When life’s chaos demands quick fixes, these Healthy Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps swoop in like a culinary superhero—soaring above ordinary meals with a spicy kick that’s both invigorating and comforting. The crisp lettuce plays the role of an unexpected hero, cradling succulent chicken draped in tangy sauce, like a blanket on a stormy night. Last weekend, I tossed one together in the middle of a Netflix binge, and it was the perfect blend of flavor and ease—plus, it made me feel slightly less guilty about skipping the gym.
Steps
- Begin by preparing the chicken. In a slow cooker or Instant Pot, combine the chicken breasts, diced onion, diced celery stalk, minced garlic, and enough chicken broth to cover the chicken. If needed, supplement with water. For the slow cooker, cook on high for 4 hours. For the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 15 minutes followed by a natural release.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set aside 1/2 cup of the broth, discarding the rest. Shred the chicken using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the cooker with the reserved broth and cayenne pepper sauce. In the slow cooker, cook on high for another 30 minutes. In the Instant Pot, sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Prepare the lettuce cups by choosing large leaves such as Bibb or Iceberg lettuce. Place roughly 1/2 cup of the buffalo chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf.
- Top each lettuce wrap with 1/4 cup of shredded carrots and matchstick-cut celery. Add your choice of dressing, such as blue cheese, to enhance the flavor. Wrap up the leaves around the filling and enjoy your meal.
Ingredients
- 24 oz (3) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 16 oz fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cayenne pepper sauce (e.g., Frank’s)
- 6 large lettuce leaves (Bibb or Iceberg)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
- 2 large celery stalks, cut into 2-inch matchsticks
Nutritional Values
Calories: 885 kcal | Carbohydrates: 31.2 g | Protein: 150 g | Fat: 0.6 g | Sodium: 5274 mg | Fiber: 9 g | Sugar: 9 g
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of lettuce for the wraps?
- Yes, you can use various types of lettuce for the wraps. Large leaves of iceberg, romaine, or baby romaine are ideal for holding the filling. Butter or Boston lettuce can also work, though the leaves are smaller.
- What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps to make a complete meal?
- To complement the wraps, you can serve them with baked chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks with blue cheese dip. For a low-carb option, consider adding a side of cottage cheese or yogurt, or a piece of fruit like an apple or pear.
- How do I make shredded chicken for the wraps?
- Shredded chicken can be prepared in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Combine chicken, onions, celery, garlic, and broth, then cook until the chicken is tender. Shred the cooked chicken and mix it with hot sauce to use as the filling.
- Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
- While you can prepare the shredded chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator, it’s best to assemble the lettuce wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce fresh and crisp.
- Are Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps suitable for a keto diet?
- Yes, these lettuce wraps are low-carb, keto-friendly, gluten-free, and low in calories, making them a great option for those following a keto diet.
Tips
- Use large lettuce leaves, like iceberg or romaine, to effectively hold the buffalo chicken filling without tearing.
- To save time, consider using rotisserie chicken or canned chicken as an alternative to cooking chicken from scratch.
- Enhance the flavor by serving the wraps with celery sticks or carrot sticks and a side of blue cheese dip.
- If you prefer a salad, transform the wraps into a chopped salad by serving the ingredients over a bowl of chopped lettuce.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Instant Pot