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Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps - A Fresh, Spicy, Weeknight Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken (or 2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or ghee for a richer sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 large head butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated and rinsed
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup thinly sliced celery
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional)
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing (store-bought or homemade; see note below)
  • Lemon or lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the lettuce and veggies. Gently separate and wash the lettuce leaves. Pat them dry so they stay crisp. Slice celery, shred carrots, and chop scallions. Set aside.
  • Sauté the aromatics. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Cook the chicken. Add ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink and lightly browned.
  • Make the buffalo sauce. Lower heat. Stir in buffalo sauce, butter, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer 1–2 minutes, tossing to coat until the sauce clings to the chicken and looks glossy.
  • Taste and adjust. Add more hot sauce for heat, more butter for richness, or a splash of water if it’s too thick. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Assemble the wraps. Spoon the buffalo chicken into lettuce leaves. Top with carrots, celery, and scallions. Add a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing and a sprinkle of crumbled cheese if you like.
  • Serve right away. Finish with a squeeze of lemon or lime to brighten the flavors. Eat with your hands like tacos.