Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps (Healthy, Low-carb, Keto) Recipe
These Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps are a healthy, low-carb, and keto-friendly meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Juicy grilled chicken breasts are marinated in flavorful spices, then wrapped in crisp Romaine lettuce leaves along with fresh veggies and a creamy cilantro sauce. This recipe offers a fresh twist on traditional tacos without the carbs, making it a delicious and nutritious option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Lettuce Wraps
- 8 leaves Romaine lettuce, rinsed
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro
For the Cilantro Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-seal bag, combine the chicken, minced garlic, olive oil, and taco seasoning. Seal and place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 15 to 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and discard the marinade. Heat a grill or a pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill or pan and cook for about 9 to 10 minutes per side until the chicken is no longer pink inside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Prepare the Cilantro Sauce: In a food processor, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, jalapeno (if using), minced garlic, lime juice, and salt. Blend for about 1 minute until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Assemble the Lettuce Wraps: Lay out the Romaine lettuce leaves as wraps. Layer each leaf with sliced or chopped chicken, diced tomatoes, onions, and avocado pieces. Drizzle the creamy cilantro sauce over the top or add your favorite taco sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight improves flavor but 15-30 minutes is sufficient if short on time.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for leaner options.
- The cilantro sauce can be adjusted for heat by removing jalapeno seeds or omitting it altogether.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative or mayonnaise.
- Ensure the lettuce leaves are fresh and sturdy to hold the filling without tearing.