Southwest Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Discover a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional wraps with Southwest Chicken Lettuce Wraps! This easy-to-make dish is packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors from fresh ingredients like ground chicken, bell peppers, and black beans. Perfect for low-carb diets, these wraps are not only customizable to suit your tastes but also visually stunning. Enjoy a light meal that’s full of nutrition and flavor—ideal for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests!

Print Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

8 large romaine lettuce leaves (or butter lettuce for a sweeter flavor)

½ cup diced tomatoes

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Lime wedges, for serving

Optional toppings: avocado slices, sour cream, salsa

Instructions

Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is fragrant and translucent.

Brown the Chicken: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Brown the chicken thoroughly until it’s no longer pink, which should take around 5-7 minutes.

Incorporate the Vegetables: Add the diced red bell pepper, corn, and rinsed black beans to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Spice It Up: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated in the spices, releasing their flavors.

Simmer to Combine Flavors: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the spices to meld beautifully with the other ingredients.

Prepare the Lettuce Wraps: While the chicken mixture is simmering, rinse the lettuce leaves under cold water. Dry them gently with a kitchen towel or paper towels, as these leaves will serve as your fresh wraps.

Assemble Your Wraps: Spoon a generous portion of the flavorful chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf. Top with diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and the freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and taste.

Serve with Zing: Just before enjoying, squeeze fresh lime juice over each wrap for an extra burst of zest. Feel free to add any optional toppings like creamy avocado slices, dollops of sour cream, or zesty salsa.

Dig In and Enjoy: Serve these vibrant and refreshing wraps immediately, allowing everyone to customize their own with their favorite toppings!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4