Description
Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a quick, healthy meal option that combines tender chicken breast marinated in pesto with fresh lettuce and colorful toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
- 1/4 cup prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large head of butter lettuce (or romaine lettuce), leaves separated and washed
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (optional)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
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
- For a spicier kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes.
- This recipe can be made ahead; just assemble the ingredients and store separately until ready to serve.
- To make it lower in calories, you can skip the feta cheese and balsamic glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Healthy Recipe, Low Calorie