Description
A quick and easy recipe featuring spicy buffalo chicken wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, topped with fresh veggies and a creamy homemade ranch drizzle. Perfect for a light, flavorful meal or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 8 large iceberg or butter lettuce leaves
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup diced red onion (optional)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat or avocado mayo)
- ⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped chives or dill
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: If not pre-cooked, poach or bake about 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz). Let cool slightly, then shred finely using two forks or fingers (about 2 cups shredded).
- Toss chicken with buffalo sauce: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with ½ cup buffalo wing sauce. Stir until evenly coated but not soggy. For milder flavor, mix half buffalo sauce with half melted butter.
- Prepare the veggies: Dice ½ cup celery, shred ½ cup carrots, and finely chop ¼ cup red onion if using.
- Make the creamy ranch drizzle: In a smaller bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tbsp chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Add a splash of milk if too thick.
- Assemble the wraps: Lay out 8 large lettuce leaves on a plate. Spoon buffalo chicken mixture evenly onto each leaf, then sprinkle with diced celery, carrots, and onion.
- Drizzle ranch: Drizzle the creamy ranch over each wrap generously. Add optional toppings like crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy fresh to keep lettuce crisp and flavors vibrant. For prep ahead, keep components separate and assemble before serving.
Notes
Use fresh, crisp lettuce leaves and dry them thoroughly to avoid soggy wraps. Adjust buffalo sauce heat by mixing with melted butter for milder flavor. Fresh herbs in ranch dressing enhance flavor. Assemble wraps just before serving for best texture. Store chicken mixture separately if prepping ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lettuce wrap
- Calories: 200250
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 20
Keywords: buffalo chicken, lettuce wraps, healthy recipe, creamy ranch, quick meal, gluten-free, dairy-free option, spicy chicken, easy lunch