Fresh & Flavorful Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps : A Healthy Dinner Delight

If you’re searching for a quick, nutritious, and incredibly delicious meal, these Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps will quickly become a household favorite. This recipe is perfect for anyone who craves bold flavor without sacrificing health — whether you’re making dinner for the family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for thyroid-friendly recipes that are light yet satisfying. With crisp lettuce leaves as the wrap, juicy pesto-coated chicken, and fresh toppings, this dish is as fun to eat as it is to prepare.

Inspired by the simplicity of lettuce wraps but elevated with a rich basil pesto twist, these wraps are a wonderful option for dinner recipes with lettuce that go beyond the ordinary salad. Plus, they’re naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with protein.

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Why You’ll Love These Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Quick to prepare – Ready in under 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and satisfying – Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
• Customizable – Easily adjust toppings to suit your taste.
• Meal-prep friendly – Make the chicken ahead of time and assemble when ready to eat.
• Fresh, vibrant flavors – The pesto infuses the chicken with herby, garlicky goodness.

For another light yet protein-packed option, you might also enjoy our Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad with Avocado.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

For the Wraps:

• 1 head butter lettuce or romaine (about 12 large leaves)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Optional Toppings:

• Diced avocado
• Cucumber slices
• Crushed nuts or seeds for crunch

If you’re making your own pesto, you can check out flavor inspiration from recipes like our Garlic Herb Jalapeño Cheddar Bread to see how herbs can be blended beautifully into savory dishes.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Skillet or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Tongs for turning chicken
• Serving platter

How to Make Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).

Step 2: Coat with Pesto

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Slice it into thin strips or bite-sized chunks. Toss with the basil pesto until every piece is coated in the fragrant, green sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Lettuce Wraps

Lay out the lettuce leaves on a platter. Add a layer of chicken to each leaf, followed by cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, and red onion. Garnish with fresh basil and any additional toppings you love.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

These wraps are best enjoyed fresh, but the chicken can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For more healthy wrap ideas, take a peek at our BLT Lettuce Wraps variation in the Chicken in a Blanket category.

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Tips for Perfect Lettuce Wraps

• Choose sturdy lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or romaine for better hold.
• Dry the leaves well to prevent sogginess.
• Warm the chicken slightly before serving if it’s been refrigerated — the heat will release the pesto aroma.
• Double the pesto if you love an extra herby punch.

Variations to Try

BLT Pesto Lettuce Wraps – Add crispy turkey bacon and a dollop of Greek yogurt.

• Mediterranean Style – Add sliced olives, cucumber, and feta cheese.
• Spicy Kick – Mix a teaspoon of chili flakes or hot sauce into the pesto before coating the chicken.

You might also enjoy pairing these wraps with Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad for a complete summer meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much filling – Overstuffed wraps are harder to eat and fall apart easily.
• Skipping the dry pat on lettuce – Wet leaves will dilute flavors and make the wrap soggy.
• Cooking chicken on too high heat – This can burn the outside before the inside is fully cooked.

Serving Ideas

These wraps work beautifully as:

• A light weeknight dinner
• A healthy lunchbox meal
• A party appetizer (cut each wrap in half with toothpicks for easy handling)

For a fresh side dish, you could pair them with Cucumber Dill Salad or Crispy Smashed Potato Salad.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover pesto chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate until ready to assemble to maintain freshness.

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FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely! Just shred it, warm it slightly, and toss with pesto.

What’s the best lettuce for wraps?
Butter lettuce and romaine are popular for their shape and crunch.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
The chicken can be frozen, but lettuce should always be fresh for best texture.

Final Thoughts

These Fresh & Flavorful Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are proof that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. With fresh vegetables, juicy chicken, and aromatic pesto, they’re perfect for busy nights, lunch prep, or impressing guests with a colorful platter. Try them once, and you might just find them in your regular dinner rotation.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with friends and explore more wholesome dinner ideas in our Healthy Dinner Recipes collection.

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