Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Slow Cooker, Instant Pot)
If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying meal, look no further than these Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Perfectly tender shredded chicken tossed in a spicy cayenne pepper sauce makes for a dish that’s not only simple to prepare but also incredibly delicious. The best part? You can whip these up in either a slow cooker or an Instant Pot, making this recipe versatile and convenient for any busy weeknight dinner. Serve them up in crisp lettuce leaves with crunchy veggies for a fresh take on a classic Buffalo chicken dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Slow Cooker, Instant Pot) are a game-changer for meal prep and family dinners. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love them:
– Healthier Alternative: Skip the carbs and enjoy a lighter meal wrapped in crisp lettuce.
– Flavor Packed: The cayenne pepper sauce adds just the right amount of heat to tantalize your taste buds.
– Easy to Make: With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
– Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
Shopping List
Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- 24 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 16 oz fat-free low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cayenne pepper sauce (I used Frank’s)
- 6 large lettuce leaves (Bibb or Iceberg)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
- 2 large celery stalks, cut into 2-inch matchsticks
Essential Tools for Success
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather these essential tools:
- Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: Either will work perfectly for this recipe.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping your veggies and chicken.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
- Tongs: Great for shredding the chicken once it’s cooked.
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Slow Cooker, Instant Pot) Made Stepwise
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of preparing these Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Follow these easy steps to bring this flavorful dish to your table.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the celery stalk and onion, and mince the garlic. This will make cooking a breeze.
Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Add the diced celery, onion, and minced garlic on top.
Step 3: Add Broth and Sauce
Pour in the 16 oz of fat-free low sodium chicken broth and add the 1/2 cup of cayenne pepper sauce. This is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Cooking Time
– For Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
– For Instant Pot: Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow for a natural release for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the sauce.
Step 6: Assemble Your Wraps
To assemble, take a large lettuce leaf and fill it with the Buffalo chicken mixture. Top with shredded carrots and celery matchsticks for added crunch and flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps immediately and enjoy this delightful, healthy meal with friends and family!
Swap Guide
If you want to customize your Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps further, consider these swaps:
- Use ground chicken or turkey instead of chicken breasts for a different texture.
- Try a different hot sauce if you prefer a milder or alternative flavor profile.
- Add chopped green onions or fresh herbs for an extra pop of freshness.
- Substitute romaine lettuce or collard greens for the lettuce wraps if desired.
Little Things that Matter
When making these Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Slow Cooker, Instant Pot), a few tips can elevate your dish:
- Make sure to taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne sauce.
- For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or low-fat ranch dressing to the wraps.
- Letting the chicken sit in the sauce for a few minutes after shredding allows it to soak up more flavor.
Storing Tips & Timelines
Planning to make these wraps ahead of time? Here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the shredded chicken mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm up in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving again.
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Slow Cooker, Instant Pot) FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time in the Instant Pot to about 25-30 minutes and ensure that they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
How can I make these wraps vegetarian?
Substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit or crumbled tempeh mixed with your favorite hot sauce for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
What can I serve with these wraps?
These wraps pair perfectly with a side salad, fresh veggies, or even some baked sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
How spicy are these wraps?
The spice level largely depends on the cayenne pepper sauce you use. Frank’s is moderately spicy, but you can adjust the amount based on your preference.
Explore More
If you’re excited about these Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Slow Cooker, Instant Pot), check out these other delicious recipes:
- Sally’s Baking Addiction for sweet treats and baking inspiration.
- Pinch of Yum for more healthy and satisfying meals.
- Minimalist Baker for simple and quick plant-based recipes.
Next Steps
Now that you have the recipe for these amazing Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking! Whether you choose the slow cooker or Instant Pot method, you’ll be treated to a flavorful meal that everyone will love. Don’t forget to share your creations with family and friends, and enjoy the accolades that come with this delicious dish!
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Slow Cooker, Instant Pot) are not only quick to prepare but also offer a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. So grab those lettuce leaves, fill them up with that spicy shredded chicken, and dig in! Your taste buds will thank you.
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Slow Cooker, Instant Pot)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the celery stalk and onion, and mince the garlic. This will make cooking a breeze.
- Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Add the diced celery, onion, and minced garlic on top.
- Pour in the 16 oz of fat-free low sodium chicken broth and add the 1/2 cup of cayenne pepper sauce. This is where the magic happens!
- For Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- For Instant Pot: Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow for a natural release for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the sauce.
- To assemble, take a large lettuce leaf and fill it with the Buffalo chicken mixture. Top with shredded carrots and celery matchsticks for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve your Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps immediately and enjoy this delightful, healthy meal with friends and family!
Notes
- Taste the sauce before serving to adjust the heat level.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or low-fat ranch dressing for creaminess.
- Let the chicken sit in the sauce for a few minutes after shredding for more flavor.
