Contents
- 1 The First Bite That Started It All
- 2 My Messy (But Delicious) First Try
- 3 Why This Combo Works Magic
- 4 A Dish With Roots
- 5 Ingredients:
- 6 Easy BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- 7 Mix It Up
- 8 Serving Ideas
- 9 Storing and Reheating Tips
- 10 Troubleshooting Common Issues
- 11 Your Questions Answered
- 12 Wrap It Up
- 13 BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wrap Delight
The First Bite That Started It All
The smoky scent of BBQ chicken hit me as I bit into a crisp lettuce wrap. Juicy tomatoes, tangy blue cheese, and creamy dressing exploded in my mouth. I knew right then—this was my new summer obsession. Ever wondered how you could turn BBQ chicken into something unforgettable without a bun? These wraps prove less can be more. Try them at your next picnic—you’ll see.My Messy (But Delicious) First Try
My first attempt ended with BBQ sauce on my shirt and lettuce everywhere. I forgot to soak the skewers, so they charred. Still, the chicken was tender, the flavors bold. Cooking teaches patience—and that even “failures” can taste great. Share your own kitchen blunders below! What’s your funniest cooking mishap?Why This Combo Works Magic
– The cool crunch of lettuce balances the smoky, spicy chicken. – Blue cheese adds a sharp kick that dances with the sweet BBQ sauce. Which flavor combo surprises you most? Is it the cheese or the green goddess dressing? Vote in the comments!A Dish With Roots
Lettuce wraps trace back to Asian cuisine, but BBQ versions popped up in 1990s U.S. grill culture. *Did you know Bibb lettuce is named after a Kentucky farmer?* It’s perfect for holding messy fillings. Next time you make these, think about the hands that shaped this dish. What’s your favorite food mash-up?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breast | 1 pound | Cut into 1-2 inch cubes |
| Fine sea salt | 1 teaspoon | |
| Ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon | |
| Ancho chile powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Favorite BBQ Sauce | 1/2 cup | |
| Large Bibb lettuce leaves | 16 | |
| Plum tomatoes | 2 | Seeded and diced |
| Blue cheese | 4 ounces | Crumbled |
| Green goddess dressing | 1 cup |
Easy BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Step 1 Soak wooden skewers if grilling. Mix chicken with salt, pepper, and BBQ sauce. Let it sit 5 minutes. Skewer chicken loosely for even cooking. (Hard-learned tip: Soak skewers fully—dry ones burn fast.) Step 2 Grill or pan-fry chicken until 165°F. Baste with extra sauce if grilling. Rest meat 4 minutes before assembling. Keep lettuce crisp by patting dry. Grill or skillet—which’s your go-to for quick cooks? Share below! Cook Time: 10–12 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Yield: 4 servings Category: Lunch, AppetizerMix It Up
Spicy Swap Add jalapeños to the chicken mix. Use chipotle BBQ sauce for smoky heat. Top with pepper jack cheese. Veggie Twist Skip chicken. Grill portobello mushrooms. Toss with BBQ sauce. Add avocado slices for creaminess. Summer Style Swap tomatoes for mango salsa. Use lime-cilantro dressing instead. Crushed peanuts add crunch. Which spin would you try first? Vote in the comments!Serving Ideas
Pair wraps with sweet potato fries or chilled cucumber salad. Sprinkle extra cheese on top. Serve with iced hibiscus tea or a light lager. *Fun fact: Bibb lettuce cups won’t wilt fast—perfect for picnics.* Dining solo or sharing? Which combo would you choose tonight?
Storing and Reheating Tips
Keep leftover chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use airtight containers to lock in freshness. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken for 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. *Fun fact: Lettuce wraps taste best assembled fresh—store toppings separately!* Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water. Microwaving works too, but may dry it out. Batch-cook the chicken for quick weekday meals. Double the recipe, then freeze half for later. Why this matters: Meal prep saves time and reduces food waste. Ever tried freezing lettuce wraps? Share your hack below!Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issue 1: Chicken sticks to skewers. Fix: Soak skewers longer or use metal ones. Issue 2: Lettuce tears when wrapping. Fix: Pick sturdy Bibb leaves and pat them dry. Issue 3: BBQ sauce burns on grill. Fix: Baste late in cooking and keep heat medium. Why this matters: Small tweaks make cooking smoother. My neighbor Jim once charred his chicken—now he swears by frequent flipping. Which issue trips you up most?Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use GF BBQ sauce and check dressing labels. Q: How early can I prep the chicken? A: Marinate it overnight for deeper flavor. Cook day-of. Q: What’s a good blue cheese swap? A: Feta or goat cheese work well. Skip it for dairy-free. Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd? A: Absolutely! Use two pans or grill in batches. Q: Any veggie additions you’d recommend? A: Thinly sliced red onions or avocado add crunch.Wrap It Up
Hope these tips help you whip up a tasty meal. *Fun fact: My grandkids call these “chicken tacos in a leaf”!* Share your twist with @SavoryDiscovery on Pinterest. Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn
BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wrap Delight
Description
Experience the delightful contrast of textures and flavors with this BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wrap Delight, featuring tender chicken, crisp lettuce, and tangy blue cheese.
Ingredients
Instructions
- If grilling, soak 16 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.
- Toss the chicken, fine sea salt, black pepper, and 1/2 cup BBQ sauce in a large bowl.
- If grilling, evenly thread chicken onto 16 skewers at approximately 1 ounce per skewer. Do not thread too closely, being thin will make the grilling process shorter.
- IF GRILLING: Heat grill to medium-high heat. Baste with remaining BBQ sauce and rotate for approximately 8-10 minutes. Due to size of chicken and grill temperatures, the cooking time may vary. Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F.
- If pan frying, heat 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Place the chicken in the skillet, discarding any leftover sauce. Cooking, tossing, for about 10 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of the chicken cubes. Check several of the largest pieces to make sure they are 165°F using an instant digital thermometer.
- Remove from the heat and allow to rest for 3-4 minutes. Assemble the lettuce wraps by removing chicken from skewer (if grilled), placing into a piece of Bibb lettuce along with freshly diced tomato, green goddess sauce and crumbled blue cheese.
Notes
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
BBQ, Chicken, Lettuce Wrap, Blue Cheese, Grilled