The beauty of these Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps lies in their simplicity. They require no cooking if you have pre-cooked chicken on hand, making them ideal for busy weekdays or light weekend meals. The basil pesto infuses the chicken with bold, herbaceous notes while the crisp lettuce adds a refreshing crunch to every bite.
Perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch solution, these wraps are low in carbs but full of flavor. You can customize them with your favorite toppings—try avocado, cucumber, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze. They’re a guilt-free, satisfying option that won’t weigh you down.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded (about 2 cups)
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1/4 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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8 large romaine or butter lettuce leaves
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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Optional: chopped fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well coated.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Lay out the lettuce leaves on a serving platter or plate.
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Spoon the pesto chicken mixture evenly into each lettuce leaf.
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Top with halved cherry tomatoes and sliced red onions.
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Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired.
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Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 230 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Fresh Take on Classic Chicken Dishes
Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a brilliant fusion of bold Italian flavors and health-conscious eating. This recipe ditches heavy breads and tortillas in favor of crisp, refreshing lettuce leaves, making it a light yet satisfying option for those looking to reduce carbs or follow gluten-free and keto-friendly diets. It’s a modern twist on chicken salad, infused with the vibrant, herbaceous flavor of basil pesto and wrapped up in crunchy greens for a clean and beautiful presentation.
Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or impressing guests with a colorful appetizer, this dish is a versatile go-to that’s both elegant and effortless. It captures the essence of freshness with its minimal prep time, whole ingredients, and no-cook assembly—perfect for busy days or warm-weather dining.
The Health Factor
One of the most compelling reasons to try Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps is their nutritional profile. Swapping traditional wraps or sandwich bread for lettuce instantly cuts down on carbohydrates and calories while increasing hydration and fiber. Romaine or butter lettuce not only serves as a crisp, hydrating vessel but also provides vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and minerals like potassium.
Chicken breast, the primary protein source in this dish, is lean, low in fat, and high in protein. It helps promote satiety and supports muscle maintenance, making this recipe ideal for those who are active, looking to lose weight, or simply want to eat clean. Pesto, while rich, adds healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts or walnuts (depending on the version used), contributing to a feeling of fullness and offering heart-friendly benefits.
If you opt for homemade pesto, you can control the salt and oil levels, making it even more customizable to your dietary preferences. For those sensitive to dairy, many pestos can be made without cheese, making the whole recipe easily dairy-optional.
Why Pesto?
Basil pesto brings a unique punch to this dish that sets it apart from typical chicken wraps. It’s aromatic, creamy, and deeply flavorful—thanks to a blend of fresh basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, nuts, and Parmesan cheese. The sharpness of the garlic, the richness of the oil and cheese, and the sweet, peppery notes of basil create a dynamic contrast with the neutral taste of shredded chicken.
The beauty of pesto is that it clings to every shred of chicken, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. Unlike heavier sauces, pesto doesn’t overpower—it complements. It also pairs beautifully with the raw freshness of lettuce and the crunch of red onions or juicy cherry tomatoes often added as toppings.
Ideal for Meal Prep
Another standout feature of this recipe is its convenience. With pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken on hand, the entire dish can be prepped in under 10 minutes. It’s a great option for meal prepping in bulk. Simply prepare the chicken pesto mix ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The lettuce leaves should be washed and dried thoroughly, then stored separately to prevent wilting.
When you’re ready to eat, just spoon the filling into the lettuce cups and enjoy. These wraps make for a grab-and-go lunch, quick dinner, or even a high-protein post-workout meal. They’re easily portable, require no reheating, and can be customized with different toppings for variety throughout the week.
Perfect for Entertaining
Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are not only practical—they’re stunning on a plate. The bright green hue of the pesto combined with vibrant cherry tomatoes and purple-red onion slices make this dish pop with color. When served neatly in lettuce cups, they make a fantastic appetizer or finger food for gatherings and parties.
Unlike greasy sliders or heavy dips, these wraps provide a lighter, more refreshing option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. They’re particularly appealing in warmer months when cold dishes and crisp textures are most welcome. Plus, they offer a safe option for guests with gluten sensitivities or those following a low-carb lifestyle.
Customizable to Your Taste
The base of pesto chicken in lettuce leaves is simple, and that’s what makes it so versatile. You can enhance it with various toppings based on your preferences or dietary goals:
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Add Avocado: For extra creaminess and healthy fats
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Sprinkle with Seeds: Try hemp seeds or sesame seeds for crunch
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Spice It Up: Add red chili flakes or jalapeños for a kick
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Sweeten the Bite: Thinly sliced apples or dried cranberries create a sweet-savory contrast
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Switch the Greens: Try using cabbage leaves, collard greens, or even radicchio for a different texture and flavor
You can even swap out the protein altogether. Cooked turkey, tofu, or chickpeas can all take the place of chicken for vegetarian or vegan versions, especially when paired with a dairy-free pesto.
Pesto Variations for Added Creativity
While traditional pesto uses basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan, the concept is endlessly adaptable. Try making:
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Spinach Walnut Pesto: Milder flavor with added iron
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Cilantro Lime Pesto: A zesty take with a Mexican twist
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Arugula Pistachio Pesto: Peppery and earthy
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Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: For a deeper, richer flavor
These unique pestos can each create an entirely new flavor profile for your wraps, making it feel like you’re eating a different dish each time.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
Many parents are always looking for ways to make mealtime both healthy and exciting for their kids. This recipe checks both boxes. The handheld nature of lettuce wraps makes them fun to eat, and the creamy, cheesy flavor of pesto tends to appeal to younger palates. You can even allow kids to “build their own wrap,” adding toppings and helping in the kitchen, which boosts their interest in trying new foods.
A Great Addition to Special Diets
For anyone following a gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, Whole30, or keto diet, this dish can be modified to meet those needs without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. Simply check your pesto ingredients, or make it from scratch to ensure it aligns with your health goals.
This recipe is also sugar-free, low in processed ingredients, and focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods—making it suitable for clean eating or elimination diets.
Conclusion
Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are more than just a quick lunch—they’re a celebration of freshness, flavor, and flexibility. Combining lean protein, bold pesto, and crisp greens, they create a healthy, satisfying meal that’s as visually appealing as it is nourishing.
Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, reduce carbs, prep ahead, or impress with a no-fuss dinner party dish, this recipe is a true kitchen hero. It brings together convenience and culinary flair, proving that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring—or complicated. Give them a try, and you may just find yourself keeping pesto chicken in your weekly rotation from now on.