Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Cups

Buffalo chicken lettuce cups offer a fresh and healthier alternative to the traditional buffalo wings. These tasty, bite-sized treats are packed with all the bold flavors you love from buffalo chicken, but with a lighter, crisp twist thanks to the crunchy lettuce wraps. With tender shredded chicken coated in spicy buffalo sauce, paired with creamy blue cheese dressing and chopped celery, these lettuce cups are the perfect appetizer for your next game day or party!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These buffalo chicken lettuce cups bring all the heat and flavor of classic buffalo wings, but without the extra calories from deep frying. The combination of tender, shredded chicken in spicy buffalo sauce with a cool, crisp lettuce wrap creates the ultimate balance of flavors and textures. Add a drizzle of creamy blue cheese dressing and a sprinkle of fresh celery for a refreshing crunch, and you’ve got a light but satisfying dish that’s both healthy and incredibly flavorful!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (more if desired)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• 1/4 cup blue cheese dressing (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/4 cup chopped celery

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 8-10 large lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce work best)

Directions

1. In a medium-sized bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, olive oil, and white vinegar. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.

2. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves. Carefully separate them, trying to keep them intact for easy wrapping.

3. To assemble the lettuce cups, spoon a generous amount of the buffalo chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf.

4. Drizzle the buffalo chicken with blue cheese dressing, then top with chopped celery and green onions if desired.

5. Serve immediately and enjoy these flavorful buffalo chicken lettuce cups!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 (as an appetizer)

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes (if using pre-cooked chicken)

• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy twist: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buffalo sauce for an extra kick.

• Cheese options: Instead of blue cheese dressing, you can use ranch dressing or a dairy-free alternative for those with dietary preferences.

• Add vegetables: Try adding some shredded carrots or thinly sliced bell peppers for more crunch and flavor.

• Grilled chicken: For an extra smoky flavor, use grilled chicken instead of shredded chicken.

Storage/Reheating

• Storing: Store the leftover buffalo chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to keep the lettuce and toppings separate from the chicken until ready to serve.

• Reheating: Reheat the buffalo chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Fresh lettuce cups are best assembled right before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe! It’s an easy and convenient option to save time.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the buffalo chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the lettuce cups right before serving for the best texture.

3. What type of lettuce is best for this recipe?

Romaine or butter lettuce is ideal because the leaves are sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.

4. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! You can add more buffalo sauce, or even a bit of hot sauce or cayenne pepper, to increase the heat level.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing are gluten-free.

6. Can I substitute the blue cheese dressing?

Yes, you can substitute the blue cheese dressing with ranch dressing, or even a dairy-free dressing if you have dietary preferences.

7. How do I keep the lettuce cups from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, store the chicken mixture separately from the lettuce cups until you’re ready to serve.

8. Can I add cheese to the buffalo chicken?

You can sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken before serving for a cheesy version.

9. How can I make these buffalo chicken lettuce cups dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing, and opt for a non-dairy cream sauce if needed.

10. How do I reheat the buffalo chicken without overcooking it?

Reheat the buffalo chicken on low heat, stirring often to ensure it heats evenly without becoming dry or overcooked.

Conclusion

Buffalo chicken lettuce cups are a fun and healthy alternative to classic buffalo wings, with all the flavors you love in a lighter, more refreshing package. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a game-day snack, or simply craving something delicious, these lettuce cups are sure to impress. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, they’re a guaranteed hit for any occasion!