Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Print Version)
Savory pesto-marinated chicken served in crisp lettuce cups with fresh vegetables and optional feta cheese and pine nuts.
# Ingredients:
→ Pesto Chicken
01 -
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
02 -
1/4 cup prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade)
03 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
04 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
06 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Lettuce Wraps
07 -
1 large head of butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, leaves separated and washed
08 -
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 -
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
10 -
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
11 -
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (optional)
12 -
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add pounded chicken breasts, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
03 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 teaspoon olive oil.
04 -
Place marinated chicken breasts in the hot skillet, ensuring there is no overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
05 -
Remove chicken from skillet and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
06 -
Slice rested chicken breasts into thin strips or cubes, depending on preference.
07 -
Separate lettuce leaves and wash thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towels and select the largest, most intact leaves.
08 -
Place sliced chicken into lettuce cups. Add cherry tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pine nuts, if using.
09 -
Drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze over the lettuce wraps for added flavor, if desired.
10 -
Serve the pesto chicken lettuce wraps immediately while the lettuce is crisp and the chicken is still warm.