Get ready to fall in love with Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Quick & Healthy Recipe! This dish brings together juicy, pesto-marinated chicken, crisp lettuce cups, and a mix of fresh toppings for a meal that’s just as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for casual entertaining. Each bite is packed with vibrant flavors, bright colors, and that irresistible, herby aroma. Bonus: It’s super light, completely customizable, and goes from fridge to table in under an hour. If you love dishes that deliver big taste with very little fuss, you’re about to add a new favorite to your rotation.

Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Quick & Healthy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple ingredients, this dish sings with freshness and flavor. Each item on the list is picked for maximum impact—crisp lettuce brings texture, pesto delivers depth, and the toppings add color and a delightful crunch. Here’s what you’ll need for these outstanding Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Quick & Healthy Recipe.

Chicken Breasts: Juicy, lean protein forms the heart of the dish—pound them to an even thickness for tenderness throughout.
Pesto: This green, garlicky sauce is the flavor backbone—use store-bought for ease or homemade for unbeatable brightness.
Olive Oil: Brings richness to both the marinade and the skillet, helping the chicken stay moist and flavorful.
Garlic Powder: Adds a gentle, savory warmth that balances out the pesto’s herbs.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—don’t skip this!
Butter Lettuce: These wide, tender leaves are perfect for wrapping, but romaine or iceberg work too if you want more crunch.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved and sweet, they pop with color and juiciness.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a touch of sharpness and extra crunch.
Feta Cheese (optional): Crumbled on top, it brings a salty, creamy zing.
Pine Nuts (optional): Toasted for nutty crunch—yum!
Balsamic Glaze (optional): Just a drizzle turns these wraps into something restaurant-worthy.

How to Make Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Quick & Healthy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Start by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap (or in a strong zip bag) and pound them out to about 1/2 inch thick. This step ensures your chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy, plus it makes slicing later much easier.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together your pesto, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the pounded chicken and toss until the pieces are completely coated in that fragrant, green marinade. Cover and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you want to prep ahead), letting those flavors soak right in.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Give it a minute to get nice and hot—this helps you get that beautiful golden crust on the chicken.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Carefully lay your marinated chicken in the skillet. Let it sizzle and cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. The aroma at this stage is absolutely mouthwatering!

Step 5: Rest the Chicken

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This lock in all those juices, guaranteeing every slice is tender—not dry.

Step 6: Slice the Chicken

Now that the chicken has had a breather, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized cubes—whatever feels right for your wraps.

Step 7: Prepare the Lettuce Cups

Gently pull apart the lettuce leaves and wash them well. Pat them dry with paper towels; you want each leaf dry enough to hold the fillings without wilting or sogginess.

Step 8: Fill the Lettuce Cups

Take the prepared lettuce leaves and spoon in a nice layer of pesto chicken for the base of each wrap. Try not to overload, so they’re easy (and less messy!) to eat.

Step 9: Add the Toppings

Scatter on those juicy cherry tomatoes, a few slivers of red onion, and a little crumbled feta if you’re a fan. For crunch, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts will take it up a notch!

Step 10: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze (Optional)

For a finishing flourish, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top—just enough to add a touch of tangy sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.

Step 11: Serve Immediately

Arrange your finished Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Quick & Healthy Recipe on a platter and serve right away, while everything is at its absolute freshest.

How to Serve Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Quick & Healthy Recipe

Garnishes

For a stunning finish, top each wrap with extra fresh basil, a sprinkle of toasted seeds or nuts, or even a pinch of chili flakes for warmth. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens the entire plate, and a little extra feta or shaved parmesan can amp up the richness.

Side Dishes

These wraps pair beautifully with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad, roasted veggies, or a simple quinoa pilaf. If you’re craving a little crunch, try a handful of whole grain pita chips or a small bowl of tzatziki for dipping alongside the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your meal into party fare by serving the chicken and toppings buffet-style, so everyone can build their own perfect wrap. Layer ingredients in a colorful platter for a make-ahead lunch, or cut the wraps into smaller pieces and secure with toothpicks for an appetizer spread that wows guests at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pesto chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and toppings separate from the lettuce to prevent sogginess, and assemble fresh wraps right before eating for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

The pesto chicken itself freezes well: let it cool completely, then slice or cube before storing in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. For quick lunches, freeze in individual portions and simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy, gently reheat the chicken in a covered skillet over low heat until just warmed through, or microwave in 30-second bursts. Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the chicken and dull the vibrant pesto flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are super flavorful and tend to stay extra moist. Just follow the same pounding, marinating, and cooking steps for a delicious variation.

How can I make Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Quick & Healthy Recipe dairy-free?

It’s easy—simply skip the feta cheese topping and be sure your pesto is dairy-free or uses a substitute like nutritional yeast. The wraps will still turn out fresh, creamy, and packed with flavor!

Which type of lettuce is best for these wraps?

Butter lettuce is a favorite for its soft, pliable leaves that form perfect cups. However, romaine, iceberg, or even large collard green leaves all work. Choose whatever is freshest or fits your personal taste and texture preference.

Is it possible to make the pesto from scratch?

Absolutely, and if you have the time, it’s worth the effort! Homemade pesto (with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil) gives the chicken a much brighter and more vibrant flavor compared to many store-bought options.

What can I add or swap for extra veggies or variety?

These wraps are endlessly customizable. Throw in diced bell peppers, cucumber, shredded carrots, or even thinly sliced avocado for more color, crunch, and nutrition. Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Quick & Healthy Recipe is meant to inspire creativity!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to break out of your usual dinner routine and want something satisfying but totally fuss-free, give Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Quick & Healthy Recipe a try. They’re as easy as they are delicious, perfect for meal prep or sharing around the table. Let this fresh and vibrant recipe become a new staple you’ll crave again and again!

Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A Quick & Healthy Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

These Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a quick and healthy meal option that combines flavorful pesto-marinated chicken with fresh veggies, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pesto, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the pounded chicken breasts to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a teaspoon of olive oil to the pan.
Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the marinated chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
Slice the Chicken: After resting, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or cubes.
Prepare the Lettuce Cups: Gently separate the lettuce leaves from the head of lettuce. Wash them thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
Fill the Lettuce Cups: Place a few slices or cubes of the pesto chicken into each lettuce cup.
Add the Toppings: Top the chicken with halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese (if using). If you’re using toasted pine nuts, sprinkle them on top as well.
Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze (Optional): Drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the lettuce wraps.
Serve Immediately: Serve the pesto chicken lettuce wraps immediately.

Notes

Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto marinade for a little kick.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the lettuce wraps, such as diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots.
Use Different Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, try using goat cheese, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese instead.
Make it Ahead: You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before assembling the lettuce wraps.
Homemade Pesto: For the best flavor, use homemade pesto.
Grilling Option: Instead of cooking the chicken in a skillet, you can grill it. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished lettuce wraps adds a bright and zesty flavor.
Avocado: Diced avocado is a great addition to these lettuce wraps, adding creaminess and healthy fats.
Different Lettuce Types: While butter lettuce is my favorite for lettuce wraps, you can also use romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, or even large collard green leaves.
Nut Allergy Alternative: If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the pine nuts or substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Dairy-Free Option: To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the feta cheese and use a dairy-free pesto.
Low-Carb Meal: These lettuce wraps are naturally low in carbohydrates, making them a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Meal Prep Friendly: You can easily meal prep these lettuce wraps by preparing the chicken and toppings ahead of time and storing them separately. Assemble the wraps just before serving.
Leftovers: Leftover pesto chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Fry, Assemble
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 lettuce wrap
Calories: 260 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Healthy Chicken Wraps, Pesto Chicken Recipe, Lettuce Wrap Recipe