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Oh, Easter! You know how much I adore spring gatherings, and finding dishes that feel special but aren’t too heavy is always my mission. That’s exactly why these Easter lettuce cups with grilled chicken, avocado, and lemon yogurt are my absolute go-to! They’re just so fresh and vibrant, like a little taste of springtime in every bite. I remember making these one Easter when the weather was just starting to warm up, and everyone raved about how light yet satisfying they were. It’s the perfect way to celebrate without feeling weighed down.

Why You’ll Love These Lettuce Cups

Honestly, these lettuce cups are a dream for Easter lunch. They’re wonderfully light, packed with good-for-you ingredients, and just bursting with fresh, clean flavors that feel so right for spring. Plus, they’re surprisingly quick to whip up, which means more time for you to actually enjoy the holiday!

Experience the Freshness: Lettuce Cups with Grilled Chicken, Avocado, and Lemon Yogurt

This dish is all about that incredible combination of textures and tastes that just sing together. You’ve got the tender, perfectly grilled chicken, which I like to shred so it really grabs all that yummy dressing. Then comes the creamy, dreamy avocado – it just melts in your mouth! And the star for me? That tangy lemon yogurt dressing. It’s got a little zip from the lemon, a hint of garlic, and fresh cilantro that just brightens everything up. When you spoon all of that into crisp, cool butter lettuce leaves? Wowza! It’s a flavor explosion that feels so wholesome and delicious. It truly is the perfect balance of satisfying and refreshing.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Lettuce Cups with Grilled Chicken

Alright, let’s get our shopping list sorted for these amazing lettuce cups with grilled chicken. It’s pretty straightforward, which is another reason I love them so much! You’ll need about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast – I usually go for ones that look nice and plump. For grilling, grab a couple of tablespoons of good olive oil, a teaspoon of salt, and about half a teaspoon of black pepper. These are our basic flavor builders for the chicken!

For that dreamy dressing, we need about a quarter cup of plain Greek yogurt. I really prefer the full-fat stuff here because it makes the dressing so much creamier and richer, but you can use low-fat if you’re watching things closely. Then, we’ll need some fresh lemon juice – about two tablespoons, but you can totally add more if you like it tangier. A single clove of garlic, minced super fine, adds just the right bite, and a quarter cup of fresh cilantro, chopped up, brings all that lovely spring flavor. And of course, two ripe avocados are essential! Make sure they’re soft enough to yield to gentle pressure, not mushy, and then we’ll dice them up. For the cups themselves, about 8 to 10 large butter lettuce leaves work perfectly. Just make sure they’re washed and dried really well so they hold up! If you’re feeling extra, some cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced red onion are fantastic optional additions.

Chicken Preparation for Lettuce Cups

Before we hit the grill, let’s get that chicken ready! Just toss your chicken breast pieces with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re nicely coated. This simple step is key to getting that perfect grilled flavor and keeping the chicken moist.

Crafting the Creamy Lemon Yogurt Dressing

Now for the magic sauce! In a small bowl, just whisk together your Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, that minced garlic, and the chopped cilantro. Keep whisking until it’s all smooth and beautifully combined. It’s so simple, but the flavor is just fantastic!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lettuce Cups with Grilled Chicken, Avocado, and Lemon Yogurt

Okay, let’s get these gorgeous lettuce cups with grilled chicken, avocado, and lemon yogurt made! It’s really not complicated at all. First things first, get your grill fired up to medium-high heat. While that’s warming up, let’s prep our chicken. Just toss those chicken breasts with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re nicely coated. Then, pop them on the grill!

Grill the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side. You want it to be cooked all the way through and have those lovely grill marks. The best way to know for sure is to use a meat thermometer – it should read 165°F (74°C). Once they’re done, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This is super important for keeping them juicy! After resting, you can shred them or dice them up into bite-sized pieces, whatever you prefer.

Grilling the Chicken to Perfection

So, about that grilling! Make sure your grill is nice and hot before the chicken goes on. Those 6-8 minutes per side are a good guideline, but always check for that internal temperature of 165°F. Letting the chicken rest after grilling is crucial – it allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken incredibly tender and moist. Then, just shred or dice it up; I find shredding works really well for these cups so the dressing can really cling to the chicken.

Assembling Your Delicious Lettuce Cups

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! In a big bowl, combine your shredded or diced grilled chicken, the lovely diced avocado, and that creamy lemon yogurt dressing we made earlier. Gently toss everything together so it’s all coated beautifully. Be careful not to overmix, especially with the avocado, so it doesn’t get mushy. Then, just spoon that delicious mixture into your prepared butter lettuce leaves. If you’re adding them, now’s the time for those cute cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of thinly sliced red onion for an extra pop of flavor and color!

Tips for the Best Lettuce Cups with Grilled Chicken

To make sure your lettuce cups with grilled chicken are absolutely perfect, a few little tricks really help. For the chicken, don’t rush the grilling; let it cook through and definitely let it rest before you shred or dice it. This makes all the difference in keeping it moist and tender! When you’re picking out avocados, aim for ones that feel slightly soft but not mushy – that’s the sweet spot for creamy texture without them turning to mush in the filling. And with the dressing, taste as you go! Add more lemon juice if you like it zippy, or maybe a tiny pinch more salt. A great time-saver is to grill the chicken and make the dressing the day before. Just store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge, and then you can assemble everything super quickly when it’s time to eat!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have cilantro, fresh parsley or even a little mint would be lovely in the dressing! For the yogurt, cottage cheese could work in a pinch for a different texture, or if you want a dairy-free option, use a thick coconut or almond-based yogurt. Feel free to swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp or even some firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. And don’t be afraid to add other veggies like finely chopped bell peppers or some sweet corn!

Frequently Asked Questions About Lettuce Cups

Got questions about these yummy lettuce cups with grilled chicken? I’ve got answers! A super common one is, “Can I make the chicken ahead of time?” Absolutely! Grilling the chicken and making the lemon yogurt dressing a day in advance is a fantastic way to prep. Just keep them stored separately in the fridge and combine everything right before you serve. It makes assembly a breeze!

Another great question is, “What other vegetables can I add to the lettuce cups?” Oh, the possibilities are endless! Finely chopped red bell peppers add a lovely crunch and sweetness, corn kernels are always a hit, and some shredded carrots give it a nice color and texture. For a little heat, you could add some finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing – that’s how you make the dressing spicier! And yes, this recipe is totally suitable for meal prep; just keep the filling separate from the lettuce leaves until you’re ready to eat to prevent sogginess.

Serving and Storing Your Easter Lettuce Cups

These Easter lettuce cups with grilled chicken are so versatile! They make a fantastic light main course, especially for an Easter brunch or lunch. I love serving them with a simple side of colorful fruit salad or some roasted asparagus to keep the fresh, springy theme going. For serving, just arrange the filled lettuce cups on a platter – they look so pretty! If you have any leftovers, which is rare in my house, store the chicken and avocado mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate. You can gently warm the chicken mixture in a microwave or on the stovetop if you prefer it warm, but honestly, it’s just as delicious cold! Just reassemble right before you eat to keep everything crisp and fresh.

Nutritional Snapshot: Lettuce Cups with Grilled Chicken, Avocado, and Lemon Yogurt

Just a little note here: all the nutritional info for these tasty lettuce cups with grilled chicken, avocado, and lemon yogurt is an estimate, of course! It can totally change depending on the brands you use and exactly how you prep everything. But generally, you’re looking at around 350 calories per serving, with about 18g of fat, a good chunk of protein at 30g, and roughly 15g of carbs. It’s a pretty balanced bite!

5 Amazing Easter Chicken Lettuce Cups

Author: memorecipes.com
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

Fresh lettuce cups filled with grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and a zesty lemon yogurt dressing. Perfect for a light and healthy Easter meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 ripe avocados, diced
8–10 large butter lettuce leaves
Optional: cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion

Instructions

Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Toss chicken breast with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest, then shred or dice.
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and cilantro.
In a large bowl, combine the grilled chicken, diced avocado, and lemon yogurt dressing.
Gently mix to coat.
Spoon the mixture into the lettuce leaves.
Add optional toppings like cherry tomatoes or sliced red onion if desired.

Notes

Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Adjust lemon juice to your taste.
Can be made ahead by preparing chicken and dressing separately. Assemble just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 lettuce cups
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: lettuce cups, grilled chicken, avocado, lemon yogurt, Easter, healthy, light meal, chicken salad