Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps: 7 Easy Reasons to Love Them

Name: Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Vibrant, Healthy Twist That’s Big on Flavor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean Fusion
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ¼ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade); 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt & black pepper to taste; 1 head butter lettuce or romaine (separate leaves, rinsed, and dried); ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ¼ red onion, thinly sliced; ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional); ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional); 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional); Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)

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Let me tell you—when I was a kid, we didn’t have fancy lettuce wraps. We had iceberg, ranch dressing, and if you were lucky, a sprinkle of cheddar. Now? We’re taking a trip across the globe and back with something that hits every note: Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps. These are vibrant, punchy, packed with flavor, and ridiculously easy to make.

You’ve got the rich, herbaceous depth of Mediterranean pesto paired with the crisp, refreshing vessel of Asian-style lettuce wraps. Texture? Nailed it. Convenience? Totally weeknight-friendly. Low-carb? Check. This is what I call smart cooking—maximum impact, minimal mess.

Ingredients for Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

For the Pesto Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
¼ cup pesto (store-bought or homemade—your call)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but do it if you like a kick)
Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Lettuce Wraps

1 head butter lettuce or romaine (separate leaves, rinse, and dry well)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced (optional, but they bring briny firepower)
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional)
Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional, but wow)

How to Make Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Butter lettuce wraps with grilled pesto chicken, feta, cherry tomatoes, and bacon.

1. Prep the Chicken

Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pat them completely dry with paper towels—this is key. Moisture is the enemy of browning; wet chicken will steam instead of sear.

If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally to make cutlets. This helps them cook more evenly and gives you more surface area to build that golden crust and soak up the marinade. Want even more flavor? Lightly score the surface to let the pesto penetrate.

2. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix your chicken with:

¼ cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but adds heat)
Salt & black pepper to taste

Use your hands or tongs to make sure each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1–2 hours. This lets the flavors infuse and tenderizes the chicken a bit thanks to the oil and herbs in the pesto.

Pro tip: If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes makes a difference. But if you’ve got the time—go longer.

3. Cook the Chicken

Choose your method based on what you’ve got and how much clean-up you want:

🔸 Pan-Sear (Best for Flavor & Texture)

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil.
Add chicken—don’t overcrowd the pan (do it in batches if needed).
Cook for 3–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temp hits 165°F.
Listen for a nice sizzle, and resist the urge to move the chicken too soon—let it form that crust.

🔸 Grill (For Smoky Depth)

Preheat grill to medium.
Oil the grates lightly.
Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, covered, until cooked through with charred edges.

🔸 Bake (Best for Batch Cooking)

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place chicken on a foil- or parchment-lined sheet tray.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to be sure.

4. Rest, Then Slice or Shred

Let your cooked chicken rest for 5–10 minutes on a cutting board. This is non-negotiable—resting lets the juices redistribute, so you don’t lose all that moisture when slicing.

Then either:

Slice thinly across the grain for a clean bite and elegant presentation.
Shred with forks if you want more texture and rustic, sauce-grabbing edges.

Either way, you’ve just built the flavorful base for your lettuce wraps. Time to move on to the fun part—assembly.

How to Prepare Lettuce for Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Rinse the lettuce and pat it dry. Dry leaves = crisp bite and no soggy wraps.
Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the onion, prep the olives, crumble the feta.
Toast your pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Watch closely—they go from golden to burnt fast.

Assembling Your Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Lay out your lettuce cups like little boats.
Add a scoop of pesto chicken.
Top with tomatoes, onion, olives, feta, and pine nuts.
Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze if you’re feeling fancy.
Serve immediately—these don’t sit well.

Tips and Variations for Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Heat lovers: Add spicy pesto or double the red pepper flakes.
Veggie swap: Try cucumber, shredded carrot, or roasted red peppers.
Cheese options: Goat cheese, shaved Parmesan—go wild.
Meat-free version: Grill up some halloumi or seared tofu in place of chicken.
Add avocado: Creamy, rich, balances the herbs and acidity beautifully.
Bowl it: Skip the lettuce, serve everything over rice or couscous.
Make-ahead tip: Cook and slice the chicken ahead, store in the fridge. Assemble wraps just before serving.

More Recipes Like Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Easy Bruschetta Recipe
A perfect Mediterranean-style starter to serve alongside your lettuce wraps.
Italian Spaghetti Salad with Spinach
Light, fresh, and ideal as a healthy pairing or meal prep side.
Cucumber and Onions in Vinegar
Crisp, tangy, and refreshing—just what your wraps need on the side.
Fiesta Lime Chicken
A spicier grilled chicken option if you want a zestier wrap filling.

Why You’ll Love Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Benefit	Why It Matters
Quick & Easy	Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Low-Carb & Healthy	Lettuce instead of bread keeps it light but satisfying.
Bold Mediterranean Flavor	Thanks to pesto, olives, feta, and optional balsamic glaze.
Customizable	Swap ingredients based on preference or dietary needs.
Meal-Prep Friendly	Cook the chicken in advance and assemble when ready.
Crowd-Pleaser	Great for parties, lunches, or family dinners—build-your-own style is always a hit.

FAQ: Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely. Store-bought pesto is a great time-saver. Just make sure it’s good quality—look for one with real basil, olive oil, and Parmesan. If you’ve got the time, homemade pesto adds even more depth.

What’s the best lettuce for wraps?

Butter lettuce is your best bet—soft, pliable, and perfect for holding fillings without tearing. Romaine works too, especially if you want extra crunch.

Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Cook and slice or shred the chicken in advance, then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently or serve cold—it’s still delicious.

How do I keep the wraps from falling apart?

Dry lettuce leaves thoroughly and don’t overfill. If you’re serving guests, double up on leaves for extra structure.

Are these wraps keto or low-carb?

They sure are. No bread, no grains—just protein, healthy fats, and veggies. It’s a clean, low-carb winner.

What’s a good vegetarian alternative to chicken?

Try grilled halloumi, seared tofu, or even chickpeas tossed in pesto. You’ll still get that herbaceous punch and satisfying bite.

What can I serve with these lettuce wraps?

Think light and fresh—cucumber salad, tomato soup, or even a simple quinoa bowl. A crisp white wine wouldn’t hurt either.

Call to Action

Try this recipe, make it your own, and don’t forget to share your creations! Snap a pic, tag your version, and let’s build a community of flavor-first, technique-loving home cooks. You’ve got this.

And hey—invite yourself to more inspiration: visit my Pinterest page for more fresh, flavor-packed meal ideas.

—This is the chicken I want to eat.

Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Vibrant, Healthy Twist That’s Big on Flavor

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