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Sweet & Smoky BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps - Easy, Flavor-Packed, and Fresh

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
  • Lettuce: 1-2 heads butter lettuce, Boston lettuce, or large romaine leaves, washed and patted dry
  • Oil: 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • Onion: 1 small red or yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Bell pepper: 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • BBQ sauce: 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (use sugar-free if preferred)
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1-2 tablespoons, to taste
  • Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon for tang
  • Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon for that smoky kick
  • Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Chili powder or chipotle powder: 1/2 teaspoon, optional for heat
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Optional toppings: Thinly sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, shredded carrots, diced cucumber, pickled jalapeños, corn kernels, or pineapple chunks
  • Creamy drizzle (optional but recommended): 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lime juice, pinch of salt, and a dash of hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Prep the lettuce and toppings: Gently separate lettuce leaves, rinse, and pat dry. Slice any toppings you plan to use and set them aside so assembly is easy.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Taste and adjust sweetness, smoke, or heat as you like.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season sliced chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the hot pan in a single layer and cook 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and just cooked through.
  4. Soften the aromatics: Push the chicken to one side. Add onion, bell pepper, and a pinch of salt to the empty side of the pan. Cook 3-4 minutes until slightly softened, then stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.
  5. Sauce it up: Pour the sauce into the pan and toss everything to coat. Lower heat and simmer 2-3 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water.
  6. Mix the drizzle: Stir together Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Adjust lime and heat to taste.
  7. Assemble: Place a couple spoonfuls of chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf. Add your favorite toppings and finish with a light drizzle of the yogurt sauce.
  8. Serve: Plate with extra napkins. These are juicy and worth the mess.