Description
These Low Carb Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps are a delicious and healthy meal option that combines tender, garlic-infused chicken breasts with a creamy cheese topping, all wrapped in crisp romaine lettuce leaves. Perfect for a low-carb diet, this recipe features a flavorful blend of spices, a quick sear to lock in juices, and a final bake to melt the cheese to golden perfection. Ideal for an easy dinner or lunch that’s both satisfying and light.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Wraps
- 4 large romaine lettuce leaves (for wraps)
Optional
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for added spice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare Chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to help retain moisture during cooking.
- Make Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the marinade, rubbing it in thoroughly to infuse the flavors. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes for enhanced taste.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown to add extra flavor and color.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix shredded mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, and chopped parsley until thoroughly combined.
- Apply Cheese Mixture: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast in the baking dish.
- Bake Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese topping is bubbly and golden.
- Prepare Lettuce Wraps: While the chicken is baking, rinse and dry the romaine lettuce leaves to ensure they are crisp and fresh for wrapping.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Slice the chicken into strips or leave whole according to preference.
- Assemble Wraps: Place the cheesy garlic chicken onto the prepared romaine leaves. Add optional toppings like sliced tomatoes, avocado, or ranch dressing if desired.
- Serve: Roll the lettuce leaves around the chicken to form wraps, securing with toothpicks if needed. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes helps deepen the flavor, but you can marinate longer for even more taste.
- Searing the chicken before baking ensures a nice golden crust and locks in juices.
- If you prefer spicier wraps, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes either in the marinade or on the wraps before serving.
- Additional toppings such as sliced tomatoes and avocado can add freshness and texture.
- These wraps are perfect for meal prep; store the chicken and lettuce separately and assemble before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.
