Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Introduction
Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fresh and flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare. Combining tender chicken with vibrant pesto and crisp lettuce, they make a light yet satisfying option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 tablespoons pesto sauce
- 8 large lettuce leaves (such as butter or romaine)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, toss the cooked chicken with pesto sauce until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Spoon the pesto chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf to form wraps.
- Step 3: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of each wrap before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add sliced almonds or toasted pine nuts to the chicken mixture.
- Try using different types of lettuce like iceberg or butter lettuce for varied texture.
- Substitute grilled shrimp or tofu for chicken to change up the protein.
Storage
Store any leftover pesto chicken separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep lettuce leaves dry and fresh in a separate container. Assemble wraps just before serving to maintain crispness. Reheat the chicken mixture gently before adding to fresh lettuce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works well and saves time. Choose a good-quality brand for best flavor.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
You can omit it or substitute with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
PrintPesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fresh and healthy dish featuring tender cooked chicken tossed in flavorful basil pesto, served in crisp lettuce leaves and topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This light and easy recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, combining vibrant Italian flavors with a low-carb presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Pesto
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
Lettuce
- 8 large lettuce leaves, rinsed and dried (butter lettuce or romaine preferred)
Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Prepare the chicken by cooking it thoroughly using your preferred method such as poaching, baking, or pan-cooking, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss with pesto: Place the cooked chicken into a bowl and mix evenly with the basil pesto until all the pieces are well coated with the sauce.
- Assemble the wraps: Lay out the large lettuce leaves on a serving plate and spoon the pesto chicken mixture into the center of each leaf.
- Add the Parmesan topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken in each lettuce wrap to add a salty, umami flavor finish.
- Serve instantly: Fold or roll the lettuce leaves around the filling and enjoy immediately for a fresh, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use fresh homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto for the best flavor.
- Butter lettuce works best due to its soft, pliable leaves, but romaine or iceberg can be used if preferred.
- Grilled or rotisserie chicken can be a convenient shortcut.
- These wraps can be prepared ahead and assembled just before serving to maintain crispness of the lettuce.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast.
Keywords: pesto chicken, lettuce wraps, low carb wraps, healthy chicken recipe, Italian chicken wraps, gluten free lunch, easy dinner
