Are you looking for an easy, slow cooker recipe for spring? One that doesn’t take a lot of planning, effort, or skill, but delivers big on flavor and appeal?!?
These Sweet and Spicy Pulled Chicken Lettuce Wraps are nothing short of fantastic! We made these for the Super Bowl and have since made them a number of times. I just repurposed the meat from my Chipotle Honey Chicken Tacos and created something new, bright and fresh.
I didn’t want these lettuce wraps to be too spicy though, so I only used two chipotle peppers. Specific notes are below.
*Fun Party Tip: you can fill and use the smaller, inner lettuce cups as appetizer portions. Your friends will go crazy for them!
Bon Appetit!
Sweet & Spicy Pulled Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These healthy Sweet & Spicy Lettuce Wraps come together so easily in the slow cooker. Filled with deliciously spiced chicken and loaded with tons of fresh toppings - your friends will go crazy for them! Serve as a main meal, or use the smaller lettuce cups as appetizers.
Ingredients
- 3-4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts w/ Rib Meat, (equivalent to 2 lbs.)
- 1/2 cup Beeyond The Hive Raw Wildflower Honey
- 1 7 oz can Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce (2 diced)
- 2 tsps Adobo Sauce
- 1 tsp McCormick Ground Cumin
- 1 tsp McCormick Chili Powder
- 1 tsp McCormick Paprika
- 1/2 tsp McCormick Garlic Salt
- 1/4 tsp McCormick Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- Mahatma Jasmine White Rice, cooked
- 1 Head of Butter Lettuce, pulled apart, washed and patted dry
- Additional Toppings: Cilantro, diced mango, scallions, avocado slices, and lime wedges
Instructions
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In a small dish, add all the spices and mix until thoroughly combined.
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To a slow cooker, arrange the whole chicken breasts and completely coat both sides of the chicken with the spice mixture. Top with the diced chipotle peppers, sauce and honey.
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Cover and cook on high for 3 - 3 1/2 hours, or cook on low for 6 - 6 1/2 hours.
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Pull out the chicken and shred with two forks. Then add the meat back to the slow cooker and stir into the juices. (There will be quite a bit of liquid, but once the chicken is shredded and added back in it will be nicely absorbed).
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Prepare the rice according to package directions, about 20 minutes before serving.
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When ready to assemble: top each lettuce cup with rice, shredded meat and the toppings. Serve each plate with lime wedges.
Recipe Notes
*Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: If you're looking for flavor without the spice, only add in the peppers and omit the sauce. (This is a great option for kiddos or for those that can't tolerate spiciness).
*Slow Cooker Times: Whether you cook the meat on low or high, make sure to check the doneness at the 3 hour or 5-6 hour mark. If it is overcooked, it will taste dry and will have lost its bold flavor.
*Butter Lettuce: Gently pull each leaf from the core, and run under mild flowing water. Place them on a towel and pat dry with a second towel. (This lettuce is extremely delicate. Handle carefully because it can rip very easily).
*Did you make this recipe? Tag @alifedelicious on Instagram and hashtag it #alifedelicious
Monique says
May 3, 2019 at 8:56 PMThese look so delicious!
Naomi says
May 6, 2019 at 8:47 PMAnd they taste even better too! Give them a try, and let me know what you think. 😉
Amy Sheree says
May 3, 2019 at 10:13 PMThis looks absolutely delishhh!!
Naomi says
May 6, 2019 at 4:45 PMThanks Amy! These wraps are so popular in my house. They are requested frequently! 😉
Tim Cook says
May 3, 2019 at 10:47 PMAbsolutely one of my favorites!
Naomi says
May 6, 2019 at 4:43 PMMine too! It is so dang good!!!!
Katie Beck says
May 6, 2019 at 10:19 AMSo I am absolutely obsessed with lettuce wraps. I am constantly trying to eat less carbs (hello bathing suit season) and these are always a perfect option. And I have to say, adding honey and giving them a touch of sweetness really makes for an awesome balanced dish.
Naomi says
May 6, 2019 at 8:50 PMI couldn’t agree with you more, girlfriend!!!
And I love adding honey to this recipe. Speaking of which, if you love honey, please check out that specific link. Beeyond The Hive Honey is the BEST I have ever had. The taste is like nothing else!
Rebecca | Let's Eat Cake says
May 7, 2019 at 9:19 PMGirl!!! I’m making this this weekend. I’m off carbs for the moment, but these, these I can eat!
Naomi says
May 8, 2019 at 2:58 PMDo it girl! These wraps are truly amazing! And I am so proud of the recipe. (The last time I made them, I shared it between two households and everyone went nuts for them. I had immediate requests for a second go around). LOL!