Lettuce Wraps With Chicken Recipe
GLUTEN FREE II DAIRY FREE II NIGHTSHADE FREE II SESAME FREE II FISH FREE II SHELLFISH FREE II SOY FREE II PALEO II KETO II EGG FREE
Enjoy these delicious keto low-carb chicken lettuce wraps as a healthy lunch option! I often eat them as a light bite when I don’t feel like cooking. They resemble a chicken Caesar salad, but with a twist!
These wraps are bursting with flavour and have a great texture from the creamy mayo. They are complemented by the tartness and sweetness of pickled onions and the delightful crunch of crispy fried onions. They are truly a pleasure to eat! See the notes below on how to adapt this recipe for specific diets.
Enjoy.
Notes on ingredients for lettuce wraps
Chicken
If you need a soy-free option for these lettuce wraps, use corn-fed chicken instead. I usually buy organic chicken because I find it tastier and free from questionable chemicals. I used a chicken breast but use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer.
Microcress
I bought the living microcress from Waitrose to garnish the lettuce wraps. Microcress, also known as microgreens, are the tiny seedlings of edible herbs and vegetables, harvested in their early stages of development. They are essentially baby plants, grown for their flavour and nutritional benefits. Microcress can be added to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes for a flavorful and nutritious boost. Use mustard cress if you can’t get hold of any pretty microcress, I just used it as a garnish so you can omit if your not able to source any.
Mayo
Always purchase a good quality mayo. I like to use mayo with extra virgin olive oil and free-range eggs. My absolute favourites are:
Waitrose extra virgin olive oil mayo
If you need an egg-free mayo, try my recipe here
If you are following a paleo diet, ensure that your mayo doesn't contain non-compliant ingredients. Choose a brand like Hunter and Gatherer instead; this will be a much better option.
Crispy fried onions
I love crispy fried onions on nearly everything because they add a wonderful crunch and delicious flavour. Unfortunately, most crispy onions are not gluten-free. If you can't eat gluten or wheat, you can substitute them with toasted mixed seeds. Simply dry fry the seeds in a frying pan with a pinch of onion powder added. Once they're cool, use them as a crunchy topping instead.
Pickled red onions
I'm afraid they can't be bought in shops, but they only take 5 minutes to make and can be stored in the fridge for a few weeks. Take a look at my easy recipe here. I love how you can add these pickled red onions to almost any meal; they really do uplift any meal. I use these pickled red onions in salads, burgers, wraps, falafel bowls, and grain bowls; they are so delicious. Use finely sliced red onions instead, but if you can, please make the pickled red onions; the flavour will blow you away!
Cheese
Dairy-free or vegan cheese is a bit of a hit and miss. The only two vegan cheeses that are actually tasty are Cathedral City plant-based or an artisan type cheese like these ones from Vegusto. You can make this recipe without cheese if you prefer.
Ingredients
Tips
Here are some other ingredients you could use to pimp out your lettuce wraps.
Try using a flavoured mayo like a peri peri one or a garlic and lemon mayo.
You could add a spice to your lettuce wraps, like sriracha or cajun seasoning, for a bit of va-va-voom.
Adding chives to the mayo would be a nice addition.
Other toppings you could use are mixed seeds, gluten-free croutons, anchovies or pomegranate seeds.
Why I love this recipe for chicken lettuce wraps
They take 5 minutes to prepare ( if you use pre-cooked chicken).
They are perfect for a light snack.
Not only are they super healthy and delicious, but they are also keto and low-carb.
These lettuce wraps literally taste like a more delicious pimped out ceaser salad but dairy free!
They are customizable; you can add any type of toppings or flavoured mayo. The only limit is your imagination.
Faq’s
How far in advance can I make these lettuce wraps?
Prepare the chicken and salad components up to 2 days ahead. Assemble just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
What goes well with chicken lettuce wraps?
They pair well with a side of fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, or a light soup for a complete meal.
Will the lettuce wraps get soggy if stored overnight?
Once dressed and wrapped, the lettuce can soften. Keep fillings and lettuce separate until you're ready to eat for best results.
Can I add extras to the filling?
Absolutely—try croutons, sliced avocado, bacon bits, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavour and texture.
Are these lettuce wraps good for meal prep?
Yes. Pack ingredients separately in the fridge and assemble wraps when you're ready to eat.
Can I use leftover roast chicken for these chicken lettuce wraps?
Leftover roast or grilled chicken adds great flavour and saves time. Just chop or shred before using.
How can I make these lettuce wraps gluten-free?
These lettuce wraps are gluten-free and dairy-free. Check the ingredients in your mayo and crispy onions for gluten.
Makes 5 wraps - 30 minutes prep & cooking time
Step by Step
Recipe
1 chicken breast cooked, cooled and chopped up
1 tbsp olive oil
salt/pepper
1 little gem lettuce
2 tbsp mayo
35g dairy-free cheese grated (I used Cathedral City extra mature)
1 tbsp pickled red onions ( see notes on ingredients)
1 tbsp crispy fried onions ( see notes)
1 tbsp sliced olives ( green or black)
1 tbsp microcress or mustard cress
anchovies *optional
Method
Preheat your oven to 180 °C, 350°F, or gas mark 4, Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the olive oil onto the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover with foil and cook for 25 minutes. Once cooked, cool down before shredding or chopping up.
Break off five lettuce leaves, wash and pat dry. I like to use the outer more larger leaves.
Mix the chopped chicken with the mayo and grated cheese.
Fill the lettuce with the chicken.
Top with the sliced olives, pickled onions, microgreens/cress and crispy fried onions.
If using anchovies, chop those up and place on top of the chicken.
Do a happy dance because these wraps are so good!
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