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To create the perfect Smoky BBQ Chicken Lettuce Cups, it's essential to understand the role of each ingredient. This dish primarily features chicken as the star protein, complemented by a variety of vegetables and flavorful seasonings. Let’s break down the core ingredients to understand how they contribute to the overall harmony of this dish.

BBQ Chicken Lettuce Cups

Discover the mouthwatering recipe for Smoky BBQ Chicken Lettuce Cups, a healthy and flavorful meal that's quick to prepare. Perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners, these cups are loaded with smoky chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty BBQ sauce. Learn how to grill chicken to perfection, create a tasty marinade, and assemble the cups with crunchy toppings. Enjoy a nutritious dish that's light yet satisfying, and easily customizable for any dietary preference.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 head of butter lettuce (or iceberg), leaves separated and washed

1 cup shredded carrots

½ cup diced cucumbers

¼ cup chopped cilantro

¼ cup sliced green onions

Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the chicken is well-coated in the spices. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).

    Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). In the last couple of minutes of cooking, brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce on the chicken to caramelize.

      Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. After resting, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss the shredded chicken with additional BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

        Assemble the Lettuce Cups: Take a lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the shredded BBQ chicken in the center. Top with shredded carrots, diced cucumbers, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions.

          Serve: Serve the lettuce cups with lime wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze of juice.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 4 servings