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Easy Freezer-Friendly Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

freezer-friendly chicken salad lettuce wraps - featured image

These Easy Freezer-Friendly Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a meal prep dreamβ€”creamy, flavorful chicken salad that freezes beautifully and thaws perfectly for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner. Made with simple ingredients and customizable add-ins, they’re perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh squeezed
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 heads butter lettuce or bibb lettuce, leaves separated
  • 1/2 cup red grapes, halved (optional)
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pecans, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup apple, diced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: If using rotisserie chicken, remove skin and bones, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. You should have about 3 cups. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Combine the ingredients: Pour the dressing over the chicken. Add diced celery, red onion, and fresh parsley. Fold gently until chicken is evenly coated.
  4. Check the consistency: The salad should be creamy but not overly wet. Adjust with more mayo or yogurt if needed.
  5. Portion for freezing: Divide into individual servings (about 1/2 cup each) and place in freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out air, seal, and label with date.
  6. Freeze: Lay bags flat in the freezer. They’ll freeze into thin slabs that thaw quickly.
  7. Thaw and serve: Transfer a portion to the refrigerator the night before to thaw. Alternatively, thaw in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. Do not microwave.
  8. Assemble the wraps: Wash and dry lettuce leaves. Spoon about 1/4 cup of chicken salad into the center of each leaf. Fold or roll as desired and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, let the chicken salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Do not add fresh fruits like grapes or apples before freezing; stir them in after thawing. The frozen and thawed version often tastes better than fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, lettuce wraps, freezer-friendly, meal prep, low-carb, gluten-free, healthy lunch