Name: Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded; 2 tbsp butter; ½ tbsp olive oil; ½ cup Frank’s Red Hot Wing Sauce; ½ tsp celery seed; Fresh ground black pepper, to taste; ½ cup thinly sliced celery; Blue cheese crumbles (optional); Ranch dressing; 2 heads romaine or iceberg lettuce, rinsed and dried

There’s something about buffalo chicken that just hits the spot every time. It’s bold, spicy, buttery, and comforting in all the best ways. But what if we took that mouthwatering buffalo flavor and gave it a fresh, wholesome twist? That’s exactly what these Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are all about—a lightened-up take on everyone’s favorite game day snack, perfect for quick weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or a make-ahead lunch that still feels like a treat.

I first started making these wraps when I was trying to find a way to enjoy my buffalo chicken cravings without going full-on fried or greasy. I wanted something that still packed in that heat and tang, but with a little more crunch and freshness. Enter: crisp lettuce leaves. They’re the perfect vessel to hold that buttery, spicy chicken, and when topped with cool ranch and a sprinkle of blue cheese, the result is absolute flavor heaven.

These wraps are also endlessly customizable. You can make them as spicy or mild as you like, add extra veggies for crunch, or even skip the cheese to keep things dairy-free. They come together in under 20 minutes and require just a handful of simple ingredients. Plus, cleanup is minimal, which makes them a solid choice for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but low-effort.

Let’s dive into why this recipe is such a winner and how you can whip it up in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love these buffalo chicken lettuce wraps. Here’s what makes them a total standout:

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a meal that delivers big on flavor.
Light but Satisfying: Using lettuce instead of bread or tortillas keeps things light and low-carb, but the spicy chicken and creamy toppings make each bite totally satisfying.
Family-Friendly: These wraps are a hit with adults and kids alike. You can easily control the heat level to suit your family’s taste.
Customizable: Don’t like blue cheese? No problem—swap it with feta or shredded cheddar. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños or an extra dash of hot sauce.
Perfect for Meal Prep: The chicken filling stores well in the fridge, so you can make a big batch and assemble wraps on the go throughout the week.

The combination of flavors is where this dish really shines. The buttery buffalo sauce has just enough heat to tingle your taste buds, while the cool ranch and crisp lettuce balance it out beautifully. Add in some crumbles of blue cheese and a few slices of crunchy celery, and you’ve got a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture in every bite.

Health Benefits

Besides being insanely delicious, these buffalo chicken lettuce wraps come with a few health perks too:

Low in Carbs: Swapping traditional wraps or buns for lettuce significantly reduces carbs, making this a great option for low-carb and keto-friendly diets.
High in Protein: Thanks to the shredded chicken breast, this meal offers a hearty dose of lean protein to keep you feeling full and energized.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free (just double-check your hot sauce and dressing), this is a great recipe for anyone with gluten sensitivities or those looking to cut back.
Veggie-Packed: Crisp lettuce and sliced celery add fiber and crunch while delivering important vitamins like vitamin K, folate, and antioxidants.
Customizable to Fit Your Diet: Whether you’re following Whole30, paleo, or just eating clean, these wraps can be adjusted to suit your dietary needs with a few simple swaps.

Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor, and this recipe proves it.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 320
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 2g

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these buffalo chicken lettuce wraps to life:

2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
Provides lean protein and acts as the hearty base for the wraps.
2 tablespoons butter
Adds richness and smooths out the heat of the hot sauce.
½ tablespoon olive oil
Gives the sauce a glossy finish and adds healthy fats.
½ cup Franks Red Hot Wing Sauce
Delivers that iconic buffalo flavor—spicy, tangy, and bold.
½ teaspoon celery seed
Enhances the overall celery flavor, tying the dish together.
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Adds depth and a mild kick.
½ cup thinly sliced celery
For crunch and that signature buffalo chicken vibe.
Blue cheese crumbles, optional
Provides a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the heat.
Ranch dressing, for drizzling
Cools everything down and ties all the flavors together.
2 heads romaine or iceberg lettuce, rinsed and dried
Acts as the wrap and brings crisp, fresh texture.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the entire process, step by step. These wraps are incredibly simple to prepare, and each step brings you closer to a seriously delicious bite.

Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken breasts with ½ cup of water.
- Cover the pan and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), about 7-8 minutes depending on thickness.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and shred using two forks or a hand mixer. Let any excess water evaporate.
Make the Buffalo Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium-low.
- To the same pan, add the butter and olive oil. Stir until melted and fully combined.
- Pour in the hot sauce, then add celery seed and black pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and evenly coats the chicken.
Add the Crunch
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the sliced celery. This step adds crunch and freshness without overcooking the celery.
Prepare the Lettuce Cups
- While the chicken is cooling slightly, gently peel individual lettuce leaves from the core. Wash, dry, and set aside.
- Aim for leaves that are wide and sturdy enough to hold a few spoonfuls of filling.
Assemble the Wraps
- Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf.
- Top with a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
- Add extra celery if you like an extra crunch.
Serve Immediately
- These wraps are best enjoyed while the chicken is still warm, but they’re also tasty at room temperature or chilled.

How to Serve

You can serve these buffalo chicken lettuce wraps in a few different ways depending on the occasion:

As a main dish for a quick and healthy dinner.
As an appetizer or game-day snack alongside carrot and celery sticks.
As a make-ahead lunch, packed separately and assembled when ready to eat.
Serve buffet-style, letting everyone build their own wrap with their favorite toppings.

Pairing Suggestions

While these wraps shine on their own, here are a few tasty pairing ideas to make it a full meal:

Side Dishes: Serve with sweet potato fries, roasted cauliflower, or a simple cucumber salad.
Beverages: Iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a light mocktail with citrus and mint work well.
Dips: A little extra ranch or homemade hummus makes a great dip for side veggies or to drizzle on top.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store the buffalo chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep lettuce and toppings separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezing: Freeze the shredded chicken mixture in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken mixture gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm. Stir occasionally to keep it from drying out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken: Dry chicken will ruin the texture. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Using Wilted Lettuce: Fresh, crisp lettuce makes all the difference. Choose sturdy leaves and dry them thoroughly.
Not Draining Excess Liquid: Too much moisture can make the wraps soggy. Let the sauce thicken slightly before removing from heat.
Overfilling the Wraps: Less is more. Overfilled wraps are harder to eat and more likely to fall apart.
Skipping the Crunch: Don’t skip the celery—it adds much-needed texture.

Pro Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For even faster prep, use store-bought rotisserie chicken—just shred and toss it in the sauce.
Chill the Lettuce: Cold lettuce leaves offer the best contrast to the warm chicken.
Add Extra Veggies: Diced carrots, bell peppers, or cabbage slaw all work great.
Double the Batch: The chicken mixture freezes well, so make extra for future meals.
Adjust the Heat: Not into spicy food? Mix in a little honey or extra butter to mellow the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce?
Yes, just make sure it’s one you love. Franks Red Hot is the classic, but any good-quality sauce will work.

Is there a dairy-free version?
Absolutely. Use plant-based butter and dairy-free ranch or skip the dressing entirely and add avocado slices for creaminess.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the chicken and store it in the fridge. Assemble the wraps just before serving.

What kind of lettuce works best?
Romaine or iceberg are best for their sturdy, crunchy texture. Butter lettuce works too, though it’s a bit softer.

Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded?
Yes, ground chicken cooks even faster. Just brown it in a pan and mix in the sauce.

Are these wraps spicy?
They have a mild to moderate heat. For more heat, add cayenne or use extra hot sauce. For less, add more butter or a splash of honey.

How long will leftovers last?
The chicken filling lasts up to 3 days in the fridge and 2 months in the freezer.

What can I use instead of blue cheese?
Try feta, shredded cheddar, or even no cheese at all if you prefer.

How do I keep the wraps from getting soggy?
Keep components separate until ready to eat. Dry the lettuce thoroughly and avoid over-saucing.

Can I serve this cold?
Yes. The chicken filling tastes great cold, especially for packed lunches.

Conclusion & Call to Action

These buffalo chicken lettuce wraps are the perfect blend of bold flavor and healthy freshness. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for game day, this recipe brings the wow factor without any stress. With just a few pantry staples and some crisp lettuce, you’ll have a meal that’s light, satisfying, and totally crave-worthy.

Give this recipe a try and see why it’s become a go-to in my kitchen. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—feel free to leave a comment or tag me with a photo of your delicious wraps. Happy cooking!