Tex-Mex Lettuce Cups
Tex-Mex Lettuce Cups are a lighter, fresher way to enjoy everything you love about taco night. Crisp lettuce leaves add the perfect crunch, while the bold Tex-Mex flavors make each bite satisfying without feeling heavy. They’re colorful, easy to serve, and just as good for quick weeknight dinners as they are for casual gatherings.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spatula
- Small mixing bowl
- Serving platter
Ingredients
For the Tex-Mex Chicken Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
- ½ cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 medium tomato diced (or ½ cup canned diced tomatoes)
- Juice of ½ lime
For Serving:
- 8-10 crisp lettuce leaves romaine or butter lettuce
- 1 avocado diced
- ½ cup fresh salsa
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- Lime wedges for garnish
For the Lime Crema:
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the ground chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully browned.
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with spices.
- Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Squeeze in lime juice and adjust salt to taste. Remove from heat.
- To make the crema, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl until smooth.
- Arrange lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon the warm chicken mixture into each leaf, then top with diced avocado, salsa, cilantro, and a drizzle of lime crema. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro and serve.
Notes
- Store leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Assemble lettuce cups just before serving so the leaves stay crisp.
- For meal prep, pack the filling separately and assemble at mealtime.
