Chicken Caesar Lettuce Cups
Chicken Caesar Lettuce Cups are a lighter and healthier twist on the classic Caesar salad. These delicious lettuce cups are filled with seasoned chicken, crunchy croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing. They make for a refreshing and satisfying meal or appetizer.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 head of romaine lettuce
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Wash and dry the romaine lettuce leaves. Carefully separate the leaves to create cups for the filling. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Spoon the chicken mixture into the individual romaine lettuce cups, filling them generously.
Garnish the Chicken Caesar Lettuce Cups with freshly ground black pepper and some fresh parsley or basil leaves.
Serve immediately as a light and flavorful meal or appetizer.
TIPS
To make the Caesar dressing at home, you can mix mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, anchovy paste (optional), salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free croutons or omit them altogether.
Feel free to add extra vegetables to the filling, such as cucumbers, red bell peppers, or red onions, for added crunch and flavor.
If you prefer a warm filling, you can quickly heat the chicken mixture in a skillet before spooning it into the lettuce cups.
Make sure to wash and dry the romaine lettuce leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
For added protein, you can toss in some boiled eggs or crispy bacon pieces into the filling.
Store any leftover Chicken Caesar Lettuce Cups in the refrigerator in an airtight container. However, note that the lettuce cups may lose their crispness over time.
You can also serve the Chicken Caesar mixture in a regular salad or as a sandwich filling if you don’t want to use lettuce cups.
Customize the level of spiciness by adding a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the chicken mixture.
Prepare the Chicken Caesar Lettuce Cups right before serving to ensure that the lettuce stays fresh and crisp.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving (2 lettuce cups)
- Protein: Around 20-25 grams per serving
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15 grams per serving
- Fat: About 10-15 grams per serving
