Zesty Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe for Lunch Joy
Crispy and light buffalo chicken lettuce wraps bring zesty flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort.
Every bite packs a punch of spicy goodness that dances across your taste buds.
Lean protein meets fresh crunch in this simple meal that takes just minutes to assemble.
Forget complicated cooking techniques – these wraps come together faster than you can order takeout.
Tangy hot sauce coats tender chicken pieces, creating a mouthwatering combination that satisfies serious cravings.
Crunchy lettuce leaves provide the perfect vehicle for delivering bold, spicy flavors straight to your plate.
Jump into this easy recipe that promises maximum taste with minimal kitchen time.
What’s Inside Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Main Protein:Seasonings:Cooking Liquid:Sauce:Wrap Base:Optional Toppings:Dressing:How to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare Chicken
Grab your chicken and dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the chicken, ensuring each piece gets a delicious coating of seasoning.
Step 2: Sizzle the Protein
Fire up a skillet over medium heat.
Splash a touch of olive oil or spray the pan to prevent sticking.
Toss in the seasoned chicken and let it dance around the pan.
Stir occasionally and cook until the chicken turns golden and is completely cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 3: Drench in Spicy Sauce
Pour Buffalo sauce over the cooked chicken.
Swirl and toss the chicken until every piece is generously covered in the tangy, fiery sauce.
Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to help the sauce cling and intensify the flavor.
Step 4: Prep Crisp Wrappers
Rinse your lettuce leaves under cool water.
Gently pat them dry with paper towels.
Select the largest, most sturdy leaves that can handle a hearty scoop of spicy chicken.
Step 5: Build Your Wrap
Spoon the saucy Buffalo chicken into each lettuce leaf.
Be generous but careful not to overfill.
Step 6: Garnish and Enhance
Sprinkle these wraps with delightful toppings:Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra creaminess.
Step 7: Serve and Devour
Plate your Buffalo chicken lettuce wraps and dive right in while they’re fresh and warm!
Tips for the Best Chicken Lettuce Wrap Texture and Flavor
How to Store and Reheat Buffalo Lettuce Wraps Easily
Best Sides to Serve with Lettuce Wraps
Variations to Switch Up Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
FAQs
The spice level depends on the Buffalo sauce you choose. For mild heat, use a mild sauce. For extra kick, select a hot or extra-hot Buffalo sauce. You can always adjust the amount of sauce to control spiciness.
Absolutely! Ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken work great. You can also try lean ground beef or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
No problem! You can substitute with feta cheese, shredded cheddar, or simply skip the cheese. The Buffalo sauce and fresh toppings will still provide plenty of flavor.
Yes! These wraps are naturally low-carb since they use lettuce instead of tortillas or bread. They’re perfect for people following keto or low-carbohydrate diets.
Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
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Easy Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Crispy, zesty buffalo chicken lettuce wraps deliver a spicy kick that dances across taste buds. Lean protein and fresh lettuce create a light, satisfying meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (1 lb) chicken breast
Produce:
- 8 large lettuce leaves (romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce)
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese dressing
Instructions
- Dice chicken into uniform pieces and generously season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance flavor profile.
- Preheat skillet to medium heat and lightly coat with olive oil, ensuring even surface coverage.
- Carefully transfer seasoned chicken to hot skillet, spreading pieces to prevent overcrowding and promote even cooking.
- Sauté chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring periodically, until meat turns completely opaque and reaches internal temperature of 165°F.
- Pour Buffalo sauce directly over cooked chicken, thoroughly coating each piece with vibrant red sauce.
- Simmer chicken in sauce for additional 2-3 minutes, allowing liquid to slightly reduce and intensify flavor complexity.
- Gently wash lettuce leaves under cool water, then thoroughly pat dry using clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Select large, sturdy lettuce leaves that can effectively hold substantial chicken filling without tearing.
- Carefully spoon saucy Buffalo chicken into center of each prepared lettuce leaf.
- Garnish wraps with finely diced celery, delicately shredded carrots, and crumbled blue cheese for textural contrast.
- Optional: Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over filled wraps for additional creamy dimension.
- Serve immediately to maintain crisp lettuce and optimal temperature of spicy chicken filling.
Notes
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy meat that absorbs Buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Adjust Buffalo sauce intensity by mixing hot sauce with a bit of honey or butter to create a personalized heat level that suits your taste buds.
- These lettuce wraps are naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly, making them an excellent option for health-conscious eaters seeking a protein-packed meal.
- Prepare chicken in advance and store separately from lettuce to maintain crisp wrap texture, allowing for quick assembly during busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Olivia Bennett
Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Schoolcraft College
With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.