Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Name: Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts (cooked and shredded); 2 tablespoons butter; ½ tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup hot wing sauce; ½ teaspoon celery seed; Fresh pepper to taste; ½ cup thinly sliced celery; Blue cheese crumbles (optional); Ranch dressing (optional); 2 heads of lettuce (romaine or iceberg)

Published: January 24, 2026

by Saphira

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, these wraps are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Flavor Explosion: Packed with the zesty kick of buffalo sauce and the crunch of fresh veggies, each bite is bursting with flavor.
Healthier Alternative: Enjoy the taste of buffalo chicken without the guilt, making it a great choice for health-conscious eaters.
Versatile Serving Options: Ideal as a main dish or appetizer, these wraps cater to various occasions from casual dinners to festive parties.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish thanks to its customizable toppings and fresh ingredients.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps, ensure you have the right tools on hand. These will make your cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pan
Cutting board
Forks (for shredding)
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Large pan: Essential for cooking the chicken evenly and allowing you to mix in all your flavorful ingredients.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables like celery and preparing your wraps.
Forks (for shredding): Handy for effortlessly shredding cooked chicken as it cooks, ensuring tenderness in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Mixture

2 large chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
2 tablespoons butter
½ tablespoons olive oil
½ cup Franks Red Hot Wing Sauce
½ teaspoon celery seed
fresh pepper to taste
½ cup thinly sliced celery

For Assembly

blue cheese crumbles
ranch dressing
2 heads of lettuce (romaine or iceberg, rinsed and patted dry)

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large pan over medium/high heat, place the chicken along with ½ cup of water.
Shred the chicken using two forks as it cooks until all water evaporates.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium/low.
Add butter and olive oil to the pan; stir until melted and combined.
Mix in hot sauce, celery seed, and add pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and fold in thinly sliced celery.

Step 3: Assemble Your Wraps

Scoop a spoonful of the chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf.
Sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles and drizzle with ranch dressing.
Serve immediately while warm for the best experience!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keywords: buffalo sauce, football, game day

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Buffalo chicken lettuce wraps are a fun and versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Perfect for game day or a casual dinner, these wraps can be paired with various sides and toppings to enhance their flavor.

Fresh Veggie Pairings

Cherry Tomatoes – These bite-sized tomatoes add a sweet and juicy contrast to the spicy chicken.
Cucumber Slices – Crisp and refreshing, they provide a cool crunch that complements the heat of the buffalo sauce.

Dipping Sauces

Ranch Dressing – A classic pairing, it balances the spice while adding creaminess.
Blue Cheese Dressing – For those who love bold flavors, this dressing enhances the buffalo experience.

Crunchy Toppings

Chopped Green Onions – Sprinkle these on top for an added layer of flavor and color.
Shredded Carrots – They add a sweet crunch that pairs well with the spicy chicken.

How to Perfect Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Creating the ultimate buffalo chicken lettuce wraps is all about technique and balance. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.

Use Fully Cooked Chicken – Shredded rotisserie chicken makes preparation faster without sacrificing flavor.
Adjust Spice Level – Modify the amount of hot sauce based on your family’s heat tolerance for a custom fit.
Choose Fresh Lettuce – Romaine or iceberg should be crisp and fresh for the best wrap experience.
Don’t Overstuff – Keep each wrap manageable by using just enough filling for easy handling.
Serve Immediately – Enjoy them right after assembly to maintain the warmth of the chicken and crispness of the lettuce.

Best Side Dishes for Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Buffalo chicken lettuce wraps can be complemented by a variety of side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

Sweet Potato Fries – Baked or fried, they offer a sweet contrast to the spicy chicken.
Veggie Platter – A colorful mix of carrots, celery, and bell peppers adds freshness and crunch.
Coleslaw – Tangy coleslaw provides a creamy texture that balances out the spice in your wraps.
Quinoa Salad – A light salad with diced vegetables gives a nutritious boost alongside your meal.
Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs can serve as a hearty side.
Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brings sweetness that complements spicy flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the overall taste and presentation. Here are some tips to ensure your wraps turn out perfectly.

Using Dry Chicken: Overcooking chicken can lead to dryness. Make sure to monitor cooking time and use the water method for shredding as described in the recipe.
Skipping Seasoning: Not adding enough seasoning can make your wraps bland. Always taste your sauce and adjust spices according to your preference before mixing with the chicken.
Choosing the Wrong Lettuce: Using lettuce that’s not sturdy enough can lead to messy wraps. Opt for romaine or iceberg, which provide better support for the filling.
Not Serving Immediately: Delaying serving can cause the wraps to lose their crunch. Assemble and serve as soon as possible for the best experience.
Overstuffing the Wraps: Filling them too much can make them hard to handle. Use a reasonable amount of chicken mixture and toppings for easier eating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
The Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

You can freeze the chicken mixture separately from the lettuce.
Store in freezer-safe containers or bags, and they should last up to 2 months.

Reheating Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat chicken mixture until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals until hot, usually around 1-2 minutes.
Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a splash of broth or water. Stir in the chicken until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

What is the best way to cook chicken for Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Cooking chicken by boiling it with water is an effective method that keeps it moist. Shred it as it cooks for an even texture.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute with turkey or even shredded beef if you prefer different flavors in your Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

What sauces pair well with these wraps?

While buffalo sauce is traditional, you could also try barbecue sauce or a honey mustard dressing for a different twist on flavor.

How do I customize my Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Feel free to add additional toppings like sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or different types of cheese according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. They’re perfect for dinner, appetizers, or game day gatherings. Plus, they’re easily customizable; feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand!