Description
Protein-Packed Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps offer a light, flavorful, and high-protein meal. You prepare shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce with fresh vegetables, then serve it in crisp lettuce cups with a creamy Greek yogurt-based sauce. This recipe is simple enough for any beginner cook to master.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup hot sauce or buffalo wing sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1/4 small red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 10–12 crisp lettuce leaves (romaine hearts, bibb, or iceberg)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or blue cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- High-protein ranch (optional): 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- High-protein ranch (optional): 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- High-protein ranch (optional): 1 teaspoon dried dill
- High-protein ranch (optional): 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- High-protein ranch (optional): 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- High-protein ranch (optional): 1–2 tablespoons water to thin
- High-protein ranch (optional): Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Poach chicken in lightly salted water for 12–15 minutes until it reaches 165°F, then shred it using forks. Alternatively, pan-sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side and dice it.
- Melt butter or warm oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, and diced red onion to the skillet. Toss for 2–3 minutes until everything is coated and heated through.
- For the sauce, stir the Greek yogurt with lemon juice, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, water, salt, and pepper until you achieve a creamy, spoonable consistency.
- Layer your lettuce leaves with the buffalo chicken mixture. Top with shredded carrots, chopped green onions, a dollop of Greek yogurt or ranch, and blue/feta cheese if you want it.
- Serve the wraps immediately.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to reduce preparation time; simply warm the cooked chicken with the sauce mixture.
- Fold 1/2 cup of cottage cheese into the sauce or the chicken mixture for added protein and creaminess.
- Iceberg or romaine lettuce holds up best against the juicy filling. Diced celery and carrots provide good crunch.
- Store the buffalo chicken mixture for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce and lettuce separate until you are ready to eat for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American