Zesty Grilled Balsamic Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe for Lunch

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that satisfy every hungry palate.

These tangy grilled balsamic chicken lettuce wraps pack a punch of zesty goodness that transforms ordinary meal prep.

Light, crisp lettuce leaves cradle succulent chicken marinated in rich balsamic notes.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky char and vibrant flavors.

The recipe combines simplicity with restaurant-quality taste that will impress even discerning eaters.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques make this dish a winner for busy home cooks.

You’ll find these lettuce wraps become an instant favorite at your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Grilled Balsamic Chicken Lettuce Wrap Ingredients

• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy depth and helps tenderize the chicken with its acidic properties.
• Olive Oil: Creates a silky base for the marinade and helps distribute flavors evenly.
• Garlic: Infuses bold, aromatic notes that complement the chicken's natural flavor.
• Honey: Balances the vinegar's sharpness and helps create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle kick and helps emulsify the marinade for better coating.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps season the chicken deeply.
• Black Pepper: Adds a warm, spicy undertone that brings complexity to the dish.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs marinades beautifully and grills to tender perfection.

• Lettuce Leaves: Crisp, light wrapper that adds refreshing crunch and serves as a low-carb base.
• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion: Bring vibrant colors, textures, and fresh garden flavors to the wraps.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish that adds bright, aromatic finishing touch.

• Balsamic Glaze: Provides a rich, sweet-tangy drizzle that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.

Tools To Assemble Lettuce Wraps

• Grill: Essential for cooking chicken with perfect char marks and smoky flavor.
• Tongs: Crucial for safely handling and flipping chicken on the grill.
• Small bowl: Needed for whisking marinade ingredients together smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending marinade ingredients without lumps.
• Zip-top bag or shallow dish: Required for marinating chicken evenly.
• Sharp knife: Necessary for slicing chicken after grilling.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for slicing chicken and chopping vegetables.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure marinade ingredients.

How To Make Grilled Balsamic Lettuce Wraps

• Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Blend balsamic vinegar with olive oil, crushed garlic, sweet honey, zesty Dijon mustard, and a pinch of seasoning to awaken the chicken’s taste potential.

• Infuse Chicken with Deliciousness

Submerge chicken in marinade, allowing flavors to dance and penetrate deeply for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the refrigerator.

• Grill to Perfection

Fire up the grill to medium-high heat. Lay chicken on hot grates, cooking 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature hits 165F, ensuring juicy, tender meat.

• Craft Vibrant Lettuce Bundles

Layer tender grilled chicken slices into crisp lettuce leaves. Scatter fresh cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, and tangy red onion for a burst of color and texture.

• Add Final Flourish

Drizzle with rich balsamic glaze and sprinkle fragrant herbs. Serve these mouthwatering wraps immediately for maximum enjoyment.

Flavor Boosters For Lettuce Wraps

• Smart Marinating Secrets: Let chicken soak in balsamic mixture for maximum flavor absorption, but never exceed 4 hours to prevent meat from becoming too acidic.
• Grill Mastery Technique: Pat chicken dry before grilling to ensure perfect sear and prevent steaming, creating those delicious caramelized edges that lock in juiciness.
• Low-Carb Wonder: Replace honey with sugar-free sweetener for keto-friendly version, maintaining delicious taste while reducing carbohydrate content dramatically.
• Protein Swap Magic: Easily substitute chicken with firm tofu, turkey breast, or lean pork tenderloin for diverse protein options that match the marinade's bright flavors.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Marinate chicken overnight, grill in advance, and store sliced meat separately from lettuce wraps for quick, convenient lunches throughout the week – perfect for busy schedules.

How To Serve Lettuce Wraps Right

• Party Plate Magic: Create a vibrant platter with multiple lettuce wrap varieties, allowing guests to mix and match their favorite toppings and experiment with flavors.
• Fresh Accompaniment Boost: Serve alongside a light Mediterranean-style quinoa salad or crisp cucumber tzatziki for added texture and complementary cool tastes.
• Summer Dining Delight: Perfect for outdoor gatherings, these wraps pair beautifully with chilled white wine or a refreshing citrus-infused sparkling water, creating a relaxed and elegant dining experience.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual wrap components separately in containers for easy lunch transportation, keeping lettuce crisp and ingredients fresh until mealtime.

Wrap Storage And Planning Tips

• Batch Prep Paradise: Marinate multiple chicken breasts at once and store in separate containers for quick weeknight meals throughout the week. Refrigerate marinaded chicken up to 24 hours before cooking for maximum flavor infusion.
• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store sliced grilled chicken in airtight containers, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days. Separate lettuce leaves and toppings in different compartments to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Cooked chicken can be frozen flat in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain moisture and prevent toughening.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Repurpose leftover grilled chicken by chopping and adding to salads, grain bowls, or quick pasta dishes for instant meal variety. Keep toppings like chopped vegetables separately to maintain texture and freshness.

Tangy Grilled Balsamic Chicken Lettuce Wraps

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent grilled balsamic chicken lettuce wraps deliver Mediterranean flavors with crisp lettuce and tangy marinade. Balanced ingredients create a light, refreshing meal perfect for summer gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 head butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated and washed
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, and seasoning in a mixing bowl until harmoniously blended.
2. Marination Process: Completely coat chicken breasts in the prepared marinade, ensuring full coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavor infusion and tenderization.
3. Grilling Preparation: Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, gently shaking off excess liquid to prevent potential flame eruptions.
4. Cooking Technique: Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, achieving beautiful char marks and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The meat should release clear juices and develop a golden-brown exterior.
5. Resting and Slicing: Transfer grilled chicken to a cutting board. Allow meat to rest for several minutes, enabling juice redistribution. Slice chicken into elegant diagonal strips.
6. Wrap Assembly: Layer crisp lettuce leaves as a fresh foundation. Arrange warm chicken slices within each leaf, creating a vibrant base for the wrap.
7. Final Garnishing: Embellish wraps with cherry tomatoes, cucumber ribbons, and delicate red onion slivers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle fresh herbs for added complexity and visual appeal. Serve immediately to maintain optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Limit marinating time to 2 hours maximum to prevent chicken from becoming mushy or overly acidic from balsamic vinegar’s tenderizing properties.
• Prevent Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken, thoroughly washing surfaces and hands to avoid potential foodborne illnesses.
• Grill Temperature Control: Maintain consistent medium-high heat around 375-400°F to achieve perfect char marks without burning the chicken’s exterior while ensuring internal cooking.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace Dijon mustard with a certified gluten-free version and verify all ingredients’ gluten-free status for individuals with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 80mg