Name: Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8 leaves Romaine lettuce, rinsed; 1 avocado, diced; 1 tomato, diced; 1/4 cup onion, diced; 1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream or mayo); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 jalapeno, optional; 1 clove garlic, minced; Juice of 1/2 lime; Pinch of salt

Nothing beats the fresh crunch of lettuce paired with juicy, spiced chicken and a creamy cilantro sauce. This Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of tacos without the carbs, making it an easy, vibrant meal you'll come back to again and again.

The image shows three lettuce wraps placed side by side on a large white plate set on a white marbled surface. Each wrap is made with one long dark green leaf of lettuce as the base layer. On top of the lettuce, there are chunks of cooked golden brown chicken, followed by diced avocado pieces and small bits of red tomato and purple onion scattered evenly. A creamy green sauce is drizzled over all the wraps, blending smoothly with the other ingredients. The overall look is fresh and colorful. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m seriously excited to share this Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe with you. It’s not just about being low-carb or healthy — the flavors pop and the textures make every bite satisfying. Plus, it comes together without hogging your kitchen time.

Super Flavorful: The taco seasoning and fresh cilantro sauce deliver bold, vibrant flavors without heaviness.
Healthy & Low-Carb: Wrapped in crisp romaine leaves instead of tortillas, it’s a light meal that still feels indulgent.
Quick & Easy: Marinate, grill, assemble, and you’re done — perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or swap proteins to make it just right for you.

The image shows three lettuce wraps placed on a white plate over a white marbled surface. Each wrap starts with a bright green romaine lettuce leaf, forming a natural bowl shape. Inside the leaves are layers of cooked, slightly browned chicken pieces spread evenly. On top of the chicken, there are small chunks of fresh avocado in a light green color and diced red tomatoes scattered around. Small bits of purple onion are also sprinkled throughout. A light green creamy sauce is drizzled generously over the fillings in each wrap. In the background, there is a wedge of lime partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference. The star here is the juicy chicken infused with taco spices, balanced by fresh veggies and a creamy cilantro sauce that ties everything together—offering a fresh, tangy, and satisfying bite every time.

Flat lay of boneless, skinless raw chicken breasts, two cloves of garlic with papery skins, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a fresh medium tomato diced into cubes, a quarter cup of finely diced white onion, one whole jalapeño pepper, a small bunch of loosely packed green cilantro leaves, half a ripe avocado diced, eight vibrant green Romaine lettuce leaves, one whole uncracked lime, a small white bowl of creamy white Greek yogurt, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs give extra juiciness, but breasts are lean and cook quickly—both soak up the marinade beautifully.
Taco seasoning: Blend smoky, earthy spices like cumin and chili powder to create that classic taco flavor punch.
Garlic: Minced fresh for that aromatic kick—it’s a must for authentic savory depth.
Olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist during cooking and melds nicely with the spices.
Romaine lettuce leaves: Crisp and sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without sogginess or tearing.
Avocado: Adds creamy richness and healthy fats, balancing the spices and fresh veggies.
Tomato: Juicy and slightly sweet, it adds freshness and color.
Onion: Small dice adds crunch and bite — red or white onions both work well.
Cilantro: Essential for the signature sauce’s bright, herbal note.
Greek yogurt (or sour cream/mayo): Creates the creamy base of the sauce with tang and smooth texture.
Jalapeño (optional): If you like a bit of heat, toss one in the sauce—just watch the seeds!
Lime juice: Adds zesty brightness, tying all the flavors together.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often switch up the toppings or sauce depending on what’s in season or what I’m craving, and you’ll find your own perfect combos too.

Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken for ground turkey or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist, and it still feels like a fiesta in every bite.
Spice Level: Add more jalapeño or a pinch of chipotle powder if you want that extra smoky heat I adore.
Additional Toppings: Crumbled queso fresco, sliced radishes, or a squeeze of hot sauce are my favorite toppings to amp up texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing the chicken with minced garlic, olive oil, and taco seasoning in a bowl or a zip-top bag. I usually let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight in the fridge takes it to another level—more flavor and juicy tenderness. Just don’t skip the marinating step; it’s key for getting that bold taco taste.

Step 2: Grill or Pan-Sear the Chicken

Heat your grill or skillet to medium-high and cook the chicken for about 9-10 minutes per side. Watch for no pink inside and an internal temperature of 165°F. This step can feel tricky, but I always find that resisting the urge to flip often helps build that beautiful sear and locks in the juices.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cilantro Sauce

While the chicken cooks, toss all the sauce ingredients (cilantro, Greek yogurt, olive oil, jalapeño if you like, garlic, lime juice, and salt) into a food processor. Blend until creamy and smooth. This sauce is a game-changer—fresh, a little spicy, and cool enough to balance the warm spices on the chicken.

Step 4: Assemble Your Lettuce Wraps

Lay out the romaine leaves and fill them with slices or shredded grilled chicken, diced tomato, onion, and creamy avocado. Drizzle generously with your cilantro sauce. I always make a little extra sauce for dipping—it keeps your wraps juicy and flavorful.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make these wraps shine every single time. They save me from soggy lettuce, bland chicken, and underwhelming sauce—so here’s what I always keep in mind.

Marinate Longer: Whenever possible, marinate the chicken at least 2 hours or overnight for the deepest flavor penetration.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the chicken space to sear properly—crowded pans steam instead of grill, losing that tasty crust.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or lime juice to thin it out, making it easier to drizzle without overdrenching.
Keep Lettuce Dry: Pat your romaine leaves dry after washing to prevent sogginess and keep wraps crisp.

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe

chicken lettuce wraps - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these wraps with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves, a few slices of jalapeño for heat, and a little crumbled queso fresco for creaminess and texture contrast. Thinly sliced radishes add a lovely peppery crunch, which I always recommend.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with a side of Mexican street corn salad, a scoop of guacamole, or even a fresh cucumber and tomato salad. When I’m feeling extra, I whip up some cauliflower rice seasoned similarly to keep the low-carb theme going.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like to serve the chicken and toppings buffet-style with a big platter of lettuce leaves alongside bowls of each topping and sauce. Guests can build their own wraps, which always sparks fun conversations and customization. Another fun idea is layering ingredients in clear glasses for pretty taco parfaits.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store grilled chicken and cilantro sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Keep your lettuce leaves dry and stored wrapped in paper towels inside a sealed bag to stay crisp.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well if you pre-cook the chicken but hold off on assembling the wraps or making the sauce. Freeze cooked chicken in freezer bags for up to 3 months, then thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

I reheat leftover chicken in a hot skillet on medium for just a few minutes to keep it juicy and avoid drying it out. Warm sauce gently in the microwave or stir in a bit of water or lime juice to refresh the consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of lettuce for the wraps?

Absolutely! Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce also works well because they’re sturdy and flexible enough to hold the filling without tearing easily. Romaine is just my personal favorite for that perfect balance of crunch and size.

How do I make this recipe keto-friendly?

This Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly since it swaps traditional tortillas for lettuce and uses wholesome ingredients like avocado and olive oil. Just be sure to avoid any high-carb toppings or sides if you want to stick strictly to keto macros.

Can I prepare these wraps ahead of time?

You can prep most components in advance: marinate and cook the chicken, make the cilantro sauce, and chop veggies. But I recommend assembling the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and avoid sogginess.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes so it stays juicy and adds a quick fresh sear. Warm the cilantro sauce gently in the microwave or stir in a splash of lime juice to refresh it. Avoid microwaving the entire wrap to prevent soggy lettuce.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe has become my go-to anytime I want a meal that feels light but doesn’t skimp on bold, comforting flavors. It’s a little celebration of fresh ingredients and simple cooking that I love sharing—and I think you’ll find yourself making it over and over too. Grab your grill, prep your toppings, and enjoy the fresh crunch of something truly satisfying.