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Lettuce Eat Chicken

Crispy fried chicken pieces served in fresh lettuce cups, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors that's surprisingly light yet incredibly satisfying.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 large head butter lettuce, leaves separated
  • 2 green onions, sliced thin

Method
 

  1. Set up three shallow dishes: flour mixed with half the seasonings in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and panko breadcrumbs with remaining seasonings in the third.
  2. Pat chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece through flour, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten egg, and finally press firmly into seasoned panko.
  3. Heat 2 inches of oil to 350°F in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet. Test with a small piece of bread – it should sizzle immediately and turn golden in about 60 seconds.
  4. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Transfer finished pieces to a paper towel-lined plate, immediately sprinkling with a pinch of salt while hot.
  6. Place 2-3 warm chicken pieces in each lettuce leaf, creating natural handheld wraps. Sprinkle with fresh green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

Season and bread the chicken pieces up to 4 hours in advance for maximum flavor development. Pat chicken completely dry before coating - moisture is the enemy of crispy coating. Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Store leftover chicken in refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Assemble lettuce wraps just before serving to prevent wilting.