Why Make This Recipe
Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fresh and healthy way to enjoy a delicious meal. They are perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or even as a fun appetizer. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and fresh veggies wrapped in crisp lettuce makes for a satisfying bite without the heaviness of bread. Plus, they are easy to prepare and packed with nutrients!
How to Make Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 large lettuce leaves (such as iceberg or butter lettuce)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
Directions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Shred the cooked chicken using two forks.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with pesto sauce until evenly coated.
- Place a spoonful of the chicken and pesto mixture onto each lettuce leaf.
- Top with diced cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and avocado slices.
- Roll up the lettuce leaves to enclose the filling, creating wraps.
- Serve immediately.
How to Serve Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Serve Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps on a platter for family-style dining or individually for a more formal setting. They pair well with a side salad or some fresh fruit for a complete meal. You can also offer extra pesto or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.
How to Store Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps
If you have leftover Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps, store the filling and lettuce leaves separately. Keep the chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lettuce leaves can be stored wrapped in a damp paper towel in a sealed bag to keep them crisp. Assemble the wraps just before serving for the best texture.
Tips to Make Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option. Just shred and mix with pesto.
- For extra crunch, add shredded carrots or cucumber to the filling.
- Experiment with different types of lettuce, like romaine or even collard greens, for variety.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe with different proteins, like shrimp or tofu, and other sauces, such as a tangy yogurt dressing. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or herbs for a personal touch!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto saves time and still gives great flavor.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken filling in advance. Just store it in the fridge and assemble the wraps when ready to eat.
What kind of lettuce works best?
Iceberg and butter lettuce are great options because they are sturdy and have a nice wrap shape. However, you can use any large lettuce leaves you have!