Easy Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

A Spicy Little Love Story (and Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps)

Do you remember your first bite of buffalo sauce? I do. Mine came with a side of teenage rebellion – sneaking wings from my dad’s Super Bowl platter when he wasn’t looking. The heat hit me like a firecracker, but oh, that tangy buttery undertone! I was hooked. These days, I crave that same punchy flavor but without the mess (or the sneaking around). Enter these Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps – all the fiery nostalgia, none of the napkin towers. They’re my weeknight superhero: quick, light, and guaranteed to make your taste buds dance.

Gather Your Flavor Arsenal

What I love about this recipe is how pantry-friendly it is. Raid your fridge and let’s play:

1 lb chicken breast – Tenders work too! Just say no to rubbery chicken – we’ll keep ours juicy.

½ cup buffalo sauce – My heart belongs to Frank’s RedHot, but use your favorite. Pro tip: shake the bottle well – that’s where the magic hides!
2 tbsp butter – The secret peacemaker between spice and comfort. Unsalted lets you control the seasoning.
1 head butter lettuce – Those cup-shaped leaves are nature’s perfect vessels. Romaine works in a pinch, but butter lettuce? She’s the VIP.

½ cup crumbled blue cheese – Controversial, I know. Swap for ranch dressing or avocado if you’re team “blue cheese is too bold.”
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced – For that essential crunch and freshness. No celery? Try cucumber matchsticks!
¼ cup Greek yogurt – Our creamy, protein-packed secret weapon. Sour cream works too, but I love the tang here.

Let’s Make Magic Happen

Now, the fun part! This comes together faster than it takes to debate “wings vs. tenders” at a sports bar:

Cook your chicken with love: Heat a skillet over medium-high. Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let it rest for 5 minutes (walk away! This keeps it juicy) before shredding with two forks.
Buffalo bliss: In that same skillet (flavor lives here!), melt butter over low heat. Whisk in buffalo sauce until it’s glossy and irresistible. Toss in the shredded chicken until every nook is coated. Breathe in – that’s happiness in steam form.

Cool & creamy: Stir Greek yogurt into the chicken mixture. This tempers the heat and adds velvety richness. Taste! Need more kick? Add another splash of buffalo sauce.
Lettuce prep: Gently separate lettuce leaves, giving them a quick rinse and pat dry. I like to arrange them on a platter like little edible bowls waiting to be filled.

Now, the best part is coming up – assembling these wraps with all the fixings! But first, let me tell you about the time I served these at a picnic and converted three ranch-dip-only friends…

Pro Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

These Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are wonderfully adaptable to suit your taste and pantry staples. Here are some ways to make them your own:

Spice level: Adjust the heat by using mild or extra hot buffalo sauce. For a creamy twist, mix in a tablespoon of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Protein swap: Not a fan of chicken? Shredded turkey, cooked shrimp, or even crispy tofu work beautifully.
Lettuce alternatives: If butter lettuce isn’t available, try romaine hearts, iceberg cups, or even collard green wraps for extra crunch.
Extra crunch: Top with extra celery, shredded carrots, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture.

What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These wraps are a meal on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can turn them into a feast. Here are a few ideas:

Cooling dips: A side of ranch, blue cheese, or avocado crema balances the heat.
Crunchy veggies: Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips add freshness.

Light sides: A simple quinoa salad, sweet potato fries, or air-fried zucchini rounds complement the flavors.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (though they’re so good, you might not!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storage: Store the buffalo chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to prevent wilting.

Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist. Assemble fresh wraps when ready to eat.
Freezing: The chicken mixture freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these wraps ahead of time?

Yes! Prep the chicken mixture and chop the veggies in advance, but assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Skip the optional cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The buffalo sauce is typically dairy-free, but always check the label.

What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?

Use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken, or toss it in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for quick, even shredding.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Absolutely! Thaw and cook the chicken as usual before shredding. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid to keep the mixture from getting watery.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about digging into these Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps—spicy, crunchy, and refreshing all at once. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that won’t weigh you down. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Author: Trusted Blog

Print Recipe

Description

Spicy buffalo chicken wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1/4 cup ranch dressing

1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup diced celery

1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until fully coated.
Add ranch dressing to the chicken mixture and stir to combine.

Wash and dry the lettuce leaves, keeping them whole for wrapping.
Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture onto each lettuce leaf.
Top with shredded carrots, diced celery, and crumbled blue cheese if desired.

Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

You can customize the seasonings to taste.