Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need. Here’s a list of ingredients to gather:

For the Buffalo Chicken Filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced) – You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook it yourself.
• ½ cup buffalo sauce – This is where the magic happens! Use your favorite brand of buffalo sauce for the perfect flavor.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps to thicken the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – A subtle garlic flavor that complements the heat.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – For a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.

For the Lettuce Wraps:

• 1 head of butter lettuce (or iceberg lettuce) – The key to these wraps is the lettuce! It’s what holds everything together, so make sure you choose large, sturdy leaves.

Optional Toppings:

• Blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing – For extra flavor and creaminess.
• Chopped green onions – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Shredded cheese – Optional but adds a cheesy goodness to each bite.
• Celery sticks – For a fresh crunch and to balance the spice.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Now, let’s get into the fun part: preparing your buffalo chicken lettuce wraps. This process is simple and quick, so don’t worry about spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken

Start by cooking your chicken. If you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken, simply shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. You can also sauté chicken breasts or thighs in a pan, then shred them for a fresh taste. Once your chicken is ready, it’s time to turn it into buffalo chicken.

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
• Add the buffalo sauce to the pan and stir. Let it simmer for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
• Toss the shredded chicken into the buffalo sauce mixture. Stir until the chicken is fully coated with the spicy sauce. If you like your wraps extra saucy, feel free to add a little more buffalo sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Lettuce Wraps

While the buffalo chicken simmers, it’s time to prep your lettuce wraps. Here’s how to do it:

• Carefully separate the lettuce leaves from the head of lettuce. Be gentle, as you want the leaves to stay intact. Choose the largest, most sturdy leaves for the wraps.
• Rinse the lettuce leaves thoroughly under cold water. Dry them off gently with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. The lettuce should be crisp and dry for the best crunch.

Step 3: Assemble the Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Now comes the fun part—putting everything together! Take a lettuce leaf and add a generous spoonful of the buffalo chicken mixture. Make sure you don’t overfill the leaf to keep everything neat and tidy.

• Optional toppings: Add a drizzle of blue cheese or ranch dressing to the chicken, followed by chopped green onions, shredded cheese, or celery for extra crunch. The creamy dressing perfectly balances the heat of the buffalo sauce and adds a delicious contrast to the texture.

Once you’ve filled your lettuce leaves with buffalo chicken and toppings, fold them gently like a wrap or taco. It’s ready to be served!