Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Quick & Healthy Recipe

Pesto chicken lettuce wraps are about to become your new favorite light and flavorful meal! Imagine tender, juicy chicken bursting with the vibrant, herbaceous flavors of pesto, all nestled in crisp, refreshing lettuce cups. Forget boring lunches and tedious dinners; this recipe is a game-changer.

While lettuce wraps themselves have a rich history in Asian cuisine, often featuring savory fillings, this particular twist with pesto chicken brings a delightful Mediterranean flair to the table. Pesto, originating in Genoa, Italy, has long been celebrated for its bright, fresh taste, traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Combining this classic sauce with chicken and serving it in lettuce wraps is a modern, healthy adaptation that’s both satisfying and guilt-free.

People absolutely adore pesto chicken lettuce wraps because they offer a perfect balance of taste and texture. The creamy pesto complements the lean chicken beautifully, while the crisp lettuce provides a refreshing crunch. Plus, they are incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or a light lunch. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option, a healthy alternative to sandwiches, or simply a delicious and satisfying meal, these lettuce wraps are sure to hit the spot. Get ready to experience a burst of flavor in every bite!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• For the Pesto Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Lettuce Wraps:
• 1 large head of butter lettuce (or romaine lettuce), leaves separated and washed
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (optional)
• Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

Preparing the Pesto Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: First, we need to get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely when we cook them. If the chicken breasts are very thick, you can slice them horizontally in half to make them thinner and cook more evenly. This also reduces cooking time.
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the pesto, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the pesto mixture. Make sure every piece of chicken is nicely covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, I recommend marinating it for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be.
3. Cook the Chicken: There are a few ways you can cook the chicken. I prefer to pan-sear it for a nice crust, but grilling or baking are also great options.
   • Pan-Searing: Heat a large skillet (cast iron works great) over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
   • Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
   • Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet, grill, or oven and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
5. Slice or Shred the Chicken: After the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips or shred it with two forks. I personally prefer slicing it, but shredding works great too, especially if you want a more even distribution of chicken in your lettuce wraps.

Preparing the Lettuce Wraps

1. Prepare the Lettuce: Gently separate the lettuce leaves from the head of lettuce. Wash them thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Make sure the leaves are completely dry, as this will help the fillings stay in place. Choose the largest and most intact leaves for the best wraps.
2. Prepare the Toppings: While the chicken is cooking or resting, prepare the toppings. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the Kalamata olives (if using). If you’re using pine nuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, until they are lightly golden brown and fragrant. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly.

Assembling the Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

1. Fill the Lettuce Cups: Now comes the fun part – assembling the lettuce wraps! Take a lettuce leaf and place a generous amount of the sliced or shredded pesto chicken in the center.
2. Add the Toppings: Top the chicken with the prepared toppings: halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives (if using), and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
3. Garnish (Optional): If you’re using toasted pine nuts, sprinkle them over the top of the lettuce wraps. For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the pesto chicken lettuce wraps immediately. They are best enjoyed fresh, while the lettuce is crisp and the chicken is warm.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto chicken marinade for a little heat. You can also use a spicy pesto.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your lettuce wraps, such as diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots.
• Use different cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can use goat cheese, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese instead.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or tofu for a vegetarian option. Marinate the halloumi or tofu in the pesto mixture before grilling.
• Add avocado: Sliced avocado adds a creamy and healthy element to the lettuce wraps.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the pesto chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to assemble the lettuce wraps, simply reheat the chicken and prepare the toppings.
• Use different lettuce: While butter lettuce is my favorite for lettuce wraps, you can also use romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, or even large collard green leaves.
• Add a sauce: In addition to balsamic glaze, you can drizzle the lettuce wraps with other sauces, such as a creamy avocado dressing, a lemon vinaigrette, or a sriracha mayo.
• Make it a bowl: If you don’t want to use lettuce wraps, you can serve the pesto chicken and toppings over a bed of rice, quinoa, or couscous.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The vibrant pesto, juicy chicken, and crisp lettuce combine to create a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, a quick dinner, or even a healthy appetizer. Seriously, these Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a game-changer. The ease of preparation, coupled with the incredible taste, makes this a must-try recipe for anyone looking to add a healthy and delicious option to their repertoire.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different types of pesto. A sun-dried tomato pesto would add a delightful sweetness, while a spicy pesto could kick things up a notch. You could also swap out the chicken for ground turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. For a heartier meal, consider adding some chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots to the wraps. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of balsamic glaze would also elevate the flavors beautifully.

Serving suggestions are endless! These wraps are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with a light side salad or a bowl of soup. For a party, arrange the lettuce cups on a platter and let your guests assemble their own wraps. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy this delicious dish. You can even prepare the chicken and pesto ahead of time, making it a breeze to put together when you’re ready to eat.

I truly believe you’ll fall in love with these Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps as much as I have. They’re quick, easy, healthy, and bursting with flavor – what more could you ask for? I’ve made them countless times, and they’re always a hit.

Ready to Give it a Try?

Don’t just take my word for it! I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. I’ve poured my heart into creating a recipe that’s both accessible and satisfying, and I’m confident that you’ll be impressed with the results.

Share Your Creations!

Once you’ve made your own batch of these amazing lettuce wraps, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavors? Share your photos and comments with me – I’m always eager to see your culinary creations and learn from your experiences. Tag me in your social media posts so I can see your beautiful wraps! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. So go ahead, get in the kitchen, and whip up a batch of these incredible Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps. You won’t regret it! Happy cooking!