Chicken, Beef & Bacon Lettuce Wraps (Print View)
Protein-packed lettuce wraps featuring three meats, fresh vegetables, and creamy ranch for a satisfying low-carb meal.
# What You Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (approximately 9 ounces), diced into 1-inch pieces
02 - 7 ounces ground beef (85% lean)
03 - 6 slices thick-cut bacon
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 head butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated, washed, and patted dry
05 - 1 medium vine-ripened tomato, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
06 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
07 - 1 small English cucumber, thinly sliced into rounds
→ Seasonings
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Ranch Dressing
12 - 1/3 cup prepared ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
# How to Make It:
01 - Cook bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy and browned. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.
02 - In the same skillet with rendered bacon fat, add ground beef. Sprinkle with half of the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and set aside, keeping warm.
03 - Add diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with the remaining salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from heat.
04 - Select the largest, most intact lettuce leaves and arrange them on a large serving platter or individual plates. Ensure leaves are dry to prevent sogginess.
05 - Spoon equal portions of cooked ground beef and chicken onto each lettuce cup. Top generously with crumbled bacon pieces.
06 - Distribute diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and cucumber rounds evenly over the protein layer on each wrap.
07 - Drizzle approximately 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing over each lettuce wrap just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
08 - Present wraps family-style on the platter, allowing diners to fold and eat with their hands. For interactive dining, arrange components separately and let guests assemble their own wraps.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Three proteins in one bite means every wrap feels like a feast without weighing you down
- The ranch dressing ties everything together while the fresh veggies keep it bright and crisp
02 -
- Cooking the proteins separately instead of together lets each one develop its own distinct flavor and texture
- Letting the meats rest for a minute after cooking keeps them juicy when you assemble the wraps
03 -
- Pat the lettuce leaves completely dry with paper towels before filling them so the ranch and juices dont make them wilt
- If serving a crowd, cook everything in advance and keep the proteins warm in separate dishes so guests can build their own wraps throughout the meal