Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

We love these delicious buffalo chicken lettuce wraps with layers of fresh flavors! A lightened-up version of classic buffalo wings, our whole family enjoys this healthy recipe for dinner, as an appetizer, or perfect for football game day food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of hands-on time, you can whip up this dish in a flash.
• Healthy Alternative: These buffalo chicken lettuce wraps are a lighter take on traditional buffalo wings, making them guilt-free.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing creates a delightful contrast.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a main dish or finger food at parties, they fit any occasion seamlessly.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love customizing their wraps, making it fun for everyone.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to have the right tools on hand. This will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Forks (for shredding)
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick skillet: Ensures easy cooking and cleanup while preventing the chicken from sticking.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients like celery, ensuring precision and safety.
• Sharp knife: A good quality knife makes slicing ingredients quick and effortless.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling

• 2 large chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup Franks Red Hot Wing Sauce
• ½ teaspoon celery seed
• fresh pepper to taste
• ½ cup thinly sliced celery

For Assembly

• blue cheese crumbles
• ranch dressing
• 2 heads of lettuce (romaine or iceberg, rinsed and patted dry)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. In a large pan over medium/high heat, cook your chicken breasts with 1/2 cup of water.
2. Shred the chicken using two forks as it cooks. By the time it’s done cooking, all of the water should evaporate.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Keep the pan on medium/low heat.
2. Add butter and olive oil, stirring until melted and combined.
3. Pour in the hot sauce, add celery seed, and season with fresh pepper to taste.
4. Remove from heat and stir in thinly sliced celery.

Step 3: Assemble Your Wraps

1. Scoop a spoonful of the chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf.
2. Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles.
3. Drizzle with ranch dressing before serving immediately while warm.

Enjoy your delicious buffalo chicken lettuce wraps at your next meal or gathering!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Buffalo chicken lettuce wraps are versatile and can be served in many enjoyable ways. These wraps offer a fresh and light option, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a game day feast.

As a Main Dish

• Serve these wraps as the main course for a healthy dinner option that the whole family will love.

As an Appetizer

• Present them as bite-sized appetizers at your next gathering. They’re easy to eat and full of flavor!

With Dipping Sauces

• Pair with additional ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing on the side for extra flavor and dipping fun.

On Game Day

• Set up a buffalo chicken lettuce wrap station at your game day party, allowing guests to customize their own wraps with toppings.

How to Perfect Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

To make your buffalo chicken lettuce wraps truly shine, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lettuce and high-quality chicken will enhance the overall taste.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of hot sauce or add more ranch dressing.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the chicken mixture cool slightly before assembling can prevent wilting of the lettuce leaves.
• Add Crunch: Incorporate additional veggies like shredded carrots or sliced bell peppers for added texture.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings such as avocado slices or chopped green onions for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Serving sides alongside buffalo chicken lettuce wraps can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that pair well:

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and sweet, these fries complement the spicy buffalo flavor beautifully.
2. Veggie Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh vegetables with hummus offers a healthy crunch.
3. Coleslaw: The creamy texture of coleslaw balances out the heat of the wraps perfectly.
4. Potato Salad: A classic side dish that provides a comforting contrast to the spice of buffalo sauce.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds a sweet, summery element to your meal.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of spicy chicken wraps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps, a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your wraps are perfect every time.

• Using dry chicken: It’s essential to keep the chicken moist. Shred it while it’s still warm and ensure you add enough sauce for flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become tough. Cook it just until it’s done, ensuring it remains tender and juicy.
• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your chicken properly can result in bland wraps. Always taste and adjust seasoning before assembling.
• Not prepping lettuce correctly: Using wilted or torn lettuce makes for a messy wrap. Choose fresh, crisp leaves and rinse them thoroughly before use.
• Ignoring sauce balance: Too much or too little buffalo sauce can overpower or underwhelm. Start with a moderate amount, adjusting to taste as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store your Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Containers: Use airtight containers to keep them fresh.

Freezing Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Duration: You can freeze the chicken mixture for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Pack it into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken mixture in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer the chicken mixture to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken mixture and stir occasionally until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps spicier?

You can increase the spice level by adding more buffalo sauce or including diced jalapeños in the chicken mixture for an extra kick.

Can I customize my Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded carrots, or avocado for added flavor and texture.

How do I store leftover Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Store any leftover wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze just the chicken mixture for longer storage.

What type of lettuce is best for wraps?

Romaine and iceberg are both excellent choices as they provide sturdy leaves that hold up well against fillings.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are not only flavorful but also versatile. This recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional wings while being perfect for dinner, appetizers, or game day snacks. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or sauces! Try this

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Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

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Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. This lightened-up version of classic buffalo wings is not only healthier but also incredibly easy to prepare. In just 20 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal that’s family-friendly and ideal for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to game day gatherings. The combination of shredded chicken tossed in zesty buffalo sauce, paired with crunchy celery and topped with creamy ranch dressing and blue cheese crumbles, ensures a flavor explosion in every bite. Whether served as a main dish or a fun appetizer, these wraps are sure to please everyone at the table.

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large cooked and shredded chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup Frank’s Red Hot Wing Sauce
• ½ cup thinly sliced celery
• 2 heads of romaine or iceberg lettuce
• Blue cheese crumbles and ranch dressing for topping

Instructions

1. In a non-stick skillet over medium/high heat, combine the shredded chicken with ½ cup water until fully cooked.
2. Shred the chicken using forks as it cooks, then remove excess water.
3. Lower heat to medium/low; add butter and olive oil until melted.
4. Stir in hot sauce, celery seed, fresh pepper, and thinly sliced celery.
5. Scoop the mixture into each lettuce leaf and top with blue cheese crumbles and ranch dressing.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 wrap (approximately 126g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For added crunch, consider including shredded carrots or diced bell peppers in the mixture. Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of hot sauce used. Allow the chicken mixture to cool slightly before wrapping to prevent wilting.