Protein Atlas
Chipotle Citrus Turkey Lettuce Cups high-protein recipe

Quick Bites · High Protein

Chipotle Citrus Turkey Lettuce Cups

These Chipotle Citrus Turkey Lettuce Cups provide 49 grams of protein and 430 calories per serving. Lean ground turkey simmers in a smoky, tangy chipotle-orange-lime sauce. This mixture is then spooned into crisp lettuce cups and finished with creamy avocado, sharp red onion, and salty cotija cheese.

Serves 2 generous lettuce cups
27g protein 492 cal
Prep Time 15 min
Cook Time 20 min
Total Time 35 min

Nutrition per serving

Protein
27 g
Calories
492

Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredient data and may vary by brand or preparation method. This information is for general reference only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.

Ingredients

2 servings
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 8 ounces Lean ground turkey
  • 1/2 Yellow onion — diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic — minced
  • 1 tbsp Chipotle in adobo — minced
  • 1/4 cup Orange juice
  • 1 tbsp Lime juice
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 head Butter lettuce — leaves separated
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro — chopped
  • 1 Avocado — diced
  • 1/4 Red onion — thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Cotija cheese — crumbled

Steps

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, and dried oregano; cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the minced chipotle in adobo, orange juice, and lime juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. While the turkey mixture simmers, separate the butter lettuce leaves and arrange them on serving plates.
  5. Spoon the hot chipotle citrus turkey mixture into the prepared lettuce cups.
  6. Garnish each lettuce cup generously with chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled cotija cheese. Serve immediately.

Plating Perfection

For an appealing presentation, choose the largest, most intact lettuce leaves for your cups. Arrange them artfully on a platter or individual plates before filling. A colorful sprinkle of cilantro, red onion, and avocado creates a beautiful contrast against the rich turkey filling.

Make-Ahead Magic

The chipotle citrus turkey filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. Prepare your garnishes (chop cilantro, dice avocado, slice red onion) just before assembly for optimal freshness.

Flavor Swaps & Add-Ins

Feel free to customize your lettuce cups! For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices. A spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream can add a creamy tang, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for more heat. Consider adding finely diced bell peppers or corn to the turkey mixture for added vegetables and texture.