Pesto chicken lettuce wraps are about to become your new favorite light and flavorful meal! Forget boring salads – these vibrant wraps are bursting with fresh, herbaceous goodness and offer a satisfying crunch in every bite. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you because it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick lunch, or a healthy dinner option that everyone will love.

While the exact origins of lettuce wraps are debated, they’ve become a staple in many Asian cuisines, often featuring savory fillings wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. This version takes a delightful Italian twist, combining the bright flavors of pesto with tender chicken. Pesto itself has a rich history, originating in Genoa, Italy, where it was traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

What makes pesto chicken lettuce wraps so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The creamy, nutty pesto complements the juicy chicken beautifully, while the crisp lettuce provides a refreshing contrast. Plus, they are incredibly versatile! You can easily customize the recipe with your favorite toppings, like chopped tomatoes, red onions, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese. And the best part? They’re naturally low-carb and packed with protein, making them a guilt-free and delicious way to enjoy a satisfying meal. Get ready to ditch the bread and embrace the freshness!

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

Prepare the Chicken: First, I like to make sure my chicken breasts are relatively even in thickness. If they’re very thick, I’ll either pound them lightly with a meat mallet to about 1/2-inch thickness or slice them horizontally to create two thinner cutlets from each breast. This helps them cook more evenly and quickly. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear!

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the pesto, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the pesto mixture. I usually let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. However, if you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours for even more flavor. The longer it marinates, the more the pesto flavor will penetrate the chicken.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet (cast iron is great if you have one!) over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and let it heat up until it shimmers. You want the skillet to be hot enough to sear the chicken, but not so hot that it burns the pesto.

Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the marinated chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you have too many chicken breasts to fit comfortably, cook them in batches. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). I always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely.
Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
Shred or Slice the Chicken: After the chicken has rested, you can either shred it with two forks or slice it into thin strips. I personally prefer shredding it for lettuce wraps, as it makes it easier to eat.

Assembling the Lettuce Wraps

Prepare the Lettuce Cups: Gently separate the leaves of the butter lettuce (or romaine lettuce) and wash them thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels. You want the lettuce leaves to be clean and crisp.
Arrange the Fillings: On a large platter or individual plates, arrange the lettuce leaves. Fill each lettuce cup with a generous amount of the shredded or sliced pesto chicken.

Add the Toppings: Top the chicken-filled lettuce wraps with the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, Kalamata olives (if using), and crumbled feta cheese (if using). I love the combination of the sweet tomatoes, the sharp red onion, the salty olives, and the tangy feta.
Toast the Pine Nuts (Optional): 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. Be careful not to burn them! Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the lettuce wraps.
Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze (Optional): For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle the lettuce wraps with balsamic glaze. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the pesto and other toppings perfectly.

Serve Immediately: Serve the pesto chicken lettuce wraps immediately and enjoy! They are best enjoyed fresh, as the lettuce can wilt if they sit for too long.

Tips and Variations

Make it Spicy:

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto chicken marinade or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the finished lettuce wraps.

Add More Vegetables:

Feel free to add other vegetables to the lettuce wraps, such as diced cucumber, bell peppers, or avocado.

Use Different Cheese:

If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can use other cheeses, such as goat cheese, mozzarella, or Parmesan.

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 proceed with the recipe.

Use Different Lettuce:

While butter lettuce is my favorite for lettuce wraps, you can also use romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, or even large cabbage leaves.

Add a Creamy Sauce:

For an extra creamy and flavorful touch, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of a lightened-up ranch dressing to the lettuce wraps.

Make it a Salad:

If you prefer, you can skip the lettuce wraps altogether and serve the pesto chicken over a bed of mixed greens as a salad.

Use Different Nuts:

If you don’t have pine nuts on hand, you can use other nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans. Just make sure to toast them before adding them to the lettuce wraps.

Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:

Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of intense flavor to the lettuce wraps. You can either add them to the pesto chicken marinade or sprinkle them over the finished lettuce wraps.

Make it Vegetarian:

For a vegetarian version of this recipe, you can substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or roasted chickpeas.

Add a Grain:

For a more substantial meal, you can add a grain, such as quinoa or rice, to the lettuce wraps.

Use Different Herbs:

Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the pesto chicken marinade, such as basil, oregano, or thyme.

Make it Gluten-Free:

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free pesto.

Make it Dairy-Free:

To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Add a Crunch:

For an extra crunch, consider adding some chopped water chestnuts or crispy fried onions to the lettuce wraps.

Use Different Vinegars:

If you don’t have balsamic glaze on hand, you can use other vinegars, such as red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Just be sure to use them sparingly, as they can be quite strong.

Add a Sweet Element:

For a touch of sweetness, consider adding some diced mango or pineapple to the lettuce wraps.

Make it a Taco:

If you don’t have lettuce on hand, you can use tortillas to make pesto chicken tacos instead of lettuce wraps.

Add a Spicy Mayo:

For an extra kick, consider adding a drizzle of spicy mayo to the lettuce wraps. To make spicy mayo, simply mix mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.

Use Different Pesto:

While traditional basil pesto is delicious, you can also use other types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or kale pesto.

Add a Pickled Element:

For a tangy and flavorful touch, consider adding some pickled onions or pickled cucumbers to the lettuce wraps.

Make it a Bowl:

Instead of lettuce wraps, you can assemble all the ingredients in a bowl for a deconstructed version of the dish.

Add a Seed:

For an extra boost of nutrients, consider adding some chia seeds or hemp seeds to the lettuce wraps.

Use Different Oils:

While olive oil is my preferred oil for this recipe, you can also use other oils, such as avocado oil or coconut oil.

Add a Citrus Element:

For a bright and refreshing touch, consider adding some lemon or lime juice to the pesto chicken marinade or squeezing some over the finished lettuce wraps.

Conclusion:

This Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe isn’t just another quick lunch option; it’s a vibrant, flavorful experience that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. The combination of juicy, pesto-infused chicken, crisp lettuce cups, and customizable toppings creates a symphony of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible. I truly believe this will become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

Why is this a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible flavor profile, it’s incredibly versatile and adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences. Looking for a low-carb option? These lettuce wraps are naturally perfect! Need a quick and easy weeknight dinner? This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Want to impress your friends at a casual gathering? These wraps are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The fresh, herbaceous pesto elevates simple chicken to something truly special, and the crisp lettuce provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the pesto.

But the best part is how easily you can customize these wraps to make them your own. Feel free to experiment with different toppings! Sliced avocado adds a creamy richness, while chopped tomatoes and red onion provide a burst of freshness. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds adds a delightful crunch. For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha mayo. If you’re not a fan of lettuce wraps, you can easily transform this recipe into a delicious salad by serving the pesto chicken over a bed of mixed greens. You could even use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps with whole wheat tortillas. Another great variation is to add some grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to the chicken mixture for an extra boost of nutrients and flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* For a complete meal: Serve with a side of quinoa or brown rice.
* For a party: Arrange the lettuce cups and toppings separately and let your guests build their own wraps.
* For a vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or chickpeas.
* Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pesto or a drizzle of hot sauce to the finished wraps.
* Make it creamy: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to each wrap.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and discover just how delicious and easy it is to make. I poured my heart into perfecting this pesto chicken lettuce wraps recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your grill (or stovetop!), and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings and variations – the possibilities are endless!

Once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see what you create!