Pace Chicken Lettuce Wraps
This recipe is sponsored by Campbell’s. All opinions are mine alone.
I love Taco Tuesday. Let’s be honest, I love tacos any day of the week, but especially on Tuesdays. With this in mind, I partnered with my friends at Campbell’s to share one of my favorite taco recipes, a lighter cousin of my taco board and my cilantro lime shrimp lettuce wraps.
I had the best time creating these Bibb lettuce chicken tacos using Pace Salsa. In particular, I love how rich in flavor it is and how much it adds to a meal with so little effort. If you like easy chicken dinners, my basil pesto tomato mozzarella chicken bake and easy chicken thighs with wild rice belong on your list too.
I use Bibb lettuce instead of regular taco shells to keep things light. As a result, this recipe is not only simple but also fresh, and it fits right in on a game-day table next to spicy Velveeta queso and a turkey, cranberry and brie quesadilla.
What Are Pace Chicken Lettuce Wraps?
In essence, they are chicken tacos in a lettuce shell. Strips of chicken are cooked until golden, tossed with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne and Pace Salsa, then layered into Bibb lettuce with taco toppings.
Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
- Extra-virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons). For the skillet.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4, cut into 1-inch strips). The filling.
- Salt and pepper. To taste.
- Chili powder (2 teaspoons) and cumin (2 teaspoons). The classic taco seasoning.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon) and cayenne (1/4 teaspoon). Savory depth and a little heat.
- Pace Salsa (8 tablespoons). I use 2 tablespoons per chicken breast.
- Bibb lettuce (8 pieces). The taco shells.
- Optional toppings. Thinly sliced red onion, diced tomatoes, shredded Monterey Jack, diced avocado, fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Everything I Love for This Recipe
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Large Skillet
Room to brown the chicken in one layer.
Tongs
For turning the chicken strips.
Chef’s Knife
For slicing chicken and toppings.
Cutting Board
One for chicken, one for vegetables.
Measuring Spoons
For the spices and salsa.
Small Serving Bowls
For the toppings.
Wooden Serving Board
For arranging the wraps, as in my photos.
Salad Spinner
Dries the lettuce so it stays crisp.
Box Grater
For shredding Monterey Jack.
Citrus Juicer
For the lime.
Instant-Read Thermometer
Confirms the chicken is cooked through.
Taco Holder Stand
Keeps filled wraps upright.
How To Make Pace Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook until golden, approximately six minutes.
Step 3: Add the Spices and Salsa
Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne and salsa and stir until coated, approximately one minute more.
Step 4: Build the Wraps
Layer the chicken and your desired toppings in the Bibb lettuce.
Pace Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 8 tablespoons Pace Salsa 2 tablespoons per chicken breast
- 8 pieces Bibb lettuce
Optional Toppings
- red onion thinly sliced
- tomatoes diced
- Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- avocado diced
- fresh cilantro
- lime wedges
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add the chicken to the skillet. Cook until golden, approximately six minutes.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne and salsa and stir until coated, approximately one minute more.
- Layer the chicken and your desired toppings in the Bibb lettuce.
KEEP HOSTING
More to make and share — easy bites and party-ready appetizers.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Bright, zesty shrimp tucked into fresh lettuce wraps.
Get the Recipe →
Mini Frozen Pancake and Thai Chili Chicken Kabobs
Sweet-and-spicy chicken kabobs with a fun pancake twist.
Get the Recipe →
Spicy Shrimp Buffalo Dip
A bold, creamy buffalo dip with a spicy shrimp kick.
Get the Recipe →Variations
Change the Protein
Use shrimp, as in the cilantro lime shrimp lettuce wraps linked above.
Go Meatless
Try my spinach, onion and mushroom quesadillas.
Use Taco Shells
Swap the lettuce for shells if you prefer.
Make It a Salad
Serve the chicken over an easy chicken cobb mason jar salad style bowl.
When I Love Serving These Wraps
Taco Tuesday
The reason this recipe exists.
Light Weeknight Dinners
Furthermore, dinner is ready in about 20 minutes.
Game Day
Set out the toppings and let everyone build.
Cinco de Mayo
A fresh addition to the spread.
Lunch at Home
Equally important, leftovers reheat well.
Summer Gatherings
Cool, crisp and easy to eat outside.
What To Serve With Them
A Salad
Cucumber tomato avocado salad or honey basil peach fruit salad.
Another Chicken Favorite
Buffalo chicken flatbread pizza or BBQ chicken flatbread pizza.
Fresh Vegetables
An epic veggie tray.
A Cold Drink
A cucumber mule, a watermelon basil spritzer or raspberry lemonade.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
- Serve right away. Fill the lettuce just before eating so it stays crisp.
- Leftover chicken. Refrigerate in a covered container, separate from the lettuce and toppings.
- Prep ahead. Chop the toppings before you start cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much salsa do I use?
Two tablespoons per chicken breast, so 8 tablespoons for this recipe.
What lettuce works best?
Bibb lettuce.
What toppings go on them?
Red onion, tomatoes, Monterey Jack, avocado, cilantro and lime wedges are all optional.
How long does the chicken cook?
About six minutes until golden, plus one minute with the spices and salsa.
How many does it make?
Eight wraps.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, these wraps give me everything I love about taco night with a lighter touch. Without a doubt, the salsa does the heavy lifting. You will love how simple and tasty this recipe is!
