Make fresh lemon chicken lettuce cups with cucumber, Greek yogurt and herbs in just 10 minutes. A no-cook, high-protein, low-carb lunch or snack.
Lemon Chicken Lettuce Cups: Easy High-Protein, Low-Carb Recipe
Looking for a fresh, satisfying meal that takes just minutes to prepare? These Lemon Chicken Lettuce Cups combine tender shredded chicken, crisp cucumber, creamy Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice and fragrant herbs inside crunchy lettuce leaves.
With approximately 195 calories and 33g of protein per serving, this easy recipe is a convenient option for a light lunch, protein-rich snack or simple meal before activity.
The lemon and yogurt create a refreshing dressing without the need for mayonnaise, while parsley or dill adds a bright, herby finish.
Best of all, there's no cooking required when you start with fully cooked chicken.
Whether you're following a lower-carbohydrate eating pattern, preparing quick meals for busy days or looking for a lighter option before exercise, these chicken lettuce cups are simple, flavorful and easy to customize.
Fresh ingredients, bright lemon flavor and a protein-rich meal in just 10 minutes.
🛒 Ingredients
Makes 2 servings
Preparation tip: Use chicken that has already been thoroughly cooked and properly refrigerated. Pat the lettuce dry so the cups stay crisp.
👩🍳 How to make lemon chicken lettuce cups
1. Prepare the chicken and cucumber
Shred the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the cucumber and place both ingredients in a mixing bowl.
2. Make the lemon yogurt dressing
In a separate bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice and finely chopped parsley or dill until combined.
3. Combine the filling
Add the yogurt dressing to the chicken and cucumber. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
4. Fill and serve
Arrange the washed lettuce leaves on a serving plate. Spoon the chicken mixture into each leaf and serve immediately for the freshest texture.
📊 Calories and nutrition
Provisional nutrition per serving, based on 2 portions
🏋️ Are these lettuce cups good before the gym?
They can be a useful light pre-activity meal because they're relatively small and contain plenty of protein.
However, at just 4g of carbohydrates per serving, they won't provide much carbohydrate for a demanding workout. For longer or more intense exercise, some people may benefit from additional carbohydrate before training.
Because individual digestion varies, allow enough time between eating and exercise for comfort.
🥑 Are they keto-friendly?
At approximately 4g carbohydrate per serving, these lettuce cups can fit into many ketogenic or lower-carb eating plans.
Whether they fit an individual's ketogenic diet depends on their total daily carbohydrate intake.
🌯 Higher-carbohydrate option
For a fuller meal, serve the chicken filling inside a wholegrain wrap instead of lettuce leaves.
The wrap will add calories and carbohydrates, which are not included in the estimates above.
🌱 Vegetarian variation
Replace the chicken with cooked, cooled tofu.
Keep the cucumber, yogurt, lemon and herbs the same, but recalculate the calories and protein because tofu has a different nutritional profile.
🧊 Storage and food safety
Allergen: Milk.
Keep the ingredients chilled and assemble the lettuce cups fresh.
Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 48 hours, or sooner if any ingredient's use-by date requires it. Keep the filling separate from the lettuce for better texture.