Chicken Avocado Lettuce Boats

A light, grain-free twist on classic chicken salad, these Chicken Avocado Lettuce Boats combine creamy avocado, tender chicken, crisp vegetables and bright citrus in a simple, refreshing wrap. Perfect for a quick lunch, a low-carb dinner or an elegant appetizer, they come together in minutes with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and easy: ready in just five minutes with minimal chopping and no cooking required.

• Healthy and satisfying: avocado replaces mayonnaise, providing heart-healthy fats and a creamy texture without the guilt.

• Versatile: fully customizable with any mix-ins you prefer, from onions and peppers to fresh herbs or a dash of spice.

• Low-carb and gluten-free: wrapped in crisp romaine or butter lettuce, these boats are naturally grain-free and keto-friendly.

• Portable: ideal for meal prep, packed lunches or on-the-go snacking.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 to 6 large lettuce leaves (such as romaine, butter or Boston Bibb)

• 1 medium avocado, ripe but firm

• Juice of ½ lemon or lime

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or cubed

• 1 roma tomato or a handful of grape tomatoes, chopped

• 2 tablespoons chopped onion (red, green or white)

• ¼ bell pepper, diced

• Salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste

directions

1. Halve the avocado and remove the pit, then scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.

2. Mash the avocado with a fork until nearly smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture.

3. Add the lemon or lime juice and stir to combine, preventing the avocado from browning.

4. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder, adjusting to taste.

5. Fold in the shredded chicken, chopped tomato, onion and bell pepper until evenly coated.

6. Arrange the lettuce leaves on a serving platter, then spoon the avocado-chicken mixture into the center of each leaf.

7. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and crispness.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 1 to 2

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Herby citrus: stir in 1 tablespoon each of chopped cilantro and chives, plus a teaspoon of lime zest.

• Spicy kick: add 1 thinly sliced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

• Crunch factor: fold in 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts, slivered almonds or toasted pumpkin seeds.

• Creamy Greek: replace half the avocado with 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt and add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.

• Bacon bliss: top each boat with crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky finish.

storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: store the chicken-avocado mixture in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the mixture to minimize browning.

• Make-ahead: prepare the filling up to 8 hours in advance and keep the lettuce leaves separate; assemble just before serving to maintain crispness.

• Reheating: best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a warm filling, gently reheat the chicken (without avocado) in a skillet, then stir in the mashed avocado off the heat.

FAQs

What type of lettuce is best for these boats?

Butter lettuce, Boston Bibb or large romaine leaves work especially well because their natural cups hold the filling without tearing.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Pre-shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut and adds extra depth of flavor.

How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

Press plastic wrap directly onto the avocado mixture or add a little extra citrus juice to slow oxidation.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours ahead (stored airtight) and assemble the boats just before eating.

Can I substitute avocado with mayonnaise?

Yes. If you prefer the classic chicken salad taste, substitute mayonnaise in equal measure for the avocado.

How can I make this dairy-free?

This recipe is already dairy-free. For the Greek variation, use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

What if I don’t have fresh lemon or lime?

A teaspoon of bottled lemon or lime juice will suffice in a pinch.

Can I add other vegetables?

Certainly. Diced cucumber, shredded carrot or finely chopped celery all pair nicely with the avocado-chicken mixture.

Are these boats keto-friendly?

Yes. They are very low in carbohydrates and free of grains, making them ideal for a ketogenic diet.

How many calories are in one boat?

Calorie content varies by portion size and specific ingredients, but each boat typically contains approximately 150–200 kcal.

Conclusion

Chicken Avocado Lettuce Boats deliver a harmonious balance of creamy avocado, tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a quick, health-forward package. Whether you seek a speedy solo lunch, a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a low-carb dinner, this recipe provides vibrant flavor with minimal effort. Tailor it to your preferences and dietary goals, and enjoy a refreshing meal in mere minutes.