Buffalo wings as we know them are American cuisine where the wing section of unbreaded chicken is deep fried. But the chicken wrap recipe we are going to discuss today is a very healthy version and Weight Watchers friendly. So if you are following the Weight Watchers plan and looking for any healthy wrap recipe that can serve you 2-3 WW points, then you can try this Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe.
While this recipe is made healthily, you don’t have to compromise on taste. It is made with a wonderful combination of tender chicken, zesty buffalo sauce, and crisp lettuce that is perfect for a heavy snack or a light snack. This recipe will satisfy you and help you stay on track with your health goals.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are easy to make and require just a few ingredients. Below is a list of everything you’ll need to make this healthy, low-point recipe:
- Chicken Breast: Although the wings part should be used, the breast part is used here because the recipe needs to be low fat as well as low WW points. All we need is grilled or shredded chicken for the perfect wrap. But you can use ground chicken or rotisserie chicken if you want.
- Buffalo Sauce: The buffalo sauce brings a nice spicy kick to the chicken without being over the top. But when buying, try to buy low-calorie or fat-free buffalo sauce to keep the points level in the recipe low.
- Lettuce Leaves: Lettuce leaves are used here instead of regular bread or tortillas just to keep the recipe low-carb. Besides, lettuce is calorie-free and rich in fiber and vitamins. Try using Romaine lettuce and you will feel that wonderful crunch. But butter lettuce is also good but it is soft.
- Greek Yogurt or Ranch Dressing: Fat-free Greek yogurt is a great option as a nice and creamy topping that adds some extra protein while keeping points low. But if you like ranch dressing then definitely go for the low-calorie and fat-free version. But I prefer the blue cheese crumble that brings out the flavor of traditional buffalo wings.
- Shredded Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots add a nice crunch along with mild sweetness and balance the spicy flavor of the buffalo sauce.
- Celery (Optional): Celery pairs beautifully with buffalo sauce which adds a nice crunch and freshness to the whole recipe.
- Crumbled Blue Cheese or Low-Fat Cheese (Optional): If you’re a fan of the buffalo and blue cheese combo like me, definitely add crumbled cheese. But use it in moderation to keep WW points low. But you can use low-fat shredded cheese instead.
Related: Shredded Chicken Recipes
Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Cook the Chicken
- If fresh chicken breasts are used, start by cooking them. You can either grill or bake the chicken for the best flavor.
- To grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- To bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and shred it.
- Shred the Chicken
When the chicken is cooked, let it cool slightly, then shred it with a fork. But if using rotisserie chicken, first remove the skin and then shred the chicken meat, separating the bones.
- Prepare the buffalo mixture
In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce. You can use store-bought buffalo sauce or make your own by combining hot sauce with melted butter (for a healthier option, use light butter or no-calorie cooking spray).
Stir the sauce into the chicken until well coated. Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your heat preference.
- Assemble the Wraps
Place buffalo chicken mixture in the center of each lettuce leaf. Then if you want to add any extra toppings like shredded carrots, diced celery, avocado slices, or a drizzle of fat-free ranch or blue cheese dressing, you can add them.
- Serve and Enjoy
Once ready, serve immediately to get the freshest taste. You can serve this as an appetizer or main dish. Also, you can pair it with a salad or baked sweet potato fries.
Related: Creamy Chicken Recipes
Healthy Guide for Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
If you live or want to follow a healthy lifestyle, you can opt for this Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wrap as it is a perfect example of a nutritious and low-calorie meal. Health-conscious people who follow the Weight Watchers program add this recipe to their list. Also, keep in mind these healthy guides which will be beneficial for you.
- Here it is made with crisp lettuce wrap instead of a traditional tortilla which reduces the amount of calories and carbs in this wrap. Also, lettuce is a great option for those following low-carb, keto, and Weight Watchers plans.
- Chicken breast used here as a lean protein supports your muscle repair and metabolism. That’s why this wrap is a high-protein, low-calorie meal that’s perfect for your Weight Watchers plan.
- The best part about this recipe is that it is very flexible. You can easily control its WW point. For example, you can use buffalo sauce with sugar-free and low calories to reduce unnecessary points. You can control the point by reducing or increasing the amount of cheese. Or instead of high-calorie ranch dressing or blue cheese, you can use fat-free Greek yogurt.
Related: Simple Chicken Salad Recipes
Different Variations of Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are versatile and can be tailored to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some creative variations to try:
- Protein Alternatives: Here you can use ground turkey instead of shredded chicken. Also, rotisserie chicken can be a great option without compromising on flavor. On the other hand, if you want a complete plant-based protein, you can use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.
- Spice Level: If you want extra spice, use cayenne pepper or sliced jalapenos with buffalo sauce to give you that extra fiery kick. On the other hand, if you prefer a mild flavor, you can mix Greek yogurt with buffalo sauce.
- Toppings: To add a little creaminess and a little healthy fat to this wrap, you can add some slices of avocado. Shredded carrots and celery are great topping options that will add crunchiness to your wrap.
- Sauces: To add a little more twist to the taste of this wrap, you can add a barbecue sauce to the buffalo sauce, which will add a sweet and smoky flavor to your wrap. Also, adding a little honey to the buffalo sauce will give you a wonderful sweet and spicy variation that you will love.
- Lettuce Choices: There are also many variations in the lettuce used here. For example, you can use romaine lettuce, butter lettuce, or iceberg lettuce here to add a different flavor, crunchiness, texture, and freshness to your wrap.
Related: Buffalo Chicken & Broccoli Wraps
Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Whether it’s lunch, an appetizer, or a hearty dinner, this Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wrap is satisfying and very versatile.
- If you want to serve it as a light meal, you can serve it with a simple salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and tomato. Moreover, if you want to add a little extra flavor without too many points, you can add avocado slices or feta cheese.
- You can pair this wrap with crunchy veggie sticks like celery, carrots, or cucumbers. Of course, you can easily serve it with blue cheese dressing or low-fat ranch dressing without any extra points.
- Another favorite side of mine is the Air Fried Sweet Potato Fries which are delicious with it. Because its natural sweetness can contrast beautifully with the tangy buffalo sauce. Moreover, you will get enough nutrients and fiber from it which will help you to keep you full for a long time.
- You can try serving this buffalo chicken wrap with a small portion of quinoa or cauliflower rice, hopefully, you and your guests will like this combination.
Related: Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Tips & Tricks for Making Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Choose the Right Lettuce: Opt for crisp lettuce that holds the filling well, such as romaine, butter lettuce, or iceberg. Butter lettuce offers a softer, more pliable texture, while romaine and iceberg provide a satisfying crunch and structure to support the chicken and toppings. Wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce leaves. Wet leaves can cause the wraps to become soggy or slippery.
- Prevent Soggy Wraps: Wash the lettuce leaves thoroughly and dry them completely on a paper towel. Then your wrap will not be soggy. Also, don’t use too much buffalo sauce on the chicken as it can also make your lettuce soggy. So if you prefer more sauce, serve it as a dipping on the side.
- Cook the Chicken Ahead for Meal Prep: Since this is a good meal prep, you may want to make it in advance to save time. In that case, you can grill, shred, or bake it and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. Also, if you want to make it with store-bought rotisserie chicken, it’s even easier, just shred the chicken and toss it with the buffalo sauce.
Customize with Toppings: Here you can add toppings of your choice like diced avocado, shredded carrots, crumbled blue cheese, etc. Sometimes Ranchi dressing is also my favorite.
FAQs:
1. Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
Since these buffalo chicken wraps are a great meal prep, you can make them ahead of time if you want. But in that case, you need to store the chicken fillings and lettuce leaves separately to prevent the lettuce leaves from getting soggy. While eating, reheat the chicken and assemble it in a wrap and serve.
2. What are the best lettuce varieties to use for wraps?
The best types of lettuce for wraps are those with sturdy leaves that hold the filling without tearing. Romaine lettuce, butter lettuce, and iceberg lettuce are great choices because they have special sprouts.
3. Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce?
Store-bought buffalo sauce is perfect for this recipe because it saves you the hassle of making the sauce separately. In that case, always try to choose the low-calorie sauce version. But if you prefer the homemade version, by all means, add light butter to the hot sauce.
4. Are these wraps keto-friendly?
You can make this recipe keto-friendly with just a few tweaks. Since you’ve made the recipe low-carb by using lettuce, try using the sugar-free buffalo sauce as well. Also, choose full-fat dairy cheese if you’re using cheese. All of these high proteins are great for your keto diet.
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
We try different wraps, but at the time we don't consider how healthy it is. So the recipe I am going to discuss now is Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps, which is a totally healthy version and can earn you 2-3 WW points. A hot sauce combines chicken wrapped in crunchy lettuce and creamy Greek yogurt.
You can add crumbled blue cheese or use whole-wheat tortillas instead of lettuce leaves. You can serve this wrap with celery sticks and carrot slices which make a perfect low-point snack.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- Buffalo Sauce: ¼ cup
- Lettuce Leaves: 8 large leaves (Romaine, Butter Lettuce, or Iceberg)
- Greek Yogurt or Ranch Dressing (Optional): 2 tablespoons (optional)
- Shredded Carrots (Optional): ¼ cup
- Celery (Optional): ¼ cup, diced
- Crumbled Blue Cheese or Low-Fat Cheese (Optional): 1 tablespoon
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- If using raw chicken breast, grill or bake until fully cooked, then shred. If using rotisserie chicken, shred and remove any skin.
Mix the Buffalo Sauce:
- In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
Assemble the Lettuce Wraps:
- Lay out lettuce leaves and evenly distribute the buffalo-chicken mixture.
Add Toppings:
- Top each wrap with chopped celery, crumbled blue cheese (if using), and a drizzle of light ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra flavor.
Serve Immediately:
- Serve fresh and enjoy! You can pair it with a light side salad or baked sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 300Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 114mgSodium: 202mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 42g
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