Introduction
I love a good BLT, but sometimes I want all those classic flavors without a big stack of bread. That’s when I usually make these BLT Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
They’re crunchy, fresh, savory, and loaded with crispy bacon and tender chicken. The juicy tomatoes add a little sweetness, while the lettuce keeps everything light and refreshing. Honestly, they’re one of those meals I can throw together quickly when I don’t feel like making anything complicated.
And if you’re a bacon fan, you’re definitely going to want to try these!
Ingredients
- 6–8 large lettuce leaves (romaine or iceberg)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1 cup chicken breast, grilled or shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prepare the Bacon
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool enough to handle, break or cut the bacon into smaller pieces.
I usually make the bacon extra crispy because that crunch is so good against the soft chicken and juicy tomatoes.
2. Prepare the Chicken
If you’re using grilled chicken, slice or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
For an even quicker option, leftover cooked chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully.
3. Make the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Prepare the Lettuce
Wash the lettuce leaves and dry them thoroughly.
If the leaves are very large, trim away any tough part of the stem. You want them sturdy enough to hold all those delicious fillings without falling apart.
5. Assemble the Wraps
Lay the lettuce leaves flat and divide the chicken between them.
Add the crispy bacon and halved cherry tomatoes.
Drizzle or spoon a little of the creamy dressing over each wrap.
Fold the sides inward and roll them up like a wrap—or simply serve them open-faced if you prefer.
Cooking Tips
- Dry the lettuce well. Extra water can make the wraps soggy.
- Use iceberg lettuce for extra crunch or romaine for a slightly more sturdy wrap.
- Make the bacon nice and crispy so it doesn’t get lost among the other ingredients.
- Cold leftover chicken makes these wraps especially quick to assemble.
- Add the dressing just before serving for the freshest texture.
- For a spicy kick, mix a little hot sauce or smoked paprika into the mayo.
Serving Suggestions
These BLT lettuce wraps are great on their own for a quick lunch, but you can easily turn them into a fuller meal.
Serve them with:
- Fresh fruit
- Cucumber salad
- Avocado slices
- Roasted vegetables
- Sweet potato fries
- A simple green salad
For meal prep, keep the lettuce, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, and dressing stored separately and assemble just before eating.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, based on 4 servings:
- Calories: ~310
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~6g
- Fat: ~21g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~3g
- Sodium: ~650mg
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary depending on the type of bacon, chicken, mayonnaise, and lettuce used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is one of my favorite shortcuts for this recipe. Simply shred or chop about 1 cup and you’re ready to assemble.
What lettuce is best for lettuce wraps?
Romaine and iceberg both work well. Iceberg gives you extra crunch, while romaine tends to be slightly easier to fold and hold.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare all the ingredients ahead, but I recommend assembling the wraps right before serving. This keeps the lettuce crisp.
Can I add cheese?
Of course! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or crumbled feta would all be delicious additions.
How can I make these spicy?
Add sliced jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, or mix a little cayenne pepper into the mayonnaise. I especially like a little hot sauce with the crispy bacon.
Conclusion
These BLT Chicken Lettuce Wraps are proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients to make something seriously delicious. With crispy bacon, tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and creamy dressing, every bite has plenty of flavor and texture.