I’m not usually someone who reaches for lettuce wraps as a default. I don’t order burgers wrapped in lettuce, and I’m not a fan of removing the bread or tortilla from something that’s meant to be handheld. That said, there are a few exceptions — and these Chicken Club Lettuce Wraps are one of them. They came about on a day when I had extra butter leaf lettuce and no bread on hand, and the result was a surprise: clean, crisp, and satisfying. Since that first time, I’ve made them repeatedly. They’re light enough for warm weather, easy to assemble, and versatile enough to customize.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED FOR THIS RECIPE
- large butter lettuce leaves: any large, crisp leaf lettuce works well; living butter lettuce or similar varieties provide a tender yet sturdy vessel
- cooked shredded chicken breast: rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or chicken prepared in an Instant Pot all work great
- thick-cut bacon: thick-cut bacon crisps up nicely and adds texture and flavor; use your preferred bacon
- avocado: diced or sliced for creaminess and healthy fats
- tomatoes: cherry or grape tomatoes are convenient and add a sweet, juicy pop
- ranch dressing: use your favorite brand or a homemade dressing; avocado ranch or classic ranch both complement the flavors
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN CLUB LETTUCE WRAPS
Begin by washing and thoroughly drying your butter lettuce leaves. If you buy the living heads of lettuce, give them a good rinse and dry to remove any dirt or grit. Dry leaves will hold fillings better and stay crisp longer. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches your preferred level of crispness, then let it drain on paper towels and crumble or chop it once cooled. If you don’t want to cook bacon, substitute cooked bacon pieces or omit it for a lighter version.
To assemble, lay a lettuce leaf flat and layer with shredded chicken, a few halved tomatoes, cubed avocado, and crumbled bacon. Finish each wrap with a drizzle of ranch dressing. Fold the leaf around the filling or serve open-faced for easy eating. These wraps come together quickly — roughly ten to fifteen minutes from start to finish depending on whether any components are already prepared.
TIPS FOR CHICKEN CLUB LETTUCE WRAPS
- Choose a bright, crisp lettuce: butter leaf, romaine heart leaves, or even iceberg can provide the right crunch and structure for wrapping.
- Keep ingredients separate for meal prep: store shredded chicken, chopped tomatoes, diced avocado, and bacon in individual containers and assemble just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Swap dressings: if you prefer a more classic club flavor, use mayonnaise or a lightly seasoned aioli instead of ranch. A squeeze of lemon or lime brightens the flavors as well.
- Adjust protein and add-ins: turkey, ham, or a grilled vegetable mix make good alternatives. Add sliced cucumbers, shredded cabbage, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for variety.
CAN THIS RECIPE BE MEAL PREPPED IN ADVANCE?
Yes. These wraps are ideal for meal prep when ingredients are stored separately. Keep lettuce leaves dry and refrigerated, the chicken chilled in an airtight container, bacon in a small sealed container, and avocado stored with a light squeeze of lemon juice to slow browning. Assemble immediately before eating for the best texture.
OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY
- Rainbow Chopped Salad with Honey Apple Vinaigrette — a colorful option full of fresh produce and bold dressing.
- Grilled Peach Salad — seasonal and sweet, perfect for summer gatherings.
- Italian Mason Jar Salad — a convenient make-ahead lunch that layers dressing and ingredients for freshness.
Chicken Club Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
- 4 large butter lettuce leaves
- 2 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 oz avocado, cubed
- 1 tbsp ranch dressing
Instructions
- Wash and dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly; set aside on paper towels or in a salad spinner to keep them crisp.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool, then crumble or chop.
- Assemble each wrap by laying a lettuce leaf flat and layering shredded chicken, halved tomatoes, cubed avocado, and crumbled bacon inside.
- Finish with a drizzle of ranch dressing and fold the lettuce around the filling or serve open-faced. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Serving: 4 Lettuce Wraps • Calories: 178 kcal • Carbohydrates: 3 g • Protein: 12 g • Fat: 13 g • Saturated Fat: 4 g • Fiber: 1 g • Sugar: 1 g • Sodium: 182 mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.