or even a summer gathering with friends, these lettuce cups will hit the spot.

In this blog post, I’ll take you through everything you need to know to create these mouthwatering lettuce cups. Plus, I’ll share tips on ingredient swaps, presentation, and why this dish is one of my all-time favorites. Let’s dive in!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE CHICKEN AND MANGO SALSA LETTUCE CUPS.

Here are just a few reasons why this dish deserves a spot on your recipe rotation:

Quick to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep and under 10 minutes of cook time, this is perfect for busy weeknights.

Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado, and vitamins from the mango and veggies, this is a meal your body will thank you for.

Naturally Gluten-Free: No substitutions necessary!

Customisable: You can adjust the spice level, swap out ingredients, and even add your favourite toppings.

Perfect for Entertaining: The vibrant colours and fresh flavours make this dish a showstopper for any gathering.

THE RECIPE: CHICKEN & MANGO SALSA LETTUCE CUPS.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 skinless chicken thighs

1 tbsp. olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Salsa:

1 avocado, cubed

1 mango, cubed

½ onion, diced

1 red chili, finely chopped (optional, for a spicy kick)

1 tomato, diced

¼ cucumber, finely chopped

1 lime, juice only

For the Assembly:

8-10 large lettuce leaves (butter lettuce, cos, or iceberg work well)

INSTRUCTIONS.

1. Cook the Chicken:

   • Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then rub them with olive oil to coat evenly.

   • Heat a grill pan or regular skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and browned on the outside. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

   • Set aside to cool slightly before chopping into bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare the Salsa:

   • While the chicken cooks, combine all the salsa ingredients in a bowl: avocado, mango, onion, chili, tomato, cucumber, and lime juice.

   • Toss gently to mix, being careful not to mash the avocado. Set aside to allow the flavours to meld.

3. Assemble the Lettuce Cups:

   • Lay the lettuce leaves out on a large serving platter or individual plates.

   • Spoon a generous amount of mango salsa into each lettuce cup, then top with the chopped chicken pieces.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Optional: Garnish with fresh coriander, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavour.

   • Serve immediately for the freshest taste and best texture.

WHY THESE LETTUCE CUPS ARE A NUTRITIONAL POWERHOUSE.

This dish isn’t just pretty to look at—it’s loaded with nutrients that support your health and energy levels.

Chicken Thighs: A rich source of protein to keep you full and support muscle repair. While chicken breast is leaner, thighs bring more flavour and are less likely to dry out when grilled.

Mango: High in vitamins A and C, mangoes support your immune system and promote healthy skin.

Avocado: Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, avocados add creaminess without the need for heavy dressings.

Tomatoes & Cucumber: Both low in calories and high in water content, these veggies help keep you hydrated and feeling light.

Lettuce Leaves: By swapping out tortillas or bread for lettuce, you cut down on carbs while adding a refreshing crunch.

TIPS TO MAKE THESE LETTUCE CUPS EVEN BETTER.

1. Choose Your Lettuce Wisely:
   Butter lettuce is my favourite for this dish because of its soft texture and ability to hold the fillings without tearing. If you prefer crunch, opt for iceberg or cos lettuce.

2. Go Big on Garnishes:
   Add fresh herbs like coriander, mint, or even dill to elevate the flavours. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed peanuts can add extra texture, too.

3. Make It Ahead:

   • You can prepare the salsa and cook the chicken a few hours in advance.

   • Store the chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge, then assemble the cups just before serving to keep everything fresh.

4. Add a Drizzle of Dressing:
   While the lime juice in the salsa acts as a natural dressing, a light drizzle of honey-lime vinaigrette or yoghurt sauce can add another layer of flavour.

CUSTOMISING YOUR LETTUCE CUPS.

The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun ways to customise your lettuce cups:

• Protein Options: Swap chicken thighs for grilled prawns, seared tofu, or shredded bbq chicken.

• Extra Veggies: Add shredded carrots, thinly sliced radishes, or even capsicum strips for added crunch.

• Fruit Substitutions: If mango isn’t available, try pineapple, papaya, or even orange segments.

• Spice It Up: Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the salsa for more heat.

WHY THIS RECIPE IS PERFECT FOR SUMMER ENTERTAINING.

Imagine hosting a casual summer lunch or dinner party and serving these Chicken & Mango Salsa Lettuce Cups as a starter or light main. They’re refreshing, colourful, and require minimal time in the kitchen—so you can spend more time with your guests.

You can even create a DIY lettuce cup station, where guests can assemble their own cups. Just lay out the lettuce leaves, a big bowl of mango salsa, and a plate of grilled chicken, and let everyone customise their meal to their liking.

WHAT TO PAIR WITH THESE LETTUCE CUPS.

If you want to turn these lettuce cups into a full meal, here are some ideas for sides and drinks to serve alongside them:

• Sides:

  • A light quinoa salad with fresh herbs.

  • Grilled corn on the cob with lime and paprika.

  • A platter of sliced watermelon for a refreshing touch.

• Drinks:

  • Sparkling water infused with mint and lime.

  • A chilled white wine or rosé.

  • Freshly made mango or pineapple smoothies.

STORAGE TIPS.

While these lettuce cups are best enjoyed fresh, you can store the components separately for meal prep:

Chicken: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Salsa: The salsa can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days, but keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly. To prevent this, squeeze extra lime juice over the top before sealing the container.

Lettuce: Wash and dry the lettuce leaves, then store them in a container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

FINAL THOUGHTS.

These Chicken & Mango Salsa Lettuce Cups are everything you want in a recipe—easy, fresh, and bursting with flavour. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or entertaining friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

The combination of juicy chicken, sweet mango, creamy avocado, and zesty lime is irresistible, while the crisp lettuce adds a refreshing crunch. It’s a recipe that feels indulgent yet keeps you feeling light and energised.