Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps have been a go-to weeknight meal in my house for years now. I can still remember the first time I made them – my husband was a bit skeptical at first, but one bite and he was hooked! The combination of tender, flavorful chicken, zesty pesto, and cool, crisp lettuce is just so darn delicious.
It all started when I was trying to find a healthier alternative to traditional taco night. I wanted something that was easy to prep, packed with nutrients, and would satisfy that craving for something handheld and tasty. That’s when I stumbled upon this Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe, and let me tell you, it’s been a total game-changer. Not only is it incredibly simple to make, but it’s also endlessly customizable – you can switch up the pesto, add in your favorite veggies, or even make it keto-friendly. It’s become a staple in our house, and I have a feeling it’s about to become a regular in yours too.
Why This Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps
The secret to these Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps is in the pesto – it’s the star of the show! I use a homemade basil pesto that’s packed with flavor, but you can definitely use a store-bought version to save time. The pesto coats the chicken in a delicious, herbaceous sauce that’s the perfect complement to the cool, crisp lettuce. And the best part? It all comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The foundation of this dish, cooked to tender perfection.
– Basil pesto: Whether homemade or store-bought, this fragrant sauce gives the chicken so much flavor.
– Romaine lettuce leaves: The perfect vessel for the Healthy Pesto Chicken mixture.
– Cherry tomatoes: A fresh, juicy addition that adds a pop of color and acidity.
– Avocado: Creamy, healthy fats that balance out the dish.
– Feta cheese: A tangy, salty topping that ties everything together.
Step-by-Step Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps Instructions
Preparing Your Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps come together in a flash, making them the perfect weeknight meal. The entire process takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, and all you need is a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it’s heating up, grab a large, rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2- Next, place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and generously season them with salt and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the basil pesto, making sure to coat the chicken evenly.
5- To assemble the Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps, simply place a few spoonfuls of the pesto chicken mixture into the center of a romaine lettuce leaf. Top with sliced cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.
6- Serve the Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps immediately, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps is to not overcook the chicken. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F, and then let it rest for a few minutes before shredding. This will keep the chicken nice and juicy.
Another tip is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The pesto, tomatoes, and avocado should all be at their peak freshness for the best flavor. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings – things like sliced red onion, chopped cucumber, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can all be delicious additions.
Serving and Storing Your Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Perfect Pairings for Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the perfect light and refreshing meal, but they also pair beautifully with a few simple sides. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted veggies would be a great accompaniment. And for a cool, creamy contrast, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts would be delicious.
As for beverages, I love serving these Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps with a crisp, citrusy white wine or a refreshing sparkling water. They’re also great for a casual summer gathering or a quick weeknight dinner.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about these Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps is that they’re super easy to meal prep. You can cook the chicken and make the pesto sauce in advance, then simply assemble the wraps when you’re ready to eat.
The cooked chicken and pesto will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, so you can make a big batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy these Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps all week long. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble the wraps and add your favorite toppings.
As for storing the assembled wraps, I find that they hold up best if you keep the lettuce, chicken, and toppings separate. That way, the lettuce stays crisp and the wraps don’t get soggy. You can store the components in the fridge for up to 3 days, and then just assemble when you’re ready to enjoy.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Creative Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps Variations
The great thing about these Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps is that they’re endlessly customizable. You can switch up the pesto by using different herbs, like cilantro or arugula, or even try a sun-dried tomato or walnut pesto. You can also mix up the toppings – things like roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs would all be delicious additions.
For a seasonal twist, try swapping out the romaine lettuce for fresh butter lettuce in the spring, or using kale or collard greens in the fall. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try using the pesto chicken mixture as a topping for baked sweet potatoes or a grain bowl.
Making Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps Diet-Friendly
These Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are already pretty darn good for you, but there are a few ways you can make them even more diet-friendly.
For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, you can swap the romaine lettuce for large collard green leaves or cabbage leaves. You can also skip the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, just be sure to use a gluten-free pesto (or make your own) and you’re good to go. And for a vegan or vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms.
No matter how you choose to customize them, these Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making my own?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a great time-saving shortcut for these Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Just be sure to choose a high-quality brand that’s low in sodium and doesn’t contain any artificial additives.
Q: How long should I bake the chicken?
A: The chicken should bake for 20-25 minutes at 400°F, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Q: Can I make these Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prep the components in advance! The cooked chicken and pesto will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, so you can make a big batch at the beginning of the week. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble the wraps with your fresh toppings.
Q: How many Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes 4-6 servings, depending on how much chicken and filling you use per wrap. The amounts can be easily scaled up or down to feed a crowd or make a smaller portion.
Q: What if the lettuce leaves rip or tear when I’m assembling the wraps?
A: If you’re having trouble with the lettuce leaves tearing, try using larger, more sturdy leaves like romaine or butter lettuce. You can also wet the leaves slightly before assembling to help them be more pliable.
Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy pesto-marinated chicken wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a delicious and low-carb meal.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought pesto
– 1 head romaine lettuce, leaves separated
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup shredded basil
– 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, pesto, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
2. 2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the pesto-coated chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, until cooked through.
3. 3. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
4. 4. To assemble the lettuce wraps, place a spoonful of the pesto chicken in the center of a romaine lettuce leaf. Top with cherry tomatoes, shredded basil, and Parmesan cheese.
5. 5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For a heartier meal, serve the pesto chicken with a side salad or roasted vegetables. You can also try different types of lettuce, such as butter or iceberg.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Healthy Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps have become a staple in my household, and I have a feeling they’re about to become a new favorite in yours too. With their perfectly balanced flavors, easy prep, and endless customization options, what’s not to love?
So go ahead and give this recipe a try – I promise it’ll have you feeling like a kitchen rockstar. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations. Happy cooking!
