Description
Succulent Grilled Balsamic Chicken Lettuce Wraps deliver Mediterranean-inspired flavors that dance across crisp lettuce leaves. Delicate chicken marinated in tangy balsamic vinegar creates a light, refreshing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade and Seasoning:
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh Ingredients and Garnish:
- 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
- Craft a vibrant marinade by blending balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, golden honey, tangy Dijon mustard, and a pinch of seasoning in a compact mixing vessel.
- Submerge chicken breasts completely in the aromatic liquid, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for a minimum of half an hour, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the protein.
- Heat outdoor grill to a robust medium-high temperature. Extract chicken from marinade, shaking off excess liquid to prevent flare-ups.
- Position chicken on grill grates, cooking approximately 5-6 minutes per side. Monitor internal temperature, aiming for a safe 165°F (75°C). Chicken should display elegant char marks and release succulent juices.
- Transfer grilled chicken to a resting board, letting it relax for several minutes to redistribute internal moisture. Slice meat into delicate, diagonal strips.
- Select crisp, verdant lettuce leaves as your natural wrap foundation. Arrange tender chicken slices within each leaf’s embrace.
- Embellish wraps with vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber slivers, and thinly sliced red onion for textural complexity.
- Enhance presentation by drizzling balsamic glaze and scattering fresh herb confetti across the wraps. Serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and crispness.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for deeper flavor infusion, allowing balsamic and honey to penetrate chicken thoroughly.
- Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the same zesty marinade profile.
- Use butter lettuce or large romaine leaves for sturdier, more elegant wrap bases that won’t tear easily.
- Pat chicken dry before grilling to ensure beautiful caramelization and prevent steaming instead of proper grilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg