Spicy Chili-Lime Chicken Lettuce Wraps

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken seasoned with chili and lime, wrapped in crisp lettuce for a fresh, light bite with a kick. This mexican-inspired chicken (low-carb, gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; toss until chicken is evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken; cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and edges begin to brown.
  3. Step 3: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice to coat the chicken with a bright tangy flavor.
  4. Step 4: Lay out 8 large romaine lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Spoon the cooked chicken evenly onto each leaf.
  5. Step 5: Top each wrap with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp diced red onion, and a dollop of 1 tbsp sour cream mixed with 1 tsp hot sauce for a creamy spicy finish.
  6. Step 6: Fold the lettuce leaves around the filling and serve immediately for a refreshing, low-carb meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Chili-Lime Chicken Lettuce Wraps take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Chili-Lime Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Chili-Lime Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spicy Chili-Lime Chicken Lettuce Wraps for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Spicy Chili-Lime Chicken Lettuce Wraps low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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