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Ground Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps - A Light, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground chicken: 1 to 1.25 pounds (93–96% lean works best)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 1–2 tablespoons
  • Yellow onion: 1 small, finely diced
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
  • Chicken broth or water: 1/3 cup
  • Lime: 1, plus more for serving
  • Romaine hearts, butter lettuce, or iceberg: 1 large head for wraps
  • Spices: chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Optional heat: cayenne or chipotle powder
  • Toppings: avocado or guacamole, diced tomatoes, salsa or pico de gallo, shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, red onion, corn, black beans

Method
 

  1. Prep the lettuce: Separate the leaves, rinse, and pat dry. Keep them chilled in the fridge so they stay crisp.
  2. Mix the spice blend: In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Add a pinch of cayenne if you like heat.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic for 30 seconds.
  4. Brown the chicken: Add ground chicken. Break it up with a spatula. Cook 5–7 minutes until no pink remains and any moisture cooks off. Don’t over-stir; let it get some light browning for flavor.
  5. Season and simmer: Sprinkle the spice blend over the chicken. Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Pour in the broth or water. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly saucy but not watery.
  6. Finish with lime: Turn off the heat and squeeze in the juice of half a lime. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime as needed.
  7. Assemble the wraps: Spoon the chicken into lettuce leaves. Top with your favorites—avocado, salsa, cheese, red onion, cilantro, a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.
  8. Serve immediately: Keep extra lettuce on the side and pass more lime wedges. Enjoy while the lettuce is crisp and the chicken is warm.