Name: Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8 leaves Romaine lettuce, rinsed; 1 avocado, diced; 1 tomato, diced; 1/4 cup onion, diced; 1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro; 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt (or sour cream or mayonnaise); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 jalapeno, optional; 1 clove garlic, minced; Juice of 1/2 lime; Pinch of salt

Imagine biting into a crisp lettuce wrap packed with smoky, seasoned grilled chicken and topped with a creamy cilantro sauce—it’s such a refreshing change from the usual taco night! This Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is one of those meals that feels light but leaves you completely satisfied, easy to whip up any night of the week.

The image shows three lettuce wraps placed on a large white plate over a white marbled surface. Each wrap has a base layer of fresh, dark green romaine leaves forming a boat shape. On top, there are chunks of browned, cooked chicken scattered evenly. The chicken is topped with small diced pieces of red tomato and purple onion, along with light green cubes of avocado. The wraps are drizzled with a creamy green sauce that has a smooth, slightly chunky texture, spread on top of the fillings. The composition shows a close-up, bright and fresh presentation. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe has quickly become one of my go-tos for a healthy, flavorful dinner that’s also family-friendly. It’s the perfect balance of fresh, savory, and creamy that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Fresh and Healthy: Using crisp romaine leaves instead of tortillas makes this low-carb and keto-friendly without sacrificing taste.
Grilled Flavor: Marinating the chicken and grilling it brings out a smoky depth that pairs amazingly with the cool cilantro sauce.
Customizable Toppings: You can easily swap or add veggies to match what you have on hand, making it a versatile meal.
Quick and Simple: From marinade to plate in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!

Three lettuce wraps sit on a white plate on a white marbled surface, each made from a bright green romaine leaf. On the bottom layer inside the leaves are small pieces of brown grilled chicken, topped with chunks of light green avocado and small red tomato bits. Finely chopped pale purple onion and a drizzle of creamy green sauce cover the top. A wedge of lime is placed near the top edge of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is chosen to bring out fresh, bold flavors while keeping things light. The taco seasoning spices up the chicken just right, and the creamy cilantro sauce pulls all the elements together beautifully.

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts, two cloves of garlic with papery skins intact, a small white bowl of bright golden olive oil, a small white bowl filled with vibrant green loosely packed cilantro leaves, a ripe avocado cut into clean dice, a diced red tomato, a small white bowl of creamy white Greek yogurt, a whole jalapeno pepper with smooth dark green skin, two lime halves showing juicy flesh, a few crisp Romaine lettuce leaves, and a small pile of finely diced white onion, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs tend to stay juicier but breasts are leaner—both work great for grilling.
Taco seasoning: A blend of spices that adds warmth and smoky notes without overpowering the chicken.
Garlic: Adds a delicious aromatic kick to both the chicken marinade and the cilantro sauce.
Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and keeps it moist on the grill.
Romaine lettuce leaves: Crisp enough to hold the fillings without tearing, they make a refreshing wrap alternative.
Avocado: Creamy texture and healthy fats provide richness that balances the spiced chicken.
Tomato and onion: Freshness and crunch add vibrant textures and flavors to every bite.
Cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice: Whipped into a tangy, herbaceous sauce that ties the whole dish together perfectly.
Jalapeño (optional): For those who like a bit of heat—it wakes up the sauce nicely.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes. Whether you love extra spice, different veggies, or want to make it dairy-free, it’s very forgiving and flexible.

Variation: I once swapped out the chicken for grilled shrimp, and it was a delightful twist that packed a lot of flavor and cooked even faster.
Make it vegan: Try grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu for a plant-based alternative that still grills beautifully.
Extra crunch: Adding finely chopped jicama or water chestnuts to the toppings gives a wonderful snap I adore.
Mild or spicy: Adjust the amount of jalapeño in the cilantro sauce or skip it completely if you prefer milder flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by combining your chicken with minced garlic, olive oil, and taco seasoning in a bowl or ziplock bag. I usually let mine sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, but if you’re short on time, even 15 minutes imparts a good kick of flavor. For the best results, marinate it overnight if you can—you’ll notice the seasoning really soak in and the grilled chicken becomes extra juicy.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken to Perfection

Heat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the leftover marinade—don’t reuse it) and place the chicken over the heat. Grill for about 9-10 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. You want a nice char without drying the meat out. Let it rest a few minutes before slicing—it keeps all those juices locked in.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cilantro Sauce

This sauce is what truly elevates the wraps. Throw cilantro, Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, and jalapeño (if using) into a blender or food processor. Blend until silky smooth. The creamy tanginess paired with fresh herbs is exactly what brightens this dish.

Step 4: Assemble Your Lettuce Wraps

Lay out your romaine leaves, then pile on the sliced grilled chicken, diced tomato, onion, and avocado. Drizzle generously with your cilantro sauce. Don’t be shy here—this sauce makes every bite amazing!

Top Tip

I've learned a few tricks over time that keep this Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe tasting fresh and easy to prepare, especially when I'm cooking for company or prepping ahead.

Marinate Longer: Marinating your chicken overnight infuses it with richer flavors and helps keep it tender on the grill.
Don’t Skip Resting: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. It keeps the meat juicy and less likely to dry out.
Keep Lettuce Dry: Pat the romaine leaves dry after washing to prevent sogginess when assembling the wraps.
Blend Sauce Well: I find blending the cilantro sauce thoroughly makes the texture silky, so it coats the ingredients perfectly without clumps.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

grilled chicken lettuce wraps - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to top my wraps with extra fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of feta or cotija cheese for some tangy richness. A squeeze of lime juice right before serving adds a vibrant finish. If you're feeling spicy, thinly sliced jalapeño rings are lovely for an extra kick.

Side Dishes

These wraps pair wonderfully with a simple side of black beans or a fresh cucumber salad. For something warm, I often grill some corn on the cob with chili-lime butter—it complements the smoky chicken beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For gathering with friends, I’ve set up a taco bar with bowls of all the toppings and sauces, letting everyone build their own wraps. Another fun idea is serving the chicken and toppings on a large platter alongside separate stacks of lettuce leaves so guests can assemble as they like—always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover grilled chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the lettuce separate is key to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble fresh wraps with the chilled ingredients.

Freezing

While I don’t recommend freezing lettuce leaves, the grilled chicken freezes well. I portion it out into freezer bags and thaw it overnight in the fridge when I want an easy meal later. Just reheat gently to keep it tender.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to dry out the meat. Then just assemble your wraps with fresh lettuce and toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of lettuce for the wraps?

Absolutely! While romaine is sturdy and has a nice crunch, butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce are great alternatives if you prefer a softer or milder leaf. Just make sure to use leaves that can hold the fillings without tearing.

How spicy is the cilantro sauce?

The cilantro sauce can be mild or spicy depending on your preference. The jalapeño is optional, so you can leave it out for a milder sauce or add more if you enjoy some heat. I usually start with one jalapeño and adjust from there.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! You can marinate and grill the chicken ahead of time, then store the cooked chicken and sauce separately in the fridge. Keep the lettuce and fresh toppings aside until ready to assemble to avoid sogginess. This makes a great grab-and-go dinner or lunch option.

What sides go best with Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Sides like black beans, grilled corn, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad complement the wraps beautifully. They add extra freshness and variety without overpowering the bold flavors of the chicken and sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s light, flavorful, and so easy to customize. I love sharing it with friends because it’s fresh enough to feel healthy but indulgent thanks to the creamy sauce and tender grilled chicken. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new weeknight staple!