Looking for a new way to enjoy BBQ chicken this summer? Check out my BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps!
Yes, we’ve all had the PF Changs Lettuce Wraps and they are delicious! But why not make a non Asian lettuce wrap?
Our version uses tender chicken with the option to grill or pan fry, along with stinky blue cheese (if you are into that type of thing), a cool green goddess dressing and fresh tomatoes. You can add other pops of color, flavor and texture with even more veggies like carrots.
They are the perfect light summer dinner or a great appetizer at parties.
Why You’ll Love These!
A flavorful and easy chicken recipe that’s also healthy- what’s not to love!
- Low in carbs – If you’re trying to stick to lower carb meals, this is a great option because we swap the tortilla wrap for lettuce.
- Lots of veggies – In addition to the lettuce wrap itself, there are plenty of veggie options to add on top.
- Ready in under 30 minutes – Not only is this recipe easy, but it’s quick too! Ready om a flash.
Ingredients for Lettuce Wraps
The ingredient list for these lettuce wraps is actually quite short.
- Chicken – I like to use chicken breast, but you can also use chicken thighs. Just be sure they are boneless and skinless.
- Salt and pepper – I like to use a blend of fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, but you use what you like.
- Ancho chile powder – Made from ancho chiles, mild and smoky flavor, it is seen mostly in Mexican food, but does this dish a world of good.
- BBQ sauce – You can use either a homemade bbq sauce or your favorite store bought version. I’ll list some of my favorites below.
- Bibb lettuce – The lettuce leaves are what we’ll use as the wraps. Check the section below for other lettuce options if you aren’t partial to lettuce.
- Plum tomatoes – Make sure they are seeded and diced so you don’t have too much liquid. I love the fresh taste of veggies on a wrap!
- Blue cheese – The tangy, sharpness of the cheese balances really nicely with the cool dressing and juicy chicken. Feta or goat cheese are great options too.
- Green goddess dressing – My cool and creamy Avocado Green Goddess Dressing adds flavor and texture to round the whole meal out.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Prep. If you are going to make these on the grill, soak 16 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes. If you plan to pan fry the chicken, skip this step!
- Season Chicken. Toss chicken, fine sea salt, black pepper and 1/2 cup BBQ sauce in a large bowl.
- Make Skewers (if grilling). Evenly thread chicken onto 16 skewers at approximately 1 ounce per skewer. Do not thread too closely, being thin will make the grilling process shorter.
- Cook. If grilling, Heat grill to medium-high heat. Baste with remaining BBQ sauce and rotate for approximately 8-10 minutes. Due to size of chicken and grill temperatures, the cooking time may vary. Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F. If pan frying, heat 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Place the chicken in the skillet, discarding any leftover sauce. Cooking, tossing, for about 10 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of the chicken cubes. Check several of the largest pieces to make sure they are 165°F using an instant digital thermometer.
- Assemble Lettuce Wraps. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 3-4 minutes. Assemble lettuce wrap by removing chicken from skewer, placing into a piece of Bibb lettuce along with freshly diced tomato, green goddess sauce and crumbled blue cheese.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps
BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps can be served as an entree, appetizer or even snack. They are perfect for parties, too! Set up a lettuce wrap “bar” so people can make their own. I often serve beside a Cold Veggie Pizza Appetizer.
If you serve them as a main meal, they would be great with some sort of starch. A rice pilaf or baked ranch potatoes would be great options- even Air Fryer Baby Potatoes!
Favorite BBQ Sauces
While it’s easy to just go buy a bottle of barbecue sauce from the grocery store, sometimes you just can’t beat a homemade sauce. Here are a few of my favorite bbq sauce recipes.
Variations
There are plenty of ways you can make these BBQ chicken lettuce wraps your own. Here are a few ideas. Make all the toppings into a lettuce wrap taco bar!
- Lettuce – Instead of bibb lettuce, you could use romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce or even butter lettuce leaves.
- Veggies – In addition to the tomatoes, you could also add red onion, carrots, cabbage or red pepper slices.
- Toppings – There are plenty of options for toppings! Chopped cilantro, green onions, freshly grated ginger, lime juice and sesame seeds are all great options.
- Meat – While I like to use chicken, you could certainly use ground beef or pork instead. You may think about using a different marinade though.
More Recipe Using BBQ Sauce
Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Crockpot BBQ Chicken take just minutes to get into the slow cooker. Hours later you have flavorful, fork tender chicken perfect for sandwiches, salads or even quesadillas!
See The Recipe!
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
Tender, juicy homemade meatballs wrapped in crispy bacon and slathered in your favorite BBQ sauce. Great appetizer or side!
See The Recipe!
Grandma’s BBQ Meatball Recipe
The best darn BBQ meatballs you’ll ever sink your teeth into!
See The Recipe!
BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps
BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps use seasoned chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce and wrap them in crispy lettuce with juicy tomatoes, blue cheese and cool avocado dressing.
Servings:
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast , cut into 1-2 inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
- 1/2 cup favorite BBQ Sauce
- 16 leaves large Bibb lettuce
- 2 plum tomatoes seeded and diced
- 4 ounces blue cheese , crumbled
- 1 cup green goddess dressing
Instructions
- if grilling, Soak 16 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.
- Toss the chicken, fine sea salt, black pepper and 1/2 cup BBQ sauce in a large bowl.
- if grilling, evenly thread chicken onto 16 skewers at approximately 1 ounce per skewer. Do not thread too closely, being thin will make the grilling process shorter.
- IF GRILLING: Heat grill to medium-high heat. Baste with remaining theBBQ sauce and rotate for approximately 8-10 minutes. Due to size of chicken and grill temperatures, the cooking time may vary. Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F.
- If pan frying, heat 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Place the chicken in the skillet, discarding any leftover sauce. Cooking, tossing, for about 10 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of the chicken cubes. Check several of the largest pieces to make sure they are 165°F using an instant digital thermometer.
- Remove from the heat and allow to rest for 3-4 minutes. Assemble the lettuce wraps by removing chicken from skewer (if grilled), placing into a piece of Bibb lettuce along with freshly diced tomato, green goddess sauce and crumbled blue cheese.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Nutrition
Calories: 474 kcal, Carbohydrates: 18 g, Protein: 30 g, Fat: 30 g, Saturated Fat: 11 g, Cholesterol: 106 mg, Sodium: 2008 mg, Potassium: 453 mg, Sugar: 14 g, Vitamin A: 860 IU, Vitamin C: 6.3 mg, Calcium: 232 mg, Iron: 1.9 mg
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
This sounds really yummy. I am learning to love the lettuce wrap. It’s so much tastier than a salad to me.
I feel like lettuce wraps are more satisfying than salads. Silly considering it is the same thing, but true!
I’ve never thought to make a lettuce wrap with BBQ chicken. I usually do an Asian flavor, so this would be a fun twist.
I’m thrilled to hear that Kraft is no longer using hfcs in their sauces. Go Kraft!
Thanks so much for sharing this recipe. It looks deliciously healthy!
Right??? I used to make my own sauce because of ingredients like this, but now Kraft offers such a variety that I can feel good about eating and serving to my family, I don’t have to.
my youngest would want this on the skewers by its self lol We will have to try these but I’m a weenie when it comes to grilling in the cold so I’ll use my little indoor grill. Props to you and your grill man 😉
You can certainly serve the skewers alone for a Barbecue Chicken Satay appetizer!
These chicken strips do look good enough to brave the elements for. Love how you serve them up as well.
Thank you, KC!
I’m drooling over your recipe here! We love chicken and can’t wait to try out your lettuce wraps. We’ll add it to our menu plan.
Great! Let me know how you like them!
BBQ is my favourite and I love lettuce wraps for a delicious summer meal that is nice and light as well.
I like to serve them at parties year round. People love constructing a wrap. Perfect for a light summer meal too!
I love smoked meets that is why the hickory smoked sauce work well for me. They don’t have that tart and tangy taste a general bbq sauce has.
Hmm, I may make these tonight, I love chicken wrapped in a large lettuce leaf. Such a great way to ditch the carbs!
Right?? I’m trying to be more health-focused these days. Pants are getting a little tight 😉
That looks so yummy. I love Kraft BBQ sauce.
Delish- I love lettuce wraps!!