Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Quick, Healthy & Flavorful

Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are your weeknight lifesaver in edible form. Between juggling work, errands, and figuring out what your kids will actually eat (spoiler: not quinoa), these quick wraps swoop in like the dinner version of dry shampoo—fast, fresh, and kinda genius. They’re packed with juicy pesto-marinated chicken, snuggled into crisp butter lettuce, and topped with bright, zippy veggies.

Plus, they’re naturally low-carb, no fork required, and totally customizable. Even better? They’re ready in 30 minutes, which means you can whip them up faster than it takes to order takeout or re-watch a rerun of Friends while “deciding” on dinner. If you’re trying to eat lighter without sacrificing flavor, these pesto chicken lettuce wraps have your name written all over them.

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What are Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps are tender slices of chicken marinated in herby pesto sauce, grilled or pan-seared until juicy, and served inside crisp lettuce leaves instead of tortillas or bread. Think of them as tacos’ cooler, greener cousin—lighter but still packing big flavor. They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a casual gathering when you want something fuss-free but still a little impressive.

The wraps can be topped with anything from cherry tomatoes and onions to feta cheese and toasted pine nuts, making them super versatile. Whether you’re going low-carb, gluten-free, or just bored of sandwiches, pesto chicken lettuce wraps give you all the flavor without the heavy carbs or complicated prep.

Reasons to Try Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Besides the fact that they’re insanely tasty, pesto chicken lettuce wraps check off a lot of the boxes busy folks care about: they’re quick to make, healthy, family-friendly, and don’t require turning on the oven. They’re light but satisfying, and the pesto brings that punchy flavor you crave without extra work. The lettuce keeps things crisp and fresh—plus, there’s no need to mess with bread. Got picky eaters? Everyone can build their own wrap. Watching your carbs? You’re covered.

Hosting lunch with friends? These look way fancier than they actually are. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a meal prep win, or your new favorite lunch, these wraps are the answer to “what’s for dinner?” with zero kitchen drama.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
• 1/4 cup prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large head of butter lettuce (or romaine), leaves washed & separated
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (optional)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)

Instructions to Make Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Let’s break down this delicious dinner into a step-by-step guide that’s simple, stress-free, and totally doable even on a weeknight. Whether you’re a beginner cook or just need a refresher, this step-by-step approach will walk you through every detail of making juicy pesto chicken lettuce wraps—from prep to plate.

Step 1: Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking

Start by placing your chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or inside a large resealable bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Why? Even thickness means even cooking—no overcooked edges or underdone centers. If this is new to you, check out our prep tips for chicken to avoid drying it out.

Step 2: Marinate with Flavor-Packed Pesto

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of pesto (store-bought or homemade), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a dash of black pepper. Add the pounded chicken and coat thoroughly, using tongs or your hands (gloved if you prefer). Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—this marination time allows the flavors to sink deep into the meat. Want to upgrade this even more? Try making your own pesto using fresh basil and pine nuts—perfect for when you’ve got extra herbs lying around.

Step 3: Heat the Pan and Get Ready to Sizzle

Place a large skillet on medium-high heat and drizzle in a teaspoon of olive oil. Let the pan get hot—but not smoking—before adding your chicken. This is key for getting a beautiful golden sear. A hot pan helps lock in the flavor and juices. For more dinner recipes that use one skillet, explore our one-skillet salmon with lemon orzo—it’s a great companion meal idea.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken (The Right Way)

Lay your marinated chicken in the pan and cook for 5–7 minutes per side. Avoid moving it too much; let it develop that golden-brown crust. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F in the thickest part. Don’t guess—trust the thermometer. If you’re short on time, you can substitute with precooked rotisserie chicken tossed in pesto (see our easy rotisserie chicken mushroom soup for another clever shortcut idea).

Step 5: Rest, Then Slice

Once your chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step is crucial. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, which keeps your chicken tender and moist. Slice it into thin strips or bite-sized cubes depending on how chunky you want your wraps. If you’re meal prepping, this is a great time to divide portions into containers for quick grab-and-go lunches.

Step 6: Prepare the Lettuce Cups

While the chicken rests, get your lettuce ready. Butter lettuce is soft, cup-shaped, and perfect for wraps, but you can also use romaine or iceberg. Gently pull apart the leaves, rinse them, and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Wet lettuce makes for slippery wraps (no one wants that dinner mishap). For more ideas on using greens creatively, check out our green Thai chicken coconut curry—it’s another delicious dish starring fresh vegetables.

Step 7: Assemble the Lettuce Wraps

Take each dry lettuce leaf and layer in a few slices or cubes of pesto chicken. Don’t overload—remember, these are finger-friendly wraps, not stuffed burritos. Next, top with halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese if you’re using it. Feel free to get creative here—avocado, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots are great additions.

Step 8: Add Crunch and Finish with a Drizzle

Want to add a little crunch? Sprinkle on toasted pine nuts or, if you’re working around nut allergies, sunflower seeds make a great alternative. Then, for a sweet-savory twist, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top. This optional touch adds depth and brightness without overpowering the pesto.

Step 9: Serve Immediately and Enjoy

Once assembled, serve your pesto chicken lettuce wraps right away. These are best enjoyed fresh while the chicken is still warm and the lettuce is crisp. If you’re making a party platter or family-style dinner, set everything out and let everyone build their own—bonus points for fewer dishes to wash!

What to Serve with Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These wraps are great solo, but you can easily turn them into a full meal with a few sides. Try roasted sweet potatoes, a light soup like creamy mushroom wild rice, or even glazed carrots for a little sweetness to balance the savory pesto. Want to keep it low-carb? Go for roasted cauliflower or a cucumber tomato salad. Hosting guests? Lay out a spread with maple pecan brie stuffed sweet potatoes and a green Thai chicken coconut curry for a show-stopping mix of flavors.

Key Tips for Making Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Don’t skip the rest time after cooking the chicken—it locks in moisture.
• Use butter lettuce if possible—it’s soft, cup-shaped, and won’t fall apart on you.
• Homemade pesto? Even better. You can make a batch in advance and freeze extras.
• Add red pepper flakes to the pesto if you like a little heat.
• Want a creamy topping? A dollop of Greek yogurt or a few slices of avocado will do the trick.
• Meal prepping? Cook the chicken ahead of time and store it separately from the lettuce and toppings to keep everything fresh.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Got leftovers? Store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep your lettuce and toppings separate, so nothing gets soggy. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or a skillet over low heat until just warmed through. Then assemble your wraps fresh when you’re ready to eat. If you’re planning to meal prep for the week, this recipe is your friend. Chop the veggies, toast the nuts, and have everything portioned out for grab-and-go lunches.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely. Just toss it with pesto and warm it gently. It’s a great shortcut.

What kind of lettuce is best?
Butter lettuce is ideal—it’s soft and flexible. Romaine works too if you want a crunchier bite.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip the feta and use a dairy-free pesto (or make your own).

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, these wraps are naturally low in carbs and high in flavor.

What else can I add?
Try diced avocado, cucumbers, bell peppers, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Final Thoughts

Pesto chicken lettuce wraps are the low-fuss, high-flavor kind of meal that actually makes weeknight dinners enjoyable again. They’re healthy, fast, and endlessly customizable—aka everything we want in a recipe when life feels like a marathon. Whether you’re keeping it simple or jazzing it up with toppings, these wraps will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. Try them once, and you’ll have a new go-to that’s equal parts fresh and satisfying.

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