If you’re looking for a fresh, fun way to enjoy the classic flavors of buffalo wings, then you’re in for a treat with these Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps! This dish is not only packed with deliciousness, but it’s also a healthier alternative that everyone in the family will love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, these wraps make the perfect meal or appetizer. You’ll find they are quick to whip up, making them a go-to recipe in our household.

The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps lies in their versatility and vibrant flavor profile. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create something that feels indulgent yet light at the same time. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making these wraps!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy wrapping up their own buffalo chicken in crisp lettuce leaves.
Make-Ahead Option: Cook the chicken mixture ahead of time and assemble right before serving for easy meal prep.
Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and cool lettuce creates an exciting contrast that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day or a cozy family dinner, these wraps fit right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps:

For the Chicken Mixture

2 large chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
2 tablespoons butter
½ tablespoon olive oil
½ cup Franks Red Hot Wing Sauce
½ teaspoon celery seed
fresh pepper to taste
½ cup thinly sliced celery

For Assembly

blue cheese crumbles
ranch dressing
2 heads of lettuce (romaine or iceberg, rinsed and patted dry)

Variations

The flexibility of this recipe makes it even more appealing! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

Swap the protein: Try shredded turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option!
Change up the sauce: Experiment with different hot sauces or BBQ sauce for a unique twist.
Add extra veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for added crunch and color.
Go dairy-free: Use a plant-based ranch dressing and skip the blue cheese crumbles if preferred.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken

In a large pan, cook and shred your chicken. To cook mine, I just put the chicken in the pan over medium/high heat with 1/2 cup of water, shredding it with two forks as it cooks. This method keeps the chicken moist while making it easy to shred.

Step 2: Create the Flavorful Sauce

Keep the pan on medium/low heat. Add butter and olive oil, stirring until melted and combined. Next, add hot sauce along with celery seed and then season with fresh pepper to taste. This step is essential because it allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together before adding your veggies.

Step 3: Assemble Your Wraps

Remove from heat and stir in thinly sliced celery. To assemble your lettuce wraps, scoop a spoonful of chicken mixture into lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles and drizzle with a little ranch dressing. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm for that delightful experience!

And there you have it! Whip up these Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps anytime you’re craving something fresh and flavorful. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These buffalo chicken lettuce wraps are not only delicious but also easy to customize! Here are some pro tips to ensure your wraps come out perfectly every time.

Use cooked rotisserie chicken: For an even quicker meal, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds amazing flavor to your wraps.
Adjust the heat level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less buffalo sauce and gradually add more until you reach your desired heat. This ensures everyone can enjoy the dish.
Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings like diced tomatoes or avocado. These additions can enhance the flavor and texture of your wraps.
Chill the lettuce: For extra crunch, chill your lettuce leaves in the refrigerator before serving. This makes your wraps feel refreshing and adds a nice crispiness.
Make it a meal prep option: Prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble the wraps for a quick meal.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Presenting these buffalo chicken lettuce wraps is all about making them visually appealing and inviting! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish.

Garnishes

Chopped green onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for added color and a mild onion flavor that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully.
Sliced jalapeños: For those who like an extra kick, serve sliced jalapeños on the side so guests can add them according to their taste.

Side Dishes

Carrot sticks: Crisp carrot sticks not only add crunch but also offer a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
Cucumber salad: A light cucumber salad dressed with lemon juice and herbs provides a cool balance alongside the flavorful wraps.
Sweet potato fries: Baked sweet potato fries bring a hint of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken filling.
Quinoa salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with veggies makes for a hearty side that complements the freshness of the lettuce wraps.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll have a complete and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy sharing these buffalo chicken lettuce wraps with family and friends; they’re sure to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch in advance, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the week. Whether you’re getting ready for a busy work week or just want to have healthy snacks at hand, this recipe fits the bill!

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Keep the lettuce leaves separate to prevent them from wilting.
Enjoy leftovers within 3-4 days for the best flavor and quality.

Freezing

Allow the chicken mixture to cool completely before freezing.
Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag, removing as much air as possible.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Don’t freeze the lettuce leaves.

Reheating

Thaw the frozen chicken mixture overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Warm it up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each interval until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delicious Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps!

Can I make Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just assemble your wraps when you’re ready to eat for maximum freshness.

How spicy are Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

The spice level depends on how much hot sauce you use. Feel free to adjust the amount of Frank’s Red Hot Wing Sauce based on your heat preference!

What can I substitute for blue cheese crumbles?

If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, you can use feta cheese, goat cheese, or even shredded cheddar for a different flavor profile!

Are Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps gluten-free?

Yes, if you choose gluten-free hot sauce and ensure that your ranch dressing is also gluten-free, this dish is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these flavorful Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps as much as my family does! They’re versatile enough for any occasion—be it dinner or game day—and they’re sure to impress your friends and family. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your experience! Happy cooking!