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Before diving into the cooking process, it's essential to understand the ingredients that make up these Smoky BBQ Chicken Lettuce Cups. The right selection of components can elevate the dish and ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor.

BBQ Chicken Lettuce Cups

Discover a deliciously healthy twist on traditional BBQ with these Smoky BBQ Chicken Lettuce Cups. Perfect for summer gatherings, quick dinners, or as a vibrant appetizer, these cups pack in flavor while keeping things light. Featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs and fresh, crunchy veggies enveloped in crispy lettuce, every bite is a satisfying treat. Explore various BBQ sauces and toppings to customize your cups and delight your taste buds with this guilt-free meal!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 head of butter or romaine lettuce (for cups)

½ cup diced red bell pepper

½ cup grated carrots

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken thighs in the mixture until well coated.

    Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. In the last couple of minutes, brush the BBQ sauce onto the chicken thighs to caramelize slightly.

      Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

        Assemble the Lettuce Cups: Carefully separate the leaves of the lettuce head; these will serve as your cups. Arrange the lettuce leaves on a platter.

          Fill the Cups: Spoon a generous amount of shredded BBQ chicken into each lettuce cup. Top with diced red bell pepper and grated carrots for added crunch and flavor.

            Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top of each cup. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an added zest.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4