If you're trying to watch your weight or eat healthier, there is no doubt you've come across the chicken lettuce wrap. A big leaf of lettuce is the perfect, low-carb vehicle for chunks of lean chicken and veggies, especially when we're gearing up for swimsuit season.
But there's much more to chicken lettuce wraps than the Chinese-stir-fried chicken varieties that are popular in restaurants across the nation. From bar-food favorites to wraps that will taste like an island vacation, here are five Chicken Lettuce Wraps for your eating pleasure:
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps A sports bar favorite without the guilt
Enjoy the taste of classic buffalo wings without the deep-fryer. This recipe tosses shredded chicken in a mixture of hot sauce and celery seeds; then piles it into lettuce cups and tops it with thinly sliced celery, blue cheese crumbles, and creamy buttermilk ranch. Add sliced radishes, matchstick carrots, or diced bell peppers for extra crunch.
Thai-Style Lettuce Wraps Light and healthy flavors of The East
Drizzles of of sesame oil, Thai chili paste, soy sauce, and lime make these low-calorie lettuce wraps as delicious as they are light. Add shredded carrot, bean sprout, and cucumber for extra freshness, and finish with lightly toasted peanuts for crunch.
Tropical Chicken & Quinoa Lettuce Wraps A heart-healthy wrap with island flair
Mangos, avocado and a squeeze of citrus give these sweet and smoky wraps a tropical feel, while chunks of grilled chicken and mounds of the superfood quinoa add substance. Don't forget to add a few splashes of your favorite hot sauce for heat.
Chipotle Chicken Lettuce Wraps You won't even miss the tortilla
Use chipotle peppers and adobo sauce to bring heat to these Mexican-style wraps. For extra flavor, add fresh corn (instead of frozen), black beans, and a sliced avocado, in addition to the diced bell pepper and sliced scallion called for in the recipe. While you're at it, chunks of diced tomatoes and red onion couldn't hurt, either.
Chicken Shawarma Lettuce Wraps A no-pita gyro that will knock your socks off
Coat pieces of boneless skinless chicken (you can use breast, thighs, or a mixture of both) in this shawarma marinade, made with spices like cumin, allspice, turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon. Allow to marinate for 1 hour (or overnight) before roasting it in a 400-degree oven until cooked through.
Meanwhile, make this creamy tzatziki sauce, using Greek yogurt, fresh dill and mint.
Fill butter lettuce cups with chicken shawarma, tzatziki sauce, and chunks of cucumber, red onion, and tomato. For added flair, add olives, hot peppers, and hummus.
