Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Light, Juicy & Perfect for Summer 🥭🍗🥬
These Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the ultimate warm-weather meal—light, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re planning a backyard lunch or just want something refreshing and wholesome, this combo of sweet mango, tender chicken, and a zesty chili-lime dressing wrapped in crisp lettuce is a summer dream on a plate. ☀️🌿
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Light yet satisfying: Perfect for hot days or light dinners.
- ✅ Fast & flexible: Great with leftover chicken or rotisserie shortcut.
- ✅ Low-carb goodness: Wrapped in lettuce, not bread.
- ✅ Make it your own: Customize with your favorite sauce or toppings.
✨ Flavor Profile Overview
Imagine a forkful of soft mango melting into juicy chicken, balanced by the zip of lime juice and just the right hint of chili flakes. Every bite is a dance of sweet, tangy, spicy, and fresh. The lettuce adds crunch, while cilantro and onion bring a sharp, herby note that makes the dish sing. 😍
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (grilled, shredded, or rotisserie)
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 head of butter lettuce (or your favorite leafy green)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Step 1 – Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine chicken, mango, red bell pepper, onion, and cilantro. Add lime juice, chili flakes, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Step 2 – Optional Chill: Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors develop. Totally optional—but worth it!
- Step 3 – Assemble: Separate lettuce leaves carefully. Spoon filling into each leaf and serve immediately. Enjoy cold or room temperature.
🧂 Sauce Spotlight: Chili-Lime & Peanut Variations
🌶️ Simple Chili-Lime Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or chili powder
- Pinch of sea salt
🥜 Creamy Peanut Drizzle (optional twist)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- 1 tablespoon warm water (to thin)
Tip: Drizzle lightly over the wraps or serve on the side for dipping. Choose your favorite or serve both! 🙌
🍗 Chicken Options
- 🔥 Grilled: Adds smoky depth and a hearty bite.
- 🛒 Rotisserie: A time-saving, flavorful shortcut.
- 💧 Poached & Shredded: Moist and lean, soaks up dressing beautifully.
🥬 Best Lettuce Varieties
- 🌿 Butter Lettuce: Soft and naturally cupped—best texture and shape.
- 🥗 Romaine Hearts: Great crunch, slightly firmer bite.
- ❄️ Iceberg: Extra crisp but prone to tearing—use two layers if needed.
📦 Meal Prep & Make-Ahead Tips
- 🧊 Make the filling: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
- 🌿 Prep lettuce: Rinse, dry thoroughly, and wrap in a damp paper towel in a zip bag.
- 🕒 Assemble fresh: Wraps should be assembled right before eating to prevent sogginess.
🧠 Nutritional Benefits
- 💪 Lean protein: Chicken provides muscle-building nutrients.
- 🥭 High in vitamin C: Mango promotes immunity and healthy skin.
- 🥬 Low-carb and keto-friendly: Lettuce wraps are perfect for light eating.
- 🌈 Antioxidant-rich: Bell peppers and red onions boost your defense system.
🔁 Serving Variations
- 🥗 Summer Salad Bowl: Serve filling over a bed of greens with extra sauce.
- 🌮 Mini Tacos: Swap lettuce with soft tortillas for taco night.
- 🍚 Grain Bowl: Serve over rice or quinoa with avocado slices and sesame seeds.
❓ FAQs
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Absolutely! Swap chicken for tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas and use maple syrup in the sauce.
- Which mango variety is best? Honey mango (Ataulfo) or Kent mangoes are ideal—sweet, juicy, and less fibrous.
- How spicy is the chili-lime sauce? Mild to medium, but easily adjustable. Use less chili or swap for paprika if needed.
- Can I use frozen mango? Yes, but thaw and pat dry first to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- How do I transport these for a picnic or lunch? Keep filling and lettuce separate, then assemble on-site for the freshest texture.
🥭 Wrap It Up: A Summer Favorite You’ll Keep Craving
If you’re looking for a light, delicious, and super customizable summer meal, these Mango Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a must-make. Try them today and don’t forget to pin, rate, or share! Looking for more fresh ideas? Check out our Zucchini Fritters and Thai Peanut Slaw recipes for more healthy inspiration. 🌿✨
