Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Print-Friendly Version)
Tender pesto chicken is nestled in crisp lettuce cups with fresh toppings for a light and flavorful meal.
# What You’ll Need to Make This:
→ Chicken and Marinade
01 -
680 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
60 ml prepared pesto
03 -
15 ml olive oil
04 -
2.5 g garlic powder
05 -
1.5 g salt
06 -
1.5 g ground black pepper
→ Wrap Assembly
07 -
1 large head butter lettuce, leaves separated and washed
08 -
80 g cherry tomatoes, halved
09 -
40 g red onion, thinly sliced
10 -
30 g crumbled feta cheese (optional)
11 -
16 g pine nuts, toasted (optional)
12 -
15 ml balsamic glaze (optional)
# How to Prepare:
01 -
Place each chicken breast between sheets of plastic wrap. Pound to an even 1.25 cm thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
02 -
In a bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
03 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 ml olive oil to the pan.
04 -
Transfer the marinated chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook 5–7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 74°C.
05 -
Remove chicken from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into thin strips or bite-sized cubes.
06 -
Gently separate lettuce leaves. Wash and dry thoroughly with paper towels.
07 -
Place sliced chicken onto lettuce leaves. Top with cherry tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pine nuts if using.
08 -
Optionally drizzle wraps with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately while fresh.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For added spice, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinade.
02 -
Additional fresh vegetables such as diced bell peppers or shredded carrots can enhance texture and nourishment.
03 -
Substitute feta with goat cheese, mozzarella, or Parmesan to suit preference.
04 -
Chicken may be prepared up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated for convenience.
05 -
Homemade pesto delivers fresher and more vibrant flavor results.
06 -
Grilling is a suitable alternative to pan-cooking for added smokiness.
07 -
Chicken thighs provide a juicier and more robust taste if substituted.
08 -
A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the final dish.
09 -
Add diced avocado for creaminess and additional healthy fats.
10 -
Romaine, iceberg, or large collard leaves are easy alternatives to butter lettuce.
11 -
Omit pine nuts or replace with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free variant.
12 -
Exclude feta cheese and use dairy-free pesto for a dairy-free meal.
13 -
Ideal for low-carbohydrate or ketogenic dietary plans.
14 -
Portion ingredients and toppings in advance for quick assembly and meal prepping.
15 -
Leftover chicken can be integrated into salads, sandwiches, or grain dishes.