Avocado Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh and tasty! With juicy chicken, creamy avocado, and crunchy lettuce, each bite is a mix of flavors and textures that makes your mouth happy.
These wraps are perfect for a quick lunch or snack. Plus, they’re so easy to make that even I can whip them up on a busy day. Just assemble, and you’re ready to crunch into something delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Using fresh, diced chicken breasts adds lean protein to the wraps. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great as a shortcut—just shred and season it as noted.
Avocado: A ripe avocado will give your wraps the creamiest texture. If you can’t find ripe ones, mashed avocado or guacamole can work instead. For an alternative, consider hummus for a different flavor profile.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley can be a good substitute. Dried herbs are fine, but fresh herbs really elevate the dish.
Lettuce: Butter lettuce is my favorite because it’s flexible and holds up well. However, romaine or even collard greens can be used if you prefer something crunchier.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
The chicken is key to making these wraps delicious. Here’s how to ensure it’s cooked well:
- Start by evenly dicing chicken into small pieces for quick cooking.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the outside quickly.
- Keep it moving in the pan. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Cook until it’s fully white on the outside and no longer pink inside—about 6-8 minutes.
Letting the chicken rest before you fluff it with a fork can help retain juices, making the wraps even juicier. Enjoy your cooking journey!
Avocado Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 large ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
For Assembly:
- 8 large lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce or romaine)
- Optional: hot sauce or salsa for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and roughly 8 minutes for cooking. In just around 18 minutes, you’ll have delightful Avocado Chicken Lettuce Wraps ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, combine the diced chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Now, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook it, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly browned—this should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Prepare the Filling:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat. In a separate bowl, mix together the drained black beans, corn, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Gently toss everything together to combine the flavors without mashing the avocado too much.
4. Assemble the Wraps:
Lay out the large lettuce leaves on a plate. Spoon the cooked chicken evenly onto each leaf, followed by the avocado, bean, and corn mixture. The layers should look colorful and appetizing!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the wraps immediately while they’re fresh and crunchy! If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add hot sauce or salsa on top. Enjoy every flavorful bite of these healthy wraps!
Can I Use Cooked Chicken Instead of Raw?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker. Just shred or dice the chicken and season it as you mix it with the other ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the lettuce crisp, you might want to store the chicken and filling separately from the lettuce leaves until you’re ready to eat!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with diced tofu, tempeh, or even extra beans for protein. Just season them similarly before cooking to keep those delicious flavors!
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
Feel free to customize your wraps! Chopped tomatoes, diced jalapeños for heat, shredded cheese, or Greek yogurt can all make delicious additions or alternatives. Get creative with your favorite toppings!
