Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Buffalo chicken lettuce wraps deliver all the bold flavors of classic wings in a lighter low carb package perfect for a quick lunch or a fun dinner spread These are packed with creamy spicy tangy flavors and plenty of crunch each bite feels like party food yet they are easy to throw together in twenty minutes flat

I made these for my family on game day as a lighter twist on our usual buffalo chicken dip and everybody was instantly hooked Even my dad who usually shies away from lettuce wraps asked for seconds

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: brings lean protein and soaks up bold flavors look for fresh or high quality ground chicken for the best texture
• Celery and carrots: add crunch color and that classic buffalo pairing seek out crisp bright veggies for maximum flavor
• Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning: gives the filling a savory tangy boost you can use your favorite dry ranch blend just check for freshness
• Water or chicken broth: helps everything blend and keeps the filling juicy I like to use homemade broth for extra richness
• Cream cheese: adds creamy body and tempers the heat choose full fat for best flavor and smooth melting
• Buffalo sauce: gives these wraps their spicy kick look for one with clean ingredients such as Frank’s RedHot
• Bleu cheese crumbles: offer just the right bite of sharpness go for a good quality sturdy bleu cheese not something precrumbled and dry
• Butter lettuce: forms tender cups to hold your filling choose large whole leaves that are vibrant green and not wilting
• Topping options: such as green onions celery extra carrots and ranch let you customize each wrap I love using garden fresh green onions when I have them

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Chicken:

Start by heating a large skillet over medium and add just enough oil to coat the pan Add the ground chicken and break it up with a spatula Cook for about seven minutes stirring every minute or two until it is no longer pink and lightly browned This step builds savory flavor so do not rush it Drain off any extra fat before continuing

Sauté the Veggies:

Add the chopped celery and carrots straight into the pan with the browned chicken Stir everything together and let it cook for three to four minutes You want the veggies to become a little soft but still keep some crunch This brings out their sweetness and bright color

Season and Simmer:

Sprinkle the Ranch seasoning over the chicken and vegetables then pour in the water or broth Stir everything thoroughly so every bite gets seasoned Let the mixture bubble gently for about five minutes stirring occasionally until most of the liquid is gone This helps amped up the flavor and binds the filling together

Blend Cream Cheese and Buffalo Sauce:

While the chicken simmers mash together the softened cream cheese and buffalo sauce in a small bowl Stir until the color is even and you have a velvety smooth sauce If it seems stiff pop it in the microwave in short bursts until you can easily mix it

Combine Everything:

Pour your buffalo cream cheese mixture over the chicken in the skillet Stir with a rubber spatula until all the pieces are generously coated Keep the pan on low heat for another minute or two to meld those flavors

Build the Wraps:

Lay out large butter lettuce leaves on your serving plate Spoon some buffalo chicken filling into each lettuce cup Sprinkle bleu cheese crumbles over the top I add a small handful per wrap for extra tang

Garnish and Serve:

Top each wrap with chopped green onions more celery and carrots if desired and a final drizzle of ranch dressing if you love it Serve right away while the filling is still warm for best flavor

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You Must Know

• High protein meal but keeps carbs to a minimum
• Great for meal prep and quick lunches
• Can easily double the recipe for a crowd

Bleu cheese is my personal favorite ingredient in this recipe Its creamy tang transforms every bite When my nephew helped make these wraps he surprised us by volunteering to crumble the cheese and insisted on extra for everyone

Storage Tips

Keep leftover buffalo chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days Do not store assembled wraps as the lettuce will wilt Instead pack the lettuce and filling separately and make fresh wraps as needed The filling also reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey in place of chicken with equally tasty results For a dairy free option substitute plant based cream cheese and skip the bleu cheese If ranch seasoning is unavailable a blend of garlic powder onion powder dried dill and parsley makes a good stand in

Serving Suggestions

Set up a wrap bar with different toppings so everyone can customize I like to offer jalapeños avocado or thinly sliced radishes alongside classic garnishes For a fuller meal serve with cauliflower rice or a crisp cucumber salad

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Cultural and Historical Context

Buffalo chicken flavors come from Buffalo New York where spicy wings have been a bar staple since the nineteen sixties Turning these flavors into lettuce wraps brings healthier modern appeal while keeping all the comforting familiarity of the original

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Ground chicken is ideal for quick, even cooking and easily soaks up the bold buffalo flavors.

→ Can I substitute the bleu cheese crumbles?

Absolutely! Feta or shredded cheddar offer different flavors or, for a milder option, simply omit the cheese.

→ How can I make this meal spicier?

Add extra buffalo sauce, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeño for an extra kick of heat.

→ What’s the best way to keep the lettuce wraps sturdy?

Use large, whole butter lettuce leaves and layer two together if added support is needed.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Store the buffalo chicken mixture separately from lettuce and assemble just before eating for freshest results.