These Avocado Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh and fun! They mix juicy chicken with creamy avocado, all wrapped in crunchy lettuce leaves. Perfect for a light meal!
Whenever I make these, I feel like I’m eating a gourmet dish. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, which is great because who has time to be stuck in the kitchen? 🥑🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is the base of this dish. You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. If you’re vegetarian, consider substituting with shredded jackfruit or chickpeas for a similar texture.
Avocado: A ripe avocado adds creaminess. If you’re allergic or don’t like avocado, try using hummus for a different texture that still keeps it flavorful.
Cabbage: I enjoy a mix of green and purple cabbage for color and crunch. If wheat is an issue, you can also use shredded carrots or jicama instead.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives great flavor. If you’re not a fan, fresh parsley could work as a milder substitute. You can leave it out entirely, too, if you wish.
Lettuce: I love using butter lettuce for its tenderness, but romaine is sturdier and holds up well. You could use other leafy greens like collard greens for an interesting twist.
How Do You Make Sure the Avocado Stays Fresh in Your Wraps?
Keeping avocado fresh is key to these wraps. To prevent browning, use lime juice, as it acts as a natural preservative. When mixing the ingredients, try to add the avocado last and handle it gently.
- Dice the avocado right before you’re ready to serve.
- Consider leaving the pit in the leftover avocado, which can help slow the browning process.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container with a bit of lime juice on top to keep them fresh for a bit longer.
These tips will help keep your wraps bright and appealing! Enjoy making these easy and delicious recipes! 🥑🌯
How to Make Avocado Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple or a mix)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Seasonings:
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp chili powder or red pepper flakes (adjust to spice preference)
For the Wraps:
- 1 head of butter lettuce or romaine leaves, washed and separated
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing these Avocado Chicken Lettuce Wraps will take you about 15 minutes. It’s a quick process: just mix, assemble, and enjoy! Perfect for a healthy lunch or a light dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all your ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add in the shredded chicken, diced avocado, shredded cabbage, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro. This mix of textures and flavors is what makes these wraps special!
2. Add Seasonings:
Next, drizzle the olive oil and lime juice over the ingredients. Season with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and chili powder or red pepper flakes to add a bit of heat. Gently toss everything together, being careful not to squish the avocado too much, so it stays nice and chunky.
3. Prepare the Lettuce Leaves:
Now, take your washed and dried butter lettuce or romaine leaves and lay them out on a serving platter. These leaves will be your wrap, so make sure they’re nice and sturdy!
4. Assemble the Wraps:
Spoon the chicken and avocado mixture evenly into the lettuce leaves. Don’t be shy; pile it on! The lettuce will hold it all together. If you like, you can sprinkle a little extra cilantro or chili flakes on top for an added kick.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
These wraps are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them immediately as a light and refreshing meal or appetizer. They’re perfect for warm days or whenever you’re in the mood for something healthy and delicious!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the other ingredients to create a quick meal.
How Do I Keep the Avocado from Browning?
To prevent browning, add lime juice to the diced avocado before mixing. The acidity helps keep it fresh. Additionally, you can dice the avocado just before serving to minimize exposure to air.
Can I Make These Wraps Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or cooked quinoa for a vegetarian version. For added creaminess, you might also try adding extra avocado or some hummus.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, keep the chicken and avocado mixture separate from the lettuce. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the wraps just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.