If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with fresh flavor but incredibly easy to throw together, look no further than Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps. This vibrant dish combines tender shredded chicken with fragrant basil pesto, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, nutty pine nuts, and a sprinkle of melty mozzarella, all tucked inside crisp butter lettuce leaves. The result is a low-carb, gluten-free wrap that delivers a riot of color and taste in every bite, while keeping things light, nourishing, and quick enough for even your busiest days.

Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of carefully chosen ingredients, these wraps come together in no time, yet each element brings something special—whether it’s a punch of flavor, creaminess, or crunch. Here’s what you’ll need and why you don’t want to skip a single one:

Cooked chicken breast, shredded: Juicy, protein-packed chicken is the hearty base that makes these wraps satisfying and filling.
Basil pesto: This is the flavor powerhouse—herby, garlicky, and a little bit cheesy. Homemade or store-bought both work great.
Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Their chewy texture and tangy sweetness balance out the richness of the pesto beautifully.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Adds a creamy, melty touch that holds the filling together. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese or omit.
Pine nuts, toasted: Toasting brings out awesome nuttiness, and their crunch elevates every bite.
Butter lettuce leaves: These are tender and cup-shaped, the ideal “wrap” to cradle all that delicious filling.
Salt and pepper: A final seasoning makes the flavors pop, so don’t forget to taste before serving.

How to Make Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Grab a medium mixing bowl and add your shredded chicken breast, basil pesto, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, and toasted pine nuts. Use a spoon or spatula to toss everything together until the pesto coats the chicken evenly and all the goodies are well distributed. Take a second to appreciate how gorgeous and vibrant your filling already looks!

Step 2: Season to Taste

Before you get wrapping, give your mixture a little taste test. Add salt and pepper as needed to liven up the flavors. If you want to brighten it up even more, a squeeze of lemon juice is a fun upgrade at this point. Mix again to blend in any seasoning.

Step 3: Fill the Lettuce Wraps

Lay out your washed and dried butter lettuce leaves on a plate or tray. Spoon a generous mound of the pesto chicken filling into the center of each leaf. It’s okay if your wraps are a little overflowing—the more flavor, the better!

Step 4: Wrap and Serve

Carefully fold the lettuce leaves up and around the filling to form little hand-held wraps. Serve them right away while the lettuce is crisp and everything is at its freshest. Get ready for the irresistible aroma of basil and chicken to draw everyone to the table!

How to Serve Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

Bring your Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps to the next level by sprinkling extra toasted pine nuts or freshly grated parmesan right before serving. A few torn basil leaves, a flourish of black pepper, or a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil can also make these wraps extra enticing and visually stunning.

Side Dishes

Pair your lettuce wraps with a simple side salad, a chilled quinoa bowl, or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A bowl of fresh fruit or crisp veggie chips also add a lovely, refreshing contrast that doesn’t compete with the bold pesto flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special touch, arrange your Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps on a platter and secure each with a festive toothpick. They’re perfect for an appetizer platter at parties, or even tucked into a bento box for a fun lunch. You can even fill mini romaine leaves for cute, bite-sized “boats” that little ones (or big kids!) will absolutely love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps tasting fresh, store the chicken filling and lettuce leaves separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. This prevents the lettuce from getting soggy and ensures each wrap keeps its bite.

Freezing

While the chicken pesto filling freezes beautifully for up to one month, lettuce doesn’t love the freezer. To prepare ahead, freeze just the filling in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then build fresh wraps right before serving.

Reheating

If you want to serve the filling warm, gently reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or pop it in the microwave for thirty seconds to a minute, stirring halfway through. Make sure to assemble the lettuce wraps after reheating so your greens stay crisp and cool.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and brings extra flavor to your Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Just shred it and use as directed.

What kind of pesto works best for this recipe?

Traditional basil pesto gives that classic zesty, herbal flavor, but feel free to get creative—try arugula, spinach, or even sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist. Both homemade and good-quality store-bought versions work perfectly.

Are there nut-free alternatives for pine nuts?

Definitely! You can swap pine nuts for sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds if you need a nut-free option. Both add a delightful crunch and nutty essence to your Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

How do I keep the lettuce wraps from falling apart?

Look for sturdy, fresh butter lettuce leaves that are large and cup-shaped. If you find the wraps tricky to hold, double up the leaves for extra support, or serve them open-faced as lettuce boats.

Can I make these wraps ahead for meal prep?

Yes, just keep the filling and lettuce leaves separate until you’re ready to eat. Assemble just before serving to make sure the lettuce is crisp and the wraps are as fresh as possible.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for something easy, crave-worthy, and brimming with vibrant Italian flair, these Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps deliver every single time. They’re every bit as cheerful and satisfying as they look—give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new fast favorite for lunch, dinner, or any snack craving in between!

Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delicious and light low-carb meal option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The combination of flavorful basil pesto, tender chicken, and crunchy pine nuts wrapped in fresh butter lettuce leaves creates a satisfying and healthy dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Filling:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1/2 cup basil pesto
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
Salt and pepper to taste

Wraps:

8 large butter lettuce leaves

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and toasted pine nuts. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into the center of each butter lettuce leaf.
Fold the lettuce leaves around the filling to create wraps.
Serve immediately for the freshest texture.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, omit the mozzarella or substitute with a vegan cheese.
You can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the chicken mixture for a fresh, tangy flavor.
These wraps are great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator without the lettuce leaves, which should be added just before serving to maintain crispness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Italian-American