Flavor Explosion - Easy Chipotle Lettuce Wraps with Chicken

Get ready for an explosion of spicy, smoky flavor! These easy chipotle lettuce wraps take boneless chicken thighs and marinate them in a sauce of chipotles in adobo, lime juice, honey and spices. The chicken gets charred on the grill and then served wrapped up in refreshing lettuce leaves. Every bite of the wraps pops with the flavors of chipotle chilies, garlic, cumin and citrus. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or light main, this chicken is big on taste while still feeling fresh. Let’s talk details!

Choose Boneless Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe because they stay so moist, tender and full of flavor, even with the longer marinating time. Go for about 1 1⁄2 pounds of boneless, skinless thighs.

Lock in the Juices

The natural fat and collagen in boneless thighs keeps them from drying out, unlike lean breast meat.

Marinate in Chipotle Adobo Sauce

In a zip top bag, combine chopped chipotles in adobo sauce with lime juice, honey, cumin, oregano and garlic. Add the chicken and massage to coat. Refrigerate at least 2 hours to marinate.

Let Those Flavors Mix

Give the zesty marinade plenty of time to penetrate the chicken for maximum flavor impact.

Grill the Chicken for Char and Caramelization

Drain the chicken from the marinade and grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side. The sugars will caramelize into an irresistible slightly charred crust.

Watch the Temp

Use a meat thermometer to test doneness. Pull from grill at 165°F for perfectly juicy results.

Assemble Lettuce Cups

Slice grilled chicken into strips. Fill lettuce leaves like butter or romaine with chicken, then load up with desired toppings like salsa, guacamole, cheese, etc. Add extra adobo from marinade if you want more heat.

Pile Those Toppings High

Part of the fun of lettuce wraps is customizing each one. Go crazy mixing and matching toppings to your heart’s content.

5 Creative Topping Combos

- Guacamole and queso fresco

- Pico de gallo and Cotija cheese

- Mango salsa and red onion

- Black bean and corn salsa with avocado

- Greek yogurt, lime and cilantro

10 Key Tips for Amazing Chipotle Lettuce Wraps

1. Use boneless chicken thighs for moist, tender meat

2. Generously coat chicken in the marinade

3. Grill over medium-high heat for color and char

4. Slice chicken into thin, easy-to-eat strips

5. Fill sturdy lettuce cups with chicken

6. Load up with fun creative toppings

7. Add extra adobo sauce if you want more heat

8. Serve wraps folded or let guests wrap their own

9. Accompany with rice and beans or tortilla chips

10. Have fun mixing and matching flavors!

In Summary

These easy chipotle chicken lettuce wraps deliver a flavor explosion in every bite. Kids and adults alike will have a blast customizing each handheld wrap with their favorite toppings. The zesty chipotle marinade infuses the chicken with incredible depth while the lettuce cups keep it light and fresh. Make this new family favorite tonight!