Spicy Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps Ready in 15 Minutes

Name: Spicy Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps Ready in 15 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup hot sauce; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 8 large lettuce leaves (butter or romaine); 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup diced celery; 1/4 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing

Author: lia

Published: November 10, 2025

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Oh my gosh, you have to try these buffalo chicken lettuce wraps! They’re my go-to when I want something spicy, satisfying, but still light enough that I don’t feel weighed down. I first made them for a girls’ night years ago when everyone was trying to eat healthier but still wanted that game-day flavor – total crowd pleaser!

What I love most is how ridiculously easy they are. In about 15 minutes, you’ve got crispy lettuce cups filled with that tangy buffalo chicken we all crave, plus all the crunchy veggies. No heavy bread weighing you down, just pure flavor. My husband jokes I make them at least twice a month because they’re perfect for quick lunches or last-minute appetizers when friends drop by.

The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients already. Just some chicken, hot sauce, and whatever crisp veggies you’ve got hanging out in the fridge. Trust me, once you try this combo of spicy, cool, and crunchy, you’ll be hooked!

Buffalo chicken lettuce wraps - detail 1

Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Listen, I know what you’re thinking – another “healthy” recipe that tastes like cardboard. But these? These are different. Let me tell you why they’re about to become your new obsession:

Crazy fast – From fridge to table in under 30 minutes (I’ve timed it while chasing my toddler around the kitchen)
All the flavor, none of the bloat – You get that spicy buffalo kick without the heavy bread weighing you down
Perfect for meal prep – Make the chicken ahead and assemble when you’re ready – the flavors get even better!
Endlessly customizable – Not feeling blue cheese? Use ranch. Want more crunch? Add some chopped walnuts
Works hot or cold – Great for packed lunches when you can’t reheat

Seriously, these wraps check all the boxes – quick, healthy, and packed with that buffalo flavor we all crave. What’s not to love?

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Okay, let’s raid the fridge! The magic of these wraps is in the simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s exactly what you’ll need – and trust me, I’ve made these enough times to know these measurements are spot on:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 1 lb total (or thighs if you prefer darker meat)
1/4 cup hot sauce – I’m a Frank’s loyalist, but use your favorite
2 tbsp butter, melted – makes the sauce silky smooth
1 tsp garlic powder – don’t skip this flavor booster!
1 tsp onion powder – the secret depth-builder
1/2 tsp salt – adjust to taste, but it really makes the flavors pop
1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if you’ve got it
8 large lettuce leaves – butter lettuce is my top pick for its perfect cup shape
1/2 cup shredded carrots – buy pre-shredded or grate your own
1/2 cup diced celery – that classic buffalo crunch
1/4 cup blue cheese or ranch dressing – I go blue cheese, but no judgment here

See? Nothing weird or hard to find – just good, simple stuff that comes together beautifully. Now let’s make some magic!

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Alright, let’s get cooking! I promise this comes together faster than you can say “more hot sauce please.” Here’s exactly how I make these wraps every single time:

First, cook that chicken! I usually throw my breasts in a skillet with a splash of oil over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when they hit 165°F inside (or when juices run clear). Pro tip: Covering the pan helps keep them juicy. While they cook, prep your veggies – dice that celery nice and small!

Shred time! Once the chicken’s cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes (this keeps all those juices inside). Then grab two forks and shred away – I like some bigger chunks for texture. Now the fun part: toss those shreds with hot sauce, melted butter, and all those spices. Taste it! Need more kick? Add another splash of hot sauce.

Assembly line! Lay out your lettuce leaves – butter lettuce works best because they’re like little edible bowls. Spoon in the saucy chicken, then pile on the carrots and celery. The crunchier the better! Finish with a drizzle of dressing – I zigzag mine across the top for pretty presentation.

Serve immediately! These are best eaten right away while the lettuce is crisp and the chicken is warm. Though I won’t judge if you sneak an extra one while “arranging the platter.” Happens every time!

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Alright, let me share some of my tried-and-true tips to make these wraps absolutely perfect every single time. First off, if you’re in a rush, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store – it works like a charm and saves you so much time. Just shred it up and toss it with the sauce. Easy peasy!

Now, about that spice level – I know everyone’s different, so start with less hot sauce if you’re not sure. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out! And for an extra crunch, throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans. They add this amazing texture that just takes it to the next level.

Oh, and here’s a pro tip: pat those lettuce leaves dry before assembling. Nobody likes a soggy wrap! Trust me, these little tweaks make all the difference.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Let’s talk swaps and secrets! The beauty of these wraps is how flexible they are. Don’t have blue cheese dressing? Ranch works beautifully – my kids actually prefer it. Out of carrots? Try shredded cabbage or even thinly sliced bell peppers for that crunch. I’ve used Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of lemon juice when I ran out of dressing entirely – still delicious!

For the chicken, thighs work great if you prefer darker meat, and rotisserie chicken is my emergency go-to. And about that hot sauce – while I’m partial to Frank’s, any cayenne-based sauce will do. Just taste as you go!

Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These spicy little wraps scream for an icy cold beer or crisp white wine – trust me, it’s the perfect balance! For non-alcoholic options, try cucumber-mint water or lemonade. If you’re making a meal of it, pair them with roasted sweet potato wedges or a simple cucumber-tomato salad. The cool crunch cuts through the heat beautifully!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Okay, let’s be real – these wraps are best fresh when the lettuce is crisp and the chicken’s warm. But if you’ve got leftovers (rare in my house!), store the chicken mixture separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, just reheat the chicken in the microwave for 30 seconds and assemble new wraps with fresh lettuce leaves. Trust me, soggy lettuce is nobody’s friend!

Nutritional Information for Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I can tell you these wraps are way lighter than traditional buffalo chicken sandwiches! The exact numbers will vary depending on your ingredients (especially that dressing – blue cheese vs ranch makes a difference). But generally, you’re looking at a protein-packed, low-carb meal that won’t weigh you down. Just remember – these estimates are based on my kitchen experiments, so your mileage may vary depending on brands and how heavy-handed you are with the hot sauce!

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

I’ve made these wraps so many times I could probably do it in my sleep – and I’ve gotten all the questions from friends and family! Here are the ones that come up most often:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! I actually prefer thighs sometimes – they’re juicier and handle the bold buffalo flavor beautifully. Just make sure to cook them to 165°F like you would with breasts.

How far ahead can I make the buffalo chicken mixture?
The chicken keeps great for 3 days in the fridge, and honestly the flavors get even better! Just store it separately from the lettuce and veggies. Assemble right before serving so your lettuce stays crisp.

What if I don’t have butter lettuce?
No worries! Romaine leaves work in a pinch – just use the sturdier inner leaves. I’ve even used endive or cabbage cups when desperate. The key is finding something that can hold the filling without falling apart.

Can I make these vegetarian?
Oh yes! I’ve used shredded cauliflower or even chickpeas instead of chicken for my veggie friends. Just adjust your cooking time and make sure whatever you use soaks up that delicious buffalo sauce.

Why does my sauce separate sometimes?
This happens when the chicken’s too hot when you add the butter-based sauce. Let your chicken cool for 5 minutes before mixing – it’ll stay smooth and creamy that way!