Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps a Wingfree Winner
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy the taste of buffalo chicken without the guilt? Have you ever dreamed of a buffalo wing alternative that's actually good for you? These buffalo chicken lettuce wraps are the answer.
Trust me, they're wicked good!
Brief Overview
This lettuce wraps recipe is an American classic turned healthy ish. They are dead easy, only take about 30 minutes to make and yields 4 servings.
Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Main Benefits
These healthy lettuce wraps are packed with protein. They also have way fewer carbs than traditional wings, making them ideal for anyone watching their waistline.
This recipe is great for a casual gathering, or even just a simple weeknight meal.
What Makes These Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps Special?
Right, let's dive in. This isn’t just another easy buffalo chicken wraps recipe. It's a flavor explosion in a crisp lettuce cup! We're talking tender chicken coated in a fiery buffalo sauce, cooled down with creamy blue cheese dressing, and rounded out with crunchy celery.
Honestly, what's not to love?
Here’s the thing, I've tried loads of keto buffalo chicken lettuce wraps , but this one? This one hits different.
Plus, for my gluten-free mates, this is a winner a gluten-free buffalo chicken wraps that doesn't compromise on taste.
Ingredients: The A-Team
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken.
- Buffalo Sauce: 1/2 cup (120ml) hot sauce, 2 tbsp (30g) melted unsalted butter, 1 tbsp (15ml) white vinegar.
- Wraps: 1 large head of Boston or Bibb lettuce, 1/2 cup (115g) blue cheese dressing, 1/2 cup (55g) finely diced celery.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make these buffalo chicken lettuce wraps sing! Seriously, this is one of the easiest ways to get your buffalo wing fix.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Main Ingredients: Building the Base
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Or, cheat like I often do and grab 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. Quality matters! Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not grey or slimy. Ain't nobody got time for dodgy chicken!
- Buffalo Sauce: 1/2 cup (120ml) hot sauce. Frank's RedHot is a classic, innit? Also, 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter (melted!), 1 tbsp (15ml) white vinegar, 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) garlic powder, and a pinch ( 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) ) of cayenne if you're feeling brave.
- Lettuce Wraps: One big head of Boston or Bibb lettuce, leaves separated. 1/2 cup (115g) blue cheese dressing and 1/2 cup (55g) finely diced celery. Don't forget the garnish! 1/4 cup (25g) thinly sliced green onions.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
The spice mix is key! Garlic powder gives that savory background. The cayenne is optional, but honestly, what's buffalo chicken without a bit of a kick? If you're subbing the hot sauce, try chili garlic paste.
It brings the heat with a garlicky punch. I always recommend a good quality blue cheese, but Ranch can be substituted for those that dislike blue cheese.
Equipment Needed: Keeping It Simple
You really don't need much! A large skillet or pot, a couple of mixing bowls, and a whisk. A cutting board and knife, naturally.
You could shred chicken with two forks and save dishes, this recipe for healthy lettuce wraps is easy.
These buffalo chicken lettuce wraps are super versatile! Feel free to experiment and find your perfect balance of flavor. And hey, if you accidentally make them too spicy, just add extra blue cheese.
Problem solved!
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Wing Free Winner!
Fancy some buffalo chicken without the guilt? Honestly, who doesn't love buffalo chicken ? These buffalo chicken lettuce wraps are like a hug in a healthy way.
Think of it as a buffalo wing alternative but way less naughty. Let's ditch those deep fried wings and embrace this lighter, low carb buffalo chicken twist.
You know? Perfect for a quick lunch or a cheeky dinner!
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, mise en place , darling! Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. This lettuce wraps recipe is super speedy if you do.
Shred the chicken if needed, dice that celery, and separate those lovely lettuce leaves.
Want a time saving tip? Cook your chicken ahead of time. Seriously, rotisserie chicken from the supermarket is a godsend! Also, be mindful using knives.
Sharp knives are safer than dull knives and more accurate in cutting, but watch your fingers!.
step-by-step: Easy as Pie (or Should I Say, Easy as Wraps?)
- Cook the Chicken (if needed): Cook chicken to 165° F/ 74° C . Alternatively, snag a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: Whisk hot sauce, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tbsp vinegar, garlic powder, and cayenne (if you’re brave!) in a bowl.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Mix shredded chicken and buffalo sauce . Coat it real good!
- Assemble: Spoon that spicy chicken lettuce wraps mixture into your lettuce cups.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle with blue cheese dressing, celery, and green onions. Boom!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Wraps
Want that extra oomph? Try grilling the chicken for a smoky flavour. It's a game changer! Avoid soggy wraps by making sure your lettuce leaves are dry.
I once made a batch and forgot this step... disaster!. Also, don't overfill those wraps. Trust me.
One common mistake is adding too much sauce at once, so start small! And you can even make the keto buffalo chicken lettuce wraps mixture ahead of time.
Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days . That easy buffalo chicken wraps option is clutch when you're busy! These gluten-free buffalo chicken wraps are so good and so easy to make.
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Lettuce Wraps
Alright, mates! So, you’re ready to whip up these buffalo chicken lettuce wraps ? Ace decision! Before you get your apron on, let's talk about some nifty little tips and tricks.
These will take your spicy chicken lettuce wraps from "yeah, alright" to "Oh my gosh, these are amazing!". Honestly, it's all about the details!
Plating and Presentation: Look at this beauty!
Listen, presentation matters, yeah? These healthy lettuce wraps deserve to look as good as they taste. For an authentic look, think about serving them on a wooden board.
Sprinkle some extra green onions or chopped celery for that extra bit of visual appeal. A little ramekin of extra blue cheese dip? Bang on! Don't forget serving alongside carrot and celery sticks, with a small ramekin of blue cheese dip.
Sidekicks and Sippers: What Goes With It?
What goes well with these buffalo chicken beauties? Personally, I reckon sweet potato fries are a winner! The sweetness contrasts brilliantly with the spicy chicken lettuce wraps .
A light coleslaw is a good shout too. Thirsty? A crisp lager, or even a fizzy lemonade, really cuts through the richness.
If you are feeling a bit fancy, sparkling water with a lemon wedge does the job.
Storage Savvy: Keep 'em Fresh
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store the buffalo chicken mix separately from the lettuce leaves. Pop the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge.
It will keep for up to 2 days. Keep lettuce leaves in a separate bag in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or a pan.
Avoid reheating the lettuce, as it will wilt. When you are ready, spoon them into fresh lettuce leaves! Freezing isn't ideal, as the sauce can get a bit weird, but do what you have to do.
Mix It Up, Buttercup: Variations Galore
Fancy a change? You got it! For a low carb buffalo chicken option, make sure your blue cheese dressing is sugar-free.
Want a gluten-free buffalo chicken wraps recipe? No problem! Ensure your hot sauce and blue cheese dressing are gluten-free.
For a keto buffalo chicken lettuce wraps twist, I like to add a dollop of avocado to each wrap for extra healthy fats.
Swapping chicken for jackfruit to create vegan buffalo chicken lettuce wraps .
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness Inside
These easy buffalo chicken wraps are a pretty good choice, you know? Chicken's lean protein is great. Lettuce is low in calories.
It's a win-win! You are effectively eating a buffalo wing alternative . Obviously, watch the blue cheese dressing, as it can be high in fat.
Portion control is key, my friend! It provides a good source of vitamins A and K.
So there you have it! Now get in the kitchen and have a go. Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own twist.
Cooking should be fun, and these buffalo chicken lettuce wraps are a great place to start! Honestly, you will smash it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are buffalo chicken lettuce wraps healthy? It sounds too good to be true!
Well, knock me down with a feather! Compared to classic buffalo wings, buffalo chicken lettuce wraps are a lighter, healthier option. Using lean chicken breast and serving them in lettuce cups significantly reduces the fat and carbohydrate content.
You can further reduce the fat by using a light blue cheese dressing or opting for a Greek yogurt based version it's a cracking way to enjoy the buffalo flavor without the guilt.
Can I make buffalo chicken lettuce wraps ahead of time? I'm having a few mates over on Saturday!
Absolutely, you can get ahead of the game, which is spiffing! The buffalo chicken mixture can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container.
However, it's best to assemble the lettuce wraps just before serving to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy no one wants a droopy wrap, do they?
I'm not a massive fan of blue cheese what can I use instead in these buffalo chicken lettuce wraps?
Not a blue cheese aficionado? No worries, old bean! Ranch dressing is a classic and delicious substitute. A drizzle of Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of lemon juice and dill can also work wonders and keep things a bit lighter.
You could even try a creamy avocado dressing for a touch of healthy fats and a different flavor profile experiment a bit and find what tickles your fancy!
How do I adjust the spice level in these buffalo chicken lettuce wraps? I like things with a bit of a kick, but not too much!
Spice is the variety of life, right? The amount of hot sauce is the key here start with a smaller amount (say, 1/4 cup) and taste as you go, adding more until you reach your desired level of heat. If you're feeling brave, a pinch of cayenne pepper will really crank up the heat, but be careful!
On the other hand, using a milder hot sauce variety also reduces the spice of the dish.
I'm trying to eat less meat, are there any easy vegetarian/vegan substitutes I can use in these buffalo chicken lettuce wraps?
Jolly good question! Cauliflower florets are a brilliant substitute. Toss them in a bit of olive oil and roast them until tender before tossing them in the buffalo sauce. Jackfruit is also a popular choice for its shredded texture similar to chicken.
Be sure to use a vegan butter alternative in the sauce, and either make your own vegan blue cheese dressing with cashews or find a shop bought alternative.
Can I use ground chicken or ground turkey for the buffalo chicken lettuce wraps?
Using ground chicken or ground turkey for the Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps is a fabulous idea! Ensure you cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat after browning it in the pan before mixing with the Buffalo sauce.
One more useful idea is to pulse the chicken in a food processor until it has a ground chicken consistency; this works better than the alternative for some cooks.
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps A Wingfree Winner
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
