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Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Quick & Healthy Recipe


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  • Author: Evee
  • Total Time: 30 minutes (plus optional marinating time up to 2 hours)
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, light, and flavorful meal made with juicy pesto-marinated chicken served in crisp lettuce cups with vibrant toppings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or healthy lunch.


Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)

1/4 cup prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 large head butter lettuce (or romaine), leaves separated and washed

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup crumbled feta (optional)

2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (optional)

1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)


Instructions

  1. Pound chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
  2. Whisk together pesto, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken in the mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil.
  4. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips or cubes.
  6. Separate and pat dry lettuce leaves.
  7. Fill each lettuce cup with pesto chicken, then top with tomatoes, red onion, and feta.
  8. Sprinkle pine nuts and drizzle balsamic glaze if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Add red pepper flakes to the marinade for spice.

Include diced bell pepper, cucumber, or shredded carrot for crunch.

Swap cheeses—try goat cheese, mozzarella, or Parmesan.

Grill chicken instead of pan-searing for smoky flavor.

Use dairy-free pesto and omit feta for a dairy-free version.

Substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Change greens—romaine or iceberg also work well.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Pan-Seared
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg