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- 1 lb ground chicken - 1/3 cup buffalo sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced - 1/4 cup shredded carrots - 1 head of romaine or butter lettuce, leaves separated - 1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing (optional) - Salt and pepper, to taste - Large skillet - Wooden spoon - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife and cutting board You need a simple list of ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Ground chicken is the main protein. I love using a mix of spices for flavor. Buffalo sauce adds that spicy kick. Olive oil helps to cook the chicken and garlic. Remember to use fresh garlic for the best taste. You can choose romaine or butter lettuce. Both work well as a wrap. Green onions and shredded carrots add crunch and color. Blue cheese or ranch dressing is optional but adds creaminess. Salt and pepper adjust the flavors to your liking. For tools, a large skillet is a must. A wooden spoon helps mix the chicken. Use measuring cups for accuracy. A knife and cutting board help prepare your garlic and veggies. With these ingredients and tools, you are ready to make a tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add two cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. It should smell great. Next, add one pound of ground chicken to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook the chicken for five to seven minutes. Make sure it turns brown and is fully cooked. Now, it's time to add flavor. Stir in half a teaspoon of onion powder and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well so the chicken is coated evenly. This step makes the chicken tasty. Pour in one-third cup of buffalo sauce. You can choose mild or hot sauce, depending on your taste. Stir the sauce into the chicken mixture. Let it simmer for two to three minutes. This helps all the flavors blend nicely. To make the wraps, take a lettuce leaf. Spoon about two to three tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture into the center. Garnish with sliced green onions and shredded carrots. If you like, drizzle some blue cheese or ranch dressing on top. Finally, fold the lettuce over the filling and enjoy your tasty wrap! - Best practices for browning chicken: Start with a hot skillet. Heat olive oil until it shimmers. Add the minced garlic first for flavor. Then, add the ground chicken. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook it evenly for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a nice golden color. This shows it is well-browned. - Adjusting spice levels: If you prefer less heat, use mild buffalo sauce. You can also mix in some honey for sweetness. For more spice, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Taste as you go. This helps you find the right balance. - Pairing with sides or drinks: These wraps go well with crunchy veggies or a fresh salad. Serve with carrot sticks or celery for an extra crunch. For drinks, try a light beer or iced tea. Both pair nicely with the spicy flavors. - Presentation ideas: Use a large platter to serve the wraps. Arrange the lettuce leaves neatly. Spoon the chicken mixture into each leaf. Top with green onions and carrots. This makes your dish pop with color and looks inviting. - Low-calorie buffalo sauce alternatives: Look for sauces made with vinegar and spices. These often have fewer calories. You can also make your own by mixing hot sauce with Greek yogurt or mustard. - Substituting dressings: Instead of blue cheese, try a yogurt-based dressing. It adds creaminess without the extra calories. You can also use a light vinaigrette for a zesty kick. Pro Tips Choose Your Chicken Wisely: Opt for lean ground chicken to keep the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your taste; start with less and add more if you prefer it spicier. Freshness Matters: Use fresh ingredients for the toppings to enhance the crunch and flavor of the wraps. Perfect Lettuce Leaves: Choose sturdy lettuce varieties like romaine or butter lettuce to hold the filling without tearing. {{image_2}} You can switch ground chicken for other proteins. Ground turkey works great and has less fat. Tofu and tempeh are excellent for a plant-based twist. They soak up flavors well and give a nice texture. Just remember to press tofu to remove extra water. Want to change up the taste? Add different spices or herbs. Try cumin for warmth or cilantro for freshness. You can also infuse the buffalo sauce. Mix in garlic powder or a squeeze of lime juice. This adds depth and makes each bite exciting. Think about adding more veggies to your wraps. Bell peppers, cucumbers, or even avocado can add crunch and color. You can also use different types of lettuce. Butter lettuce is soft and sweet, while iceberg is crisp and refreshing. Each choice gives a unique bite! To keep your buffalo chicken lettuce wraps fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They will last about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the chicken mixture. Use a freezer-safe bag or container and remove as much air as possible. This way, they can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the chicken mixture gently. Use a skillet on low heat. Stir often to prevent it from drying out. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the chicken moist and tasty. In the fridge, the buffalo chicken mixture stays good for about 3 to 4 days. Check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. If it looks or smells bad, it’s best to throw it away. When frozen, the chicken can last 3 months. Always label your containers with dates to keep track. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just thaw it first. You can do this in the fridge overnight or in cold water for a quicker option. Once it’s thawed, you can follow the cooking steps as usual. If you don't have buffalo sauce, you can use hot sauce or barbecue sauce. For a milder flavor, consider using teriyaki sauce or sweet chili sauce. You can also mix hot sauce with a little butter for a quick swap. Yes, these wraps can be gluten-free. Use gluten-free buffalo sauce and ensure your dressings are gluten-free. Always check labels, as some sauces may contain gluten. To add more heat, increase the amount of buffalo sauce. You can also add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. Yes, you can make the chicken mixture ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it in a skillet before serving. This saves time for a quick meal later. This blog post covered a tasty buffalo chicken wrap recipe. You learned about the required ingredients, which tools to use, and the step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared helpful tips on cooking, serving, and even healthier options. We explored fun variations to personalize your wrap. Lastly, I provided storage info to keep your food fresh. Enjoy making these wraps! They are easy, delicious, and sure to impress. Keep experimenting with flavors to find your perfect mix. Happy cooking!

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

A spicy and healthy alternative to traditional buffalo chicken, served in crisp lettuce leaves.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 head romaine or butter lettuce, leaves separated
  • 1 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it's browned and cooked through.
  • Stir in the onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken.
  • Pour in the buffalo sauce and mix thoroughly. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
  • Take a lettuce leaf and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture into the center.
  • Top each wrap with sliced green onions and shredded carrots. Drizzle with blue cheese or ranch dressing if desired.
  • Fold the lettuce over the filling and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust the level of buffalo sauce based on your spice preference.
Keyword buffalo chicken, healthy, lettuce wraps, spicy