SOUTHWEST CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS

August 13, 2024

If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful meal the whole family can enjoy, look no further! These Southwest Chicken Lettuce Wraps are brimming with ground fajita chicken, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and creamy avocado. The pictures definitely don’t do justice to how tasty these were 😉 You might also like my Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps or my Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps!

Did you know? Three ounces of chicken contains about 40% of your daily selenium requirements (source). Selenium is a key nutrient for thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, reproduction, and protection from oxidative damage and infection.

Choosing the best chicken

The "organic" label means that the chickens were fed a certified organic diet, had *access* to the outdoors, and were not given routine antibiotics. The labels "certified humane" and "animal welfare approved" are regulated to ensure humane treatment of the chickens, unlike "pasture raised," "free range," and "cage free," which are not audited. 

I used organic ground chicken here, but you could also use diced grilled chicken, ground turkey, or meatless crumbles.

Preparing the chicken

I first browned the ground chicken and onion in a skillet with avocado oil. Avocado oil is best for medium-high heat, as it's more heat-stable than olive oil. Next, I added my diced tomatoes, black beans, and sweet corn to the skillet. Finally, I seasoned everything with fajita seasoning and fresh cilantro (optional).

If you can't find fajita seasoning in the store, feel free to make your own!

Best kinds of lettuce for lettuce wraps

I’ve found Boston, bib, romaine, or butter lettuce works best for lettuce wraps! Here I used butter lettuce. I always wash my lettuce and pat dry with paper towels before filling.

My toppings of choice were diced avocado, hot sauce, Greek yogurt and lime. You could also use guac, salsa, sour cream, or shredded cheese if desired.

Surprisingly, they're easy to pack up for a lunch meal prep! Here’s the printable recipe for these Southwest Chicken Lettuce Wraps – I hope you’ll comment below if you try it 😉

This post contains affiliate links.

Southwest Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Rated 3.7 stars by 3 users

• Share on Twitter
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Pinterest
• Share on Whatsapp

Category

Lunch

Cuisine

Southwestern

Servings

6

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Calories

337

If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful meal the whole family can enjoy, look no further! These Southwest Chicken Lettuce Wraps are brimming with ground fajita chicken, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and creamy avocado. The pictures definitely don’t do justice to how tasty these were! Great for a meal prepped lunch or quick weeknight dinner. 

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. avocado oil*

• 2 lbs. lean ground chicken (or ground turkey or meatless crumbles)*

• 1 cup chopped onion

• 10 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles

• 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup sweet corn (I used fresh off the cob, but canned or frozen works)

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional)

• 4 tsp. (2 packets) fajita seasoning*

• 24 large lettuce leaves (bib, butter, boston, or romaine)*

Toppings (optional):

• 12 oz. (3 medium) avocado diced*

• 6 tbsp. lime juice (about 3 limes)*

• 12 oz. nonfat plain Greek yogurt (optional)*

*See blog post for more substitutions.

Directions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add ground chicken and diced onion. Cook ground chicken until browned, about 10 minutes.

3. Add fajita seasoning and half a cup of water; simmer and stir until evenly coated, about 5 minutes.
4. Add diced tomatoes with green chiles, black beans and corn; cooking until heated, about 5 minutes.
5. Wash and dry lettuce leaves with a paper towel.

6. Fill 4 lettuce leaves with one-sixth of meat mixture for one serving.

7. Top with avocado, hot sauce, fresh cilantro, and Greek yogurt, or toppings of choice.

8. Store leftover filling and lettuce in the fridge in separate airtight containers up to one week.

Recipe Note

Calories (per serving, minus toppings): 337kcal, Fat: 7.6g, Sat fat: 1.0g, Carbs: 28g, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 8g, Protein: 39g, Sodium: 469mg

Calories (per serving, with toppings): 448kcal, Fat: 15.6g, Sat fat: 1.9g, Carbs: 35g, Fiber: 13g, Sugar: 10g, Protein: 43g, Sodium: 483mg

---

Also in Blog

THAI PEANUT CHICKEN & NOODLES

September 10, 2024

This healthy version of Thai Peanut Chicken & Noodles tastes authentic (at least compared to my experience in Thailand) but it's so easy! It’s loaded with all the best veggies, tender chicken, and a velvety peanut sauce that has just the right balance of sweet, savory, sour, and spicy. It just so happens to be gluten free and dairy free, too!

View full article →

SUMMER BERRY CHICKEN SALAD

August 23, 2024

Summer is for sitting poolside, road tripping, and fresh salads – like this Summer Berry Chicken Salad! This luscious salad has heaps of fresh organic baby spinach, organic blueberries and strawberries, goat cheese, chopped walnuts, and naturally raised chicken, drizzled with homemade poppyseed vinaigrette!

View full article →

S'MORES PROTEIN PANCAKES (DAIRY FREE)

August 01, 2024

The kids go back to school in two weeks but I am holding onto summer! These S'mores Protein Pancakes make a sweet, summery breakfast with melty chocolate, marshmallow, and crushed graham cracker on top. Bonus - these flapjacks are gluten free, dairy free, and high in protein!

View full article →