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Simple Chicken Lettuce Cups

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Looking for a light and tasty lettuce wrap that’s perfect for any meal? These chicken lettuce wraps are simple to make and great as a quick appetizer or snack. Just fill each lettuce cup with flavorful chicken for a fresh bite.

A white plate with a lettuce leaf topped with shredded chicken and diced onions, next to a red and white checkered cloth and fresh lettuce leaves.
Simple Chicken Lettuce Cups. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

I was juggling dinner for my two kids and a busy workday when I realized I needed something quick and simple. I grabbed some chicken, chopped fresh veggies, and wrapped everything in crisp lettuce leaves. To my surprise, they loved it, and I loved how fast it came together. Now, these are a go-to for easy weeknight dinners.

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A Quick and Simple Dinner Recipe

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. You don’t need fancy ingredients or lots of steps to enjoy it. A dinner like this keeps things stress-free in the kitchen, just like curry chicken and veggie soup.

Asian Lettuce Wraps Recipe

These lettuce cups are inspired by Asian flavors with a mix of savory and slightly sweet seasoning. You can adjust the spices or sauces to match your taste. The balance of crunchy lettuce and tender chicken is what makes them delicious.

Use Fresh Lettuce

Crisp lettuce is key for this dish because it adds crunch and freshness. Butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg all work well for wrapping. The fresher the leaves, the better the texture and taste. Always wash and pat them dry so they hold the filling nicely.

A lettuce leaf topped with shredded meat and diced onions on a white plate, next to a red and white checkered cloth and a gold spoon.
A lettuce leaf topped with shredded meat.

How To Make Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Chicken lettuce wraps are fresh, light, and full of flavor, making them a perfect meal or snack. With simple ingredients and crisp lettuce leaves, you can prepare them in no time.

Kitchen Gadgets:

  • Bowl: Perfect for mixing the shredded chicken with zesty buffalo wing sauce.
  • Spatula: Handy for coating every bite of chicken evenly with flavor.

Ingredients:

  • Lettuce Leaves (Butter or Romaine): Use as the crisp, fresh cups to hold the filling.
  • Cooked Chicken: Provides protein and makes the filling hearty.
  • Celery: Adds crunch and a refreshing bite.
  • Buffalo Wing Sauce: Brings spicy, tangy flavor to the chicken.
  • Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Balances the heat with creamy, cool flavor.
  • Melted Butter (Optional): Mix with the wing sauce for a richer taste.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

FULL INSTRUCTIONS WITH STEPS FOR ASIAN CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS

First Step: Get Lettuce Ready

Wash the lettuce leaves gently under cold water and pat them dry with a towel so they stay crisp. Place them flat on a plate for easy filling later. Chop the celery into small pieces and set aside for toppings.

Top-down view of ingredients for chicken lettuce cups: butter, cooked chicken, lettuce, celery, buffalo wing sauce, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Ingredients for Simple Chicken Lettuce Cups.

Second Step: Mix Chicken Filling

Add the shredded chicken to a bowl and pour in the buffalo sauce. Stir until every piece is coated, and mix in melted butter if you’d like extra richness. Let it sit for a minute to soak up the flavor.

A glass bowl with shredded chicken mixed with sauce and a spatula, next to lettuce, chopped cucumbers, a cup of sauce, and a red checkered cloth on a white surface.
A glass bowl with shredded chicken mixed with sauce.

Third Step: Build the Wraps

Scoop the buffalo chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Keep the filling in the middle so the wraps fold without breaking. Line them up neatly on a serving plate.

A lettuce wrap filled with diced chicken and white sauce on a plate, surrounded by a bowl of diced cucumbers, dressing, and a red checkered napkin.
A lettuce wrap with white sauce on a plate.

Fourth Step: Finish with Toppings

Sprinkle the celery over the chicken for crunch. Add a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for creaminess. Fold the lettuce gently around the filling and serve right away.

A lettuce leaf topped with shredded chicken and diced vegetables on a white plate, surrounded by lettuce, dressing, and a bowl of diced cucumbers on a light surface.
A lettuce leaf with filling on a white plate.

TRICKS AND TIPS:

  • Choose the right lettuce: Use sturdy leaves like butter lettuce or romaine so they don’t tear when filled. Wash and pat them completely dry for the best crunch.
  • Season the chicken well: Add garlic, ginger, or soy sauce for extra flavor. A well-seasoned filling makes the lettuce cups taste amazing.
  • Prep ahead for quick meals: Cook and shred the chicken earlier in the day. When ready to serve, just reheat and assemble with lettuce.
  • Add toppings for variety: Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs. These little extras bring extra crunch and flavor to every bite.
A white plate with a lettuce leaf wrap filled with shredded meat and chopped onions, on a light surface with a red checkered cloth nearby.
A white plate with a lettuce leaf wrap.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What to Serve With Lettuce Cups?

Lettuce cups go well with a light side like steamed rice or cauliflower rice. You can also serve them with a small bowl of mushroom soup for a cozy meal. Fresh fruit or a crisp veggie salad makes a nice balance too.

How Do I Store Chicken Lettuce Cups?

Keep the chicken filling and lettuce leaves separate in the fridge. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Assemble the cups only when you’re ready to eat so the lettuce stays fresh and crisp.

A lettuce leaf topped with shredded meat and diced onions on a white plate.
A lettuce leaf topped with shredded meat.
Can I Freeze Lettuce Cups?

You can freeze the chicken filling, but not the lettuce. Store the filling in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw, reheat, and pair with fresh lettuce leaves.

More Clean Eating Recipes

If you love refreshing drinks, try making agua de jamaica iced tea. It’s tangy, sweet, and naturally caffeine-free, perfect for hot days. For something calming, the lavender mocktail recipe gives a floral taste without alcohol.

If you want a snack, the healthy trail mix recipe is easy to put together with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. These recipes are simple, tasty, and great for clean eating every day.

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A plate with a lettuce cup filled with shredded chicken and diced vegetables, surrounded by lettuce leaves, a bowl of chicken, and a bowl of diced vegetables on a table.
A plate with a lettuce cup.

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A lettuce leaf filled with shredded chicken and diced onions on a white plate, surrounded by diced cucumbers, lettuce, sauce, and a red plaid napkin.

Simple Chicken Lettuce Cups

Zuzana Paar
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Looking for a light and tasty lettuce wrap that’s perfect for any meal? These chicken lettuce wraps are simple to make and great as a quick appetizer or snack. Just fill each lettuce cup with flavorful chicken for a fresh bite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American, International
Servings 8 Portions
Calories 104 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

  • 8 Pieces Large Lettuce Leaves butter or romaine
  • 2 Cups Cooked Chicken shredded
  • ½ Cup Celery finely chopped
  • Cup Buffalo Wing Sauce
  • ¼ Cup Ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • 1 Tablespoon Melted Butter optional

Instructions
 

  • Wash the lettuce leaves gently under cold water and pat them dry with a towel so they stay crisp. Place them flat on a plate for easy filling later. Chop the celery into small pieces and set aside for toppings.
  • Add the shredded chicken to a bowl and pour in the buffalo sauce. Stir until every piece is coated, and mix in melted butter if you’d like extra richness. Let it sit for a minute to soak up the flavor.
  • Scoop the buffalo chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Keep the filling in the middle so the wraps fold without breaking. Line them up neatly on a serving plate.
  • Sprinkle the celery over the chicken for crunch. Add a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for creaminess. Fold the lettuce gently around the filling and serve right away.

Notes

  • Choose the right lettuce: Use sturdy leaves like butter lettuce or romaine so they don’t tear when filled. Wash and pat them completely dry for the best crunch.
  • Season the chicken well: Add garlic, ginger, or soy sauce for extra flavor. A well-seasoned filling makes the lettuce cups taste amazing.
  • Prep ahead for quick meals: Cook and shred the chicken earlier in the day. When ready to serve, just reheat and assemble with lettuce.
  • Add toppings for variety: Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs. These little extras bring extra crunch and flavor to every bite.

Nutrition

Serving: 1PortionCalories: 104kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 9gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 417mgPotassium: 103mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 94IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 0.5mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

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By Zuzana Paar on September 7th, 2025
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About Zuzana Paar

Welcome to Cooking Blast, the place where cooking is all about fun, flavor, and fearless creativity! Here, we’re not just following recipes—we’re experimenting, mixing things up, and adding a little adventure to every dish. Grab your spatula, crank up the music, and let’s make cooking less of a chore and more of a celebration. Because in this kitchen, every meal is an opportunity to blast off into something delicious.

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