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Pesto chicken lettuce wraps have made weeknight dinners feel fresh and effortless in my kitchen. Juicy pieces of chicken get coated in vibrant, aromatic pesto, then tucked into crisp lettuce leaves for a light meal packed with flavor. These wraps are a healthier upgrade over carb-heavy sandwiches and make a fun hands-on option for lunch or dinner.
My family gets extra excited when pesto chicken lettuce wraps are on the menu. They always disappear fast and even my picky eaters come back for more. The combination just never gets old.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provide lean protein and soak up flavor. Look for firm pale pink chicken with no odor for freshness
- Prepared pesto: brings that unmistakable basil and garlic punch. I always taste first and buy refrigerated pesto for best flavor
- Olive oil: adds richness and helps brown the chicken. Extra virgin or good quality light olive oil both work beautifully
- Garlic powder: deepens the savory notes without overpowering the pesto
- Salt: enhances all the flavors. Choose sea salt for clean taste
- Black pepper: gives gentle warmth and complements pesto
- Butter lettuce: creates the perfect tender wraps. Select leaves that are crisp and pale green with no wilting
- Cherry tomatoes: give juicy pops of sweetness. Pick vibrant red tomatoes for best flavor
- Red onion: adds bite and color. Thin slices melt into the wraps nicely
- Crumbled feta cheese: boosts creaminess and adds a salty tang if you enjoy dairy
- Toasted pine nuts: bring classic Mediterranean crunch. Toast lightly until golden for best aroma
- Balsamic glaze: drizzles over for a sweet tart finish if you like a little something extra
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness about three quarter inch for fast and even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to encourage browning.
- Season and Marinate:
- In a bowl combine chicken with pesto olive oil garlic powder salt and black pepper. Massage well until evenly coated. Let sit for at least ten minutes to allow flavors to absorb.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for five to seven minutes per side without moving until deeply golden and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit. Set aside to rest.
- Prepare the Lettuce and Toppings:
- While chicken cooks gently separate lettuce leaves and lay them on a platter. Halve your cherry tomatoes slice onion and crumble feta if using. Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet for two to three minutes shaking often.
- Slice and Assemble:
- Thinly slice rested chicken across the grain. Spoon into lettuce cups. Add cherry tomatoes onions feta and pine nuts if using. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
- Serve:
- Arrange wraps on a large plate or cutting board and enjoy immediately for the freshest texture and brightest flavors.
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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is how the pesto transforms simple chicken. It reminds me of summers making fresh basil pesto with my kids so now every bite makes me smile. We even argue over who gets the last piece of chicken.
Storage Tips
Store cooked chicken and prepared toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Keep lettuce leaves dry and wrapped in a paper towel inside a container to maintain their crispness. Assemble wraps right before serving to avoid soggy lettuce.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in boneless chicken thighs if you prefer richer flavor and a bit more tenderness. For a dairy free option use vegan pesto and skip the feta cheese. Almonds or walnuts make good alternatives to pine nuts if you do not have them on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Pesto chicken lettuce wraps shine on their own for lunch but you can round out dinner by serving with a simple tomato cucumber salad or roasted potatoes. These wraps also work as an appetizer at parties. Set up a topping bar and let everyone build their own.
A Quick Look at Pesto’s Roots
Pesto originated in Genoa where basil is abundant and Italian cooks are passionate about their fresh ingredients. While these wraps are a modern mashup marrying Mediterranean flavors with Asian-inspired lettuce cups the pesto keeps the spirit true to its Italian roots. Each bite gives a nod to generations of bold Italian cooks.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of lettuce works best for these wraps?
Butter lettuce is ideal due to its soft, pliable leaves and mild flavor, though romaine also works well for extra crunch.
- → Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat gently before assembling your wraps for maximum flavor.
- → Is homemade pesto required?
Either store-bought or homemade pesto delivers great flavor. Homemade allows you to adjust ingredients to your preference.
- → What toppings compliment the wraps?
Fresh cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze all add extra flavor and texture.
- → Are these wraps suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Prepare the chicken and toppings in advance, then assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.