Balsamic Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Strawberry Pecan Filling Recipe

If you’re looking for a light yet flavor-packed meal that takes weeknight chicken to sparkling new heights, this Balsamic Chicken Lettuce Wrap Delight is about to become your go-to recipe! Juicy grilled balsamic chicken, vibrant strawberries, toothsome pecans, and creamy feta all snuggled into crisp lettuce leaves—each bite is a fun, fresh explosion of sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The star ingredients in this Balsamic Chicken Lettuce Wrap Delight all pull their weight—each one brings its own unique flavor, texture, or vibrant color to the party. You won’t need anything fancy, just a handful of staples coming together in a seriously craveable way!

• Chicken Breasts (2 pounds): Boneless, skinless, and perfect for soaking up the bright and tangy marinade.
• Balsamic Vinegar (1/2 cup for marinade + 1/2 cup for glaze): Adds irresistible depth and signature tang—don’t skimp on the quality here!
• Orange Juice (1/2 cup): Brings a gentle citrus sweetness that complements the balsamic so well.
• Olive Oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the chicken juicy and enhances the marinade flavor.
• Honey (4 tablespoons): Natural sweetness balances out the vinegar’s acidity.
• Dried Basil (1 tablespoon): An herbal note that mingles with the fruity balsamic vibes.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning—every good cook’s trusty pair!
• Whole Lettuce Leaves (8-12): Romaine, butter, or iceberg all work—whatever is freshest and sturdiest for holding all the good stuff.
• Strawberries (1 pint, sliced): Their brightness and natural sweetness sing in every bite.
• Pecans (1/2 cup): Toasty, crunchy richness makes each wrap extra satisfying.
• Feta Cheese (1/2 cup): Salty, tangy, and creamy—feta is the perfect finish for this wrap!

Variations

My favorite thing about Balsamic Chicken Lettuce Wrap Delight? You can truly make it your own! Whether you’re swapping out ingredients for what’s on hand, going dairy-free, or feeding picky eaters, these tweaks will keep everyone happy.

• Go Nut-Free: Skip the pecans or swap them for toasted seeds if you have allergies or want a lighter crunch.
• Add More Veggies: Throw in thinly sliced cucumbers, slivered red onions, or bell peppers for an extra burst of color and crunch.
• Use Goat Cheese: Not a fan of feta? Creamy goat cheese adds a rich tang and pairs beautifully with the balsamic glaze.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute grilled tofu or chickpeas for the chicken, and use your favorite dairy-free cheese or simply omit it.

How to Make Balsamic Chicken Lettuce Wrap Delight

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Whisk together your balsamic vinegar, orange juice, olive oil, honey, dried basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag, pour over the marinade, press out as much air as possible, and seal. Let the chicken soak up those flavors in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—longer if you have the time for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Grill to Juicy Perfection

Take your chicken out of the marinade and discard the bag and excess liquid. On a preheated grill over medium heat, cook the chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side until lovely grill marks appear and the chicken is just cooked through. Let it rest under foil for several minutes; this keeps every bite incredibly juicy for your Balsamic Chicken Lettuce Wrap Delight!

Step 3: Make the Balsamic Glaze

While your chicken rests, pour the remaining 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Gently simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s reduced by half and syrupy enough to coat a spoon. Let it cool slightly—this concentrated glaze will make everything pop.

Step 4: Assemble the Wraps

Peel off whole, sturdy lettuce leaves, wash, and pat dry. Slice your rested chicken, then pile into the lettuce cups. Top with sliced strawberries, a sprinkle of pecans, and crumbled feta. Drizzle generously with your homemade balsamic glaze.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Arrange your Balsamic Chicken Lettuce Wrap Delight on a platter, serve right away, and watch them disappear! The contrasting textures and fresh ingredients make these wraps incredible straight off the grill.

How to Serve Balsamic Chicken Lettuce Wrap Delight

Garnishes

Add bright green chopped herbs like fresh basil or parsley for extra color. A final dusting of cracked black pepper and a hint of pink Himalayan salt right before serving has everyone reaching for seconds!

Side Dishes

Pair your wraps with a sparkling fruit salad, a crisp cucumber-tomato salad, or a simple herbed quinoa for an effortlessly balanced summertime meal. Even sweet potato fries are a fun, casual touch alongside your Balsamic Chicken Lettuce Wrap Delight.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve everything family-style, with a big platter of lettuce leaves and all the toppings in colorful bowls. Or, for parties, set out an interactive wrap bar so guests can assemble their own Balsamic Chicken Lettuce Wrap Delight exactly how they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover grilled chicken, glaze, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep lettuce leaves washed and wrapped in paper towels so they’re ready for assembling fresh wraps later!

Freezing

While it’s best to enjoy your wraps fresh, the cooked balsamic chicken freezes beautifully. Just slice it, let it cool, and store in freezer bags for up to two months. The glaze and toppings, however, are best prepped the day you serve.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm sliced chicken in a skillet or microwave until hot, then pile into crisp lettuce with the rest of your toppings. For best results, assemble wraps right before eating to keep everything fresh and vibrant!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s as lively and fresh as it is easy, the Balsamic Chicken Lettuce Wrap Delight will not disappoint. Try it for a family dinner, lunch with friends, or your next potluck—I promise, you’ll be dreaming up new ways to enjoy this winning combination all season long!

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