Description
These Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps combine juicy chicken, creamy basil pesto, and crisp butter lettuce for a healthy, flavorful dinner ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or light lunches, they’re customizable and packed with protein.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium chicken breasts (about 12 oz), cooked and shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small clove garlic, minced)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 8 leaves butter lettuce or Bibb lettuce (about 1 head)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered (optional)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: If using cooked chicken, shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. For raw chicken breasts, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Let cool slightly and chop or shred.
- Make the pesto sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together basil pesto, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt or lemon as needed.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Add chopped chicken to the bowl with pesto sauce. Toss until evenly coated. If chicken feels dry, add a splash more yogurt or olive oil.
- Prepare lettuce wraps: Wash and dry lettuce leaves gently. Lay out 8 large leaves on a clean surface or serving platter.
- Fill the wraps: Spoon the pesto chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf (about 1/4 cup per wrap). Top with cherry tomatoes, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and add fresh basil if desired.
- Wrap and serve: Fold or roll each lettuce leaf around the filling. If lettuce is stiff, overlap two leaves for extra support. Serve immediately while chicken is warm and lettuce crisp.
Notes
For best texture, keep chicken filling and lettuce separate until serving. Rotisserie chicken saves time. Use glass bowls for mixing pesto to avoid staining. Layer two lettuce leaves if wraps tear. Customize with turkey, tofu, or chickpeas for different proteins. Dairy-free and vegetarian options available.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 wraps per serving
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 16
Keywords: pesto chicken, lettuce wraps, healthy dinner, low carb, meal prep, quick recipe, gluten free, high protein, easy chicken recipe