These Avocado Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a tasty, healthy option! Packed with juicy chicken and creamy avocado, they make a fun, fresh meal that’s easy to eat without bread.
Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, I love how crispy the lettuce is! It feels great to enjoy something that tastes good and is good for you. Plus, no dishes needed—just a fork! 🥑🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. If you want to save time, consider using rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked and adds fantastic flavor!
Avocado: A ripe avocado adds creaminess. If you need a quick substitute, you can use Greek yogurt, but the flavor will change a bit. Pairing it with cucumber can help mimic the creaminess.
Corn: I recommend using grilled or roasted corn for that smoky taste. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works well. Just make sure to thaw it first!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a great herbal boost. If you’re not a fan, try using parsley for a different twist, or simply leave it out!
Lettuce: Butter lettuce is perfect for wraps because it’s tender and holds the filling. Romaine is a sturdy alternative, but other lettuce types like iceberg can also work.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can sometimes be tricky, but here’s a simple method. Make sure to preheat your grill or skillet—this helps to sear the chicken and lock in juices.
- Rub the chicken with olive oil and seasonings for flavor. You want to coat them evenly!
- Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. A good tip is to use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) inside.
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This keeps it juicy and prevents all those yummy juices from running out.
How you cut your chicken matters too! Slicing it against the grain will give you tender pieces for your wraps.
Avocado Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup grilled or roasted corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 8 large butter lettuce leaves or romaine leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 20-25 minutes in total. You can expect 10 minutes for prep and cooking each side of the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Once everything is done, you’ll have a fresh and healthy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by preheating your grill or a stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Take your chicken breasts and rub them with olive oil, followed by sprinkling on the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This gives the chicken great flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken on the grill or skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to be fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to stay locked in.
3. Mix the Avocado Filling:
While your chicken is resting, grab a mixing bowl. Combine the diced avocado, grilled corn, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño (if you like a bit of heat). Gently toss everything together. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
4. Slice the Chicken:
After the chicken has rested, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces. This will make it easier to fit into your lettuce wraps.
5. Assemble the Wraps:
Lay out the butter or romaine lettuce leaves on a plate. Evenly distribute the sliced chicken onto each leaf. Then, spoon the avocado and corn mixture over the chicken.
6. Garnish and Serve:
If you want, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for an extra touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the freshness of each delicious wrap!
Enjoy your fresh, vibrant Avocado Chicken Lettuce Wraps! They’re not only tasty but also a great boost of nutrition!
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! Feel free to use shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed, especially with tofu, which should be browned nicely if using blocks.
What Should I Do If I Have Leftover Filling?
If you have leftover avocado and corn mixture, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just note that the avocado may brown slightly; adding an extra squeeze of lime can help keep it fresh.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is already gluten-free as it uses lettuce leaves instead of traditional wraps. Just ensure that any additional ingredients, like seasoning or sauces, are also certified gluten-free. Enjoy safely!
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead! You can cook the chicken a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just mix the avocado filling right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.