Chicken Bacon Ranch Lettuce Boats are a delightful, light meal that’s perfect for any day. These tasty bites are packed with seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing, all nestled in fresh lettuce leaves. They’re quick to prepare, making them an excellent option for busy weeknights or a fun family lunch.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This dish is a great choice for many reasons. First, it’s super easy to put together with everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand. The flavor of grilled chicken combined with the salty bacon and rich dressing is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s a fun, hands-on meal that kids love to assemble themselves!

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Lettuce Boats

Making these lettuce boats is a breeze. Start by seasoning and cooking the chicken until it’s nice and juicy. While the chicken rests, whip up a simple dressing. Then, when everything’s ready, just assemble on crisp lettuce leaves. It’s perfect for involving little helpers, too!

What You Need

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
6-8 leaves of romaine or butter lettuce (washed and patted dry)
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped or crumbled
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step

Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Grill or sear in a hot skillet over medium heat for about 6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. In a bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, parsley, and seasoning to taste. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest, then slice it. On each lettuce leaf, add some chicken, crumbled bacon, and drizzle with the dressing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve.

How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Lettuce Boats

These lettuce boats are perfect as a light lunch or dinner. You can serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a simple garden salad for a well-rounded meal. They also make great appetizers for parties; just prepare smaller portions for easy finger food. Enjoy with extra dressing on the side for dipping!

How to Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Lettuce Boats

To keep leftovers fresh, store the chicken and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They should be eaten within 3 days for the best flavor. You can wrap any leftover lettuce leaves in a damp paper towel and place them in a bag to help them stay crisp. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling.

Recipe Tips

Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Chill the Dressing: Making the dressing ahead can enhance the flavor.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak spices to suit your family’s taste.
Crispier Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for a crunchier texture.
Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor, but dried herbs will also work.
Quick Assembly: Lay everything out for family or kids to assemble their own lettuce boats.

Variations & Swaps

Turkey Bacon Option: Swap bacon for turkey bacon for a leaner alternative.
Vegetarian Version: Use grilled mushrooms or tempeh instead of chicken for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Spice it Up: Add sliced jalapeños to the dressing for a spicy kick.
Healthy Dressing: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter dressing.
Different Greens: Try using cabbage or Swiss chard leaves for a different wrap option.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and dressing ahead of time. Just store each component separately in the fridge. This makes for a quick assembly later on.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
You can freeze the cooked chicken, but it’s best to store it separately from the lettuce. The dressing can also be frozen in an airtight container.

How do I reheat the chicken?
To reheat, microwave the chicken in 30-second intervals until warm. You can also warm it up in a skillet over low heat to keep it moist.

What can I use instead of fresh dill?
If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill, though use about a third of the amount, as dried herbs are more potent.

What are some good sides to serve with these boats?
These lettuce boats pair well with fresh fruit salad, crunchy coleslaw, or even a light pasta salad for a more substantial meal.