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

There's something so refreshing and satisfying about these Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe — crisp lettuce, juicy seasoned chicken, and that creamy cilantro sauce all come together to make a light yet flavorful meal that feels like a mini fiesta. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!

The image shows three lettuce wraps placed on a large white plate over a white marbled surface. Each wrap has a base layer of fresh, dark green romaine leaves forming a boat shape. On top, there are chunks of browned, cooked chicken scattered evenly. The chicken is topped with small diced pieces of red tomato and purple onion, along with light green cubes of avocado. The wraps are drizzled with a creamy green sauce that has a smooth, slightly chunky texture, spread on top of the fillings. The composition shows a close-up, bright and fresh presentation. 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

Honestly, these wraps have become my go-to whenever I want something tasty but also light and healthy. Plus, they come together relatively quickly, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. I can always count on the burst of fresh flavors that make every bite feel exciting.

Fresh and flavorful: The combination of grilled chicken with fresh veggies and zesty cilantro sauce keeps things vibrant and satisfying.
Low-carb and healthy: Perfect if you’re watching your carbs or looking for a nutrient-packed dinner without sacrificing taste.
Versatile and customizable: You can easily swap the toppings or protein, making this recipe your own every time.
Quick prep time: With just about 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s a weekday winner for busy nights.

Three lettuce wraps sit on a white plate on a white marbled surface, each made from a bright green romaine leaf. On the bottom layer inside the leaves are small pieces of brown grilled chicken, topped with chunks of light green avocado and small red tomato bits. Finely chopped pale purple onion and a drizzle of creamy green sauce cover the top. A wedge of lime is placed near the top edge of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each element in this Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe plays a key role—from the spices that punch up the chicken to the creamy sauce that ties it all together. I always try to use fresh ingredients because they make the flavors pop so much brighter, plus they keep the recipe light and nutritious.

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts, two cloves of garlic with papery skins intact, a small white bowl of bright golden olive oil, a small white bowl filled with vibrant green loosely packed cilantro leaves, a ripe avocado cut into clean dice, a diced red tomato, a small white bowl of creamy white Greek yogurt, a whole jalapeno pepper with smooth dark green skin, two lime halves showing juicy flesh, a few crisp Romaine lettuce leaves, and a small pile of finely diced white onion, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic bowls and plates, 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 add juiciness, while breasts keep it lean; either works beautifully.
Taco seasoning: A quick blend of spices gives the chicken that classic taco flavor without needing a complicated prep.
Garlic: Adds that indispensable aromatic flavor that enhances everything else.
Olive oil: Helps the chicken stay moist on the grill and adds heart-healthy fats.
Romaine lettuce leaves: Crisp and sturdy—the perfect low-carb “wrap” base that holds all those fillings without wilting.
Avocado: Creamy texture and healthy fats that complement the smoky chicken so well.
Tomato and onion: Fresh bursts of juiciness and crunch to keep every bite interesting.
Cilantro: Bright herbaceous note in the sauce that gives the wraps a fresh zip of flavor.
Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang without the heaviness of sour cream; the base of the cilantro sauce.
Jalapeño: Optional, but if you like a touch of heat you won’t regret it.
Lime juice: Adds acidity to balance richness and brighten up the whole dish.
Salt: Essential for bringing all those flavors to life.

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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 things I love the most about this Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you like it spicy, mild, or packed with extra veggies, there’s room for your own spin — and I highly encourage you to experiment!

Variation: I sometimes swap the chicken for ground turkey or even shrimp when I want a different protein feel, and it always works out deliciously.
For extra veggies: Throw in diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans for added texture and color.
Spice it up: Add extra jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Dairy-free option: Swap Greek yogurt in the cilantro sauce for a dairy-free mayo to keep it creamy without the dairy.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

I start by mixing the chicken with minced garlic, olive oil, and taco seasoning in a big bowl or a zip-top bag. The marinade isn’t complicated, but giving the chicken at least 15-30 minutes — or even better, a few hours in the fridge — allows the spices to seep in and really develop those bold taco flavors. The longer, the better if you have time!

Step 2: Grill or Sear the Chicken

After marinating, I discard the marinade and grill the chicken over medium-high heat. It usually takes around 9-10 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. I highly recommend using a meat thermometer to hit 165°F perfectly without drying it out. If you don’t have a grill, a cast-iron skillet on your stovetop works great too! Get a nice golden crust on both sides for best flavor.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cilantro Sauce

While the chicken cooks, I blend the cilantro, Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and salt until creamy—this sauce is the magic that pulls the whole dish together. It’s super simple but adds such a fresh, tangy punch!

Step 4: Assemble Your Wraps

Once the chicken has rested for a few minutes, slice it up and layer it into the romaine lettuce leaves. Add diced tomato, onion, and avocado, then drizzle generously with that luscious cilantro sauce. I like making these a bit messy—it’s part of the fun!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that a few little tweaks make a big difference in this Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe. Here are my best tips to help you nail it on your first try (and every time after!).

Don’t skip the marinade: Even a short marinating time really boosts flavor and juiciness. I usually set it up first thing when prepping for dinner.
Use a meat thermometer: It’s the best way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken that isn’t dry or undercooked—aim for 165°F internal temperature.
Dry your lettuce well: I pat Romaine leaves dry with paper towels after washing. Dry leaves hold up better and won’t get soggy from the filling and sauce.
Make the sauce ahead: The cilantro sauce tastes even better after chilling an hour or two, so I often make it in the morning or the night before.

How to Serve Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe

healthy chicken lettuce wraps - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I typically keep garnishes simple but fresh—extra cilantro sprigs, a squeeze of lime, and a few thin slices of jalapeño if I want to add a little heat. Sometimes a sprinkling of crumbled queso fresco or pepitas adds a lovely texture contrast, which is always a crowd-pleaser.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love pairing these wraps with a light Mexican-style slaw, roasted sweet potatoes, or even a crisp cucumber salad. They all balance the rich flavors in the wraps without weighing you down.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or weekend gatherings, I like to set up a “lettuce wrap bar” with all the components separated—chicken, veggies, sauces, and toppings—so everyone can build the wraps just how they like. It’s interactive, fun, and visually inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store the cooked chicken and the cilantro sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The fresh veggies I keep separate too, but I usually just prep those fresh again since they brighten the wrap.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen the cooked taco-spiced chicken in portions before. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. The lettuce and fresh toppings don’t freeze well, so save those for fresh prep.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through—this keeps it juicy and prevents overcooking. Avoid the microwave if you can; stovetop reheating gives better texture and flavor overall.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of lettuce besides romaine?

Yes! Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce also work well for wraps. Just make sure the leaves are sturdy enough to hold the fillings without tearing.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or vegan mayo for the cilantro sauce. The flavors still come through beautifully without the dairy.

Can I meal prep these lettuce wraps?

Definitely! Cook and marinate the chicken and prep the sauce ahead of time, then assemble the wraps fresh each day to keep the lettuce crisp and ingredients bright.

What’s the best way to reheat the chicken without drying it out?

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth and a lid on—this keeps it moist and prevents overcooking. Avoid microwaving if possible.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps Recipe is one of those meals I always come back to because it’s easy, fresh, and downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, it’s a simple dish that feels a little special. I hope you give it a try and find yourself loving it as much as I do—it’s like a mini celebration in every bite!