If you’re on the hunt for a healthy, flavorful, and low-carb meal, look no further than Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
These wraps offer a perfect balance of heat and crunch, with tender buffalo-spiced chicken nestled in fresh, crisp lettuce leaves.
Whether you’re enjoying them for lunch, dinner, or as a snack, these wraps are satisfying, packed with protein, and incredibly easy to make.
The creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing adds a cool contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce, making every bite a delicious explosion of flavors.
Plus, they’re versatile enough to cater to various dietary preferences, from keto to gluten-free. Ready for a healthy twist on a classic favorite?
Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are not just delicious—they’re also incredibly nutritious and customizable to suit different diets.
Low-Carb and Gluten-Free
These wraps use lettuce instead of traditional bread or tortillas, making them an ideal option for anyone looking to reduce their carb intake or avoid gluten.
Packed with Protein
With tender chicken coated in spicy buffalo sauce, these wraps are high in protein, making them a great choice for anyone looking to fuel up without the extra calories.
A Flavor Explosion
The beauty of these wraps lies in their combination of spicy buffalo sauce, crispy lettuce, and creamy, cool toppings. Whether you love the heat or prefer a milder flavor, you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.
Perfect for Meal Prep or Quick Meals
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are easy to prepare in advance for busy weeks, or they can be thrown together in minutes for a quick, satisfying meal. They also make an excellent appetizer for parties or gatherings!
These wraps offer a guilt-free way to indulge in bold, mouth-watering buffalo flavor while staying on track with your health goals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps, you’ll need just a handful of fresh ingredients, and many of them are likely already in your kitchen!
For the Buffalo Chicken:
- Chicken Breast or Rotisserie Chicken: Tender, juicy chicken is the base of this recipe. You can either cook chicken breasts yourself or use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a faster option.
- Buffalo Sauce: The key to that signature spicy flavor. You can buy your favorite buffalo sauce or make your own with hot sauce, butter, and a touch of vinegar for tang.
- Olive Oil or Butter: For cooking the chicken or tossing it in the buffalo sauce.
For the Lettuce Wraps:
- Lettuce Leaves: Romaine, butter lettuce, or iceberg lettuce work best for wraps. Choose sturdy, large leaves that can hold the chicken without tearing.
Optional Toppings and Dressings:
- Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing: For a cooling contrast to the spicy buffalo chicken.
- Chopped Celery: Adds crunch and freshness to balance out the heat.
- Shredded Cheese: If you want to add some extra richness, shredded cheddar or mozzarella works great.
- Sliced Avocado: For an extra creamy, satisfying bite.
These ingredients come together in no time to create a low-carb, protein-packed meal that’s bursting with flavor. Adjust the toppings based on your personal taste to make the wraps your own!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Making Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps is simple and quick. Follow these easy steps to bring together this flavorful and satisfying meal.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, you need to cook the chicken. If you’re using chicken breasts, season them with a bit of salt, pepper, and olive oil, then bake or grill them until they’re fully cooked and tender.
Alternatively, you can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time—just shred the meat to use in the wraps. If you opt for the homemade chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks.
Step 2: Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
Once your chicken is shredded, it’s time to coat it in buffalo sauce. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss it well to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
Adjust the amount of sauce to suit your heat preference. For a milder version, use less sauce or choose a milder buffalo sauce. For more heat, feel free to add extra hot sauce or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
Step 3: Prepare the Lettuce Wraps
Now, it’s time to prepare the lettuce. Carefully separate large, sturdy leaves from your lettuce head. Wash them thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
Make sure the leaves are large enough to hold the chicken filling without tearing. If the leaves are too small or delicate, you can overlap them to form a stronger wrap.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
To assemble, take a lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of buffalo chicken onto the center. Add any optional toppings you like, such as chopped celery, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of blue cheese or ranch dressing. Fold the sides of the lettuce leaf inward and roll it up like a wrap.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your buffalo chicken lettuce wraps immediately for the best crunch. They’re perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with a side salad or some crispy baked veggies. For a more substantial meal, enjoy them with a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are easy to make, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for that could affect the flavor and texture of your dish.
1. Overcooking the Chicken
One of the biggest mistakes when preparing this dish is overcooking the chicken. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. To avoid this, make sure you cook the chicken just until it’s fully done.
If using chicken breasts, check the internal temperature—165°F is the sweet spot. Alternatively, shredding rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time and ensure tender meat.
2. Choosing the Wrong Lettuce
Lettuce leaves that are too small or too delicate might not hold up well as wraps, causing them to tear or fall apart. Go for large, sturdy lettuce leaves like romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce. These varieties have a strong structure that can support the buffalo chicken and toppings.
3. Not Adjusting the Spice Level
Buffalo sauce can vary in spiciness, and not all heat levels work for every palate. If you prefer a milder wrap, be sure to use a less spicy buffalo sauce or adjust the amount of sauce you use. On the flip side, if you love spice, feel free to add a bit more hot sauce or even a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to boost the heat.
4. Overfilling the Wraps
It’s tempting to pile on the buffalo chicken and toppings, but be careful not to overfill the lettuce wraps. If you add too much filling, the wraps can become too difficult to fold and may tear. Stick to a manageable portion of chicken and toppings to ensure each wrap holds together.
5. Skipping the Toppings
While the buffalo chicken is the star of the show, the toppings like celery, avocado, or blue cheese dressing add essential texture and flavor contrast. Don’t skip these! They complement the heat and help balance the wrap’s overall flavor profile.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you can store the chicken and lettuce separately to keep them fresh. Here’s how to do it:
Storing the Buffalo Chicken
After you’ve made your buffalo chicken, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The chicken will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the buffalo chicken for longer storage—just store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Storing the Lettuce
Unfortunately, lettuce doesn’t store well once it’s been used as a wrap. However, you can store the leftover lettuce leaves in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two. Just make sure they’re dry to prevent wilting. For future meals, it’s best to use fresh lettuce each time you make the wraps.
Reassembling the Wraps
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the buffalo chicken and assemble the wraps fresh using the leftover lettuce. You can also add any additional toppings you like, such as fresh celery or a drizzle of dressing, for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fantastic way to enjoy the bold flavors of buffalo chicken while keeping things light and healthy.
The combination of tender, spicy chicken wrapped in fresh lettuce with cool, creamy toppings makes each bite both satisfying and refreshing.
These wraps are perfect for a quick lunch, a flavorful dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering.
With endless customization options for heat, toppings, and dressings, you can easily tailor the wraps to suit your tastes.
Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or just looking for a fun and flavorful meal, these wraps are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the buffalo chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. When ready to serve, simply heat the chicken and assemble the wraps with fresh lettuce and toppings. This makes them a great option for meal prep.
2. How can I adjust the spice level of the buffalo sauce?
To make the wraps milder, use a milder buffalo sauce or reduce the amount you add to the chicken. If you prefer more heat, add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper to amp up the spice.
3. Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with turkey, ground beef, or even plant-based options like cauliflower or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to adjust the cooking method for each protein.
4. What lettuce is best for wraps?
Romaine, iceberg, and butter lettuce are the best options for buffalo chicken lettuce wraps. They’re sturdy enough to hold the chicken and won’t tear easily. Choose large leaves that can wrap around the filling securely.
5. Can I freeze the buffalo chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the buffalo chicken for up to 2-3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and when ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it before assembling your wraps.
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken
- 1 Mixing Bowl: For tossing the chicken with buffalo sauce
- 1 Baking Sheet (optional): If roasting the chicken
- 1 Sharp Knife: For shredding the chicken
- 1 Cutting Board: To chop any vegetables or toppings
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breasts or 2 cups cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup Buffalo Sauce or to taste
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil for cooking
- 8-10 Large Lettuce Leaves Romaine or Iceberg preferred
- 1/4 cup Blue Cheese or Ranch Dressing optional, for drizzling
- 1/2 cup Chopped Celery optional, for crunch
- 1/2 Avocado optional, sliced
- 1/4 cup Shredded Cheese optional, cheddar or mozzarella
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: If using raw chicken breasts, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Alternatively, use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes. Then, shred it using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss with Buffalo Sauce: In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Adjust the amount of sauce to your preferred level of spice.
- Prepare the Lettuce Leaves: Wash and dry the lettuce leaves. Choose large, sturdy leaves (like romaine or iceberg) and set them aside.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay a lettuce leaf flat on a plate. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into the center of each leaf. Add any optional toppings, such as chopped celery, shredded cheese, avocado, or a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Serve: Fold the sides of the lettuce leaf inward to create a wrap. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to control the heat. If you prefer a milder wrap, use less buffalo sauce or opt for a mild version of the sauce.
- Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Fresh cilantro, chopped onions, or jalapeños could add extra flavor.
- Leftovers: The buffalo chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat before using it in wraps.
- Storage Tip: It’s best to store the lettuce and chicken separately. Assemble the wraps fresh to maintain the lettuce’s crispness.