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
- 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)
Instructions
- Marinade Creation: Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, and seasoning in a mixing bowl until harmoniously blended.
- Marination Process: Completely coat chicken breasts in the prepared marinade, ensuring full coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavor infusion and tenderization.
- Grilling Preparation: Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, gently shaking off excess liquid to prevent potential flame eruptions.
- 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.
- 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.
- Wrap Assembly: Layer crisp lettuce leaves as a fresh foundation. Arrange warm chicken slices within each leaf, creating a vibrant base for the wrap.
- 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