The Art of Perfect Grilled Chicken and Pesto Lettuce Wraps Mediterranean Style

Perfect Pesto Creation Mastery

Master the technique of making fresh basil pesto with proper texture and balanced flavors.

Chicken Grilling Excellence

Learn the skill of grilling chicken to achieve juicy, flavorful strips with perfect doneness.

Lettuce Preparation Perfection

Perfect the method of selecting and preparing crisp lettuce cups for optimal presentation.

Mediterranean Flavor Balance

Master the art of combining Mediterranean ingredients for authentic, harmonious flavors.

Assembly Technique

Learn optimal layering and drizzling techniques for maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Mediterranean Lettuce Wrap Mastery Secrets for Perfect Pesto Chicken Combinations

Pesto Freshness: Use the freshest basil possible and make pesto just before serving for optimal flavor.

Chicken Strips: Slice chicken against the grain for most tender texture in wraps.

Lettuce Selection: Choose the crispest lettuce heads and keep them cold until serving.

Pine Nuts: Toasting pine nuts enhances their flavor and adds delightful crunch.

Assembly Order: Add pesto last to prevent lettuce from wilting from the oil.

Storage Tip: Store leftover pesto covered with thin layer of olive oil to prevent browning.

Crisp Lettuce Wraps with Grilled Chicken Strips and Fresh Basil Pesto Drizzle

Name: Crisp Lettuce Wraps with Grilled Chicken Strips and Fresh Basil Pesto Drizzle
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: For the Perfect Grilled Chicken:; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; For the Chicken Marinade:; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; For the Fresh Basil Pesto:; 2 cups fresh basil leaves; 3 cloves garlic, peeled; 1/3 cup pine nuts; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; For the Pesto Enhancement:; 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; For the Lettuce Foundation:; 2 large heads butter lettuce; 1 head Boston lettuce; For the Fresh Vegetables:; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 avocado, sliced; For the Mediterranean Accents:

Fresh and vibrant lettuce wraps featuring perfectly grilled chicken strips nestled in crisp lettuce leaves and drizzled with aromatic homemade basil pesto. This Mediterranean-inspired healthy meal combines tender, seasoned grilled chicken with the bright, herbaceous flavors of fresh pesto, creating a light yet satisfying dish that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or elegant entertaining. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of lean protein, fresh greens, and the classic Italian flavors of basil, garlic, and parmesan that will leave you craving more.

Prep Time

25 Minutes

Cook Time

12 Minutes

Total Time

37 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Perfect Grilled Chicken:

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Chicken Marinade:

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Fresh Basil Pesto:

2 cups fresh basil leaves

3 cloves garlic, peeled

1/3 cup pine nuts

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

For the Pesto Enhancement:

3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Lettuce Foundation:

2 large heads butter lettuce

1 head Boston lettuce

For the Fresh Vegetables:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 avocado, sliced

For the Mediterranean Accents:

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

2 tablespoons capers

1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

For the Cheese Options:

1/2 cup fresh mozzarella, diced

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Garnish Elements:

2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Lemon wedges for serving

For the Flavor Enhancers:

1 tablespoon balsamic glaze

Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

For Special Equipment:

Food processor

Grill pan or outdoor grill

Sharp knife

Cutting board

Instructions

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper for marinade.

Marinate chicken breasts in mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Meanwhile, prepare fresh basil pesto in food processor.

Add basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts to food processor and pulse.

Slowly drizzle in olive oil while processing until smooth paste forms.

Add Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to pesto mixture.

Process until well combined and adjust seasoning to taste.

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Remove chicken from marinade and season with Italian seasoning.

Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.

Carefully separate lettuce leaves and wash thoroughly under cold water.

Pat lettuce leaves completely dry with paper towels.

Arrange clean lettuce cups on serving platter.

Prepare all vegetables by halving tomatoes and dicing cucumber.

Thinly slice red onion and slice avocado just before serving.

Toast pine nuts in dry pan for 2-3 minutes until golden.

Dice fresh mozzarella and crumble feta cheese if using.

Place warm grilled chicken strips in center of each lettuce cup.

Add desired fresh vegetables and Mediterranean accents.

Generously drizzle homemade basil pesto over chicken and vegetables.

Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and fresh cheese if desired.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with lemon wedges.

Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra Mediterranean flavor.

Serve immediately while chicken is warm and lettuce is crisp.

Crisp Lettuce Wraps with Grilled Chicken Strips and Fresh Basil Pesto Drizzle

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Perfect Grilled Chicken and Pesto Lettuce Wraps Mediterranean Style

Crisp Lettuce Wraps with Grilled Chicken Strips and Fresh Basil Pesto Drizzle

Ingredients

Instructions