Chicken Bacon Ranch Lettuce Boats

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Lettuce Boats combine juicy cooked chicken, crisp bacon, and sharp cheddar with a creamy homemade ranch dressing. Tucked into fresh, sturdy lettuce leaves and loaded with vibrant toppings, every bite is bursting with flavor and texture. This quick-prep, no-oven meal is naturally low-carb, keto-friendly, and perfect for busy lunches or energizing dinners. Optional add-ins like avocado, fresh herbs, or a touch of heat make it your own. Enjoy a satisfying, protein-rich creation that keeps things light and refreshing while delivering on taste.

Casey
Updated on Sat, 19 Jul 2025 13:56:19 GMT
A plate of chicken with cheese and bacon on top. Pin it
A plate of chicken with cheese and bacon on top. | cookingwithcasey.com

Crispy chicken bacon ranch lettuce boats are the ultimate answer for a quick lunch or light dinner that leaves you feeling full but never weighed down. With a creamy homemade ranch and crunchy lettuce, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking for big flavors while keeping carbs in check. I find myself making these on Sundays when I have leftover chicken from the weekend and a craving for something both crunchy and comforting.

I whipped these up on a hot evening after a soccer game and the whole family agreed lettuce boats are the way to go on busy days. Even the picky eaters loved them topped with extra cheese.

Ingredients

  • Cooked chicken breast: Prepping your own or grabbing a rotisserie bird both work Rotisserie chicken makes this extra easy
  • Crispy bacon: Choose thick cut if possible for max crunch and flavor
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Mild or sharp both melt beautifully Freshly shred for best texture
  • Green onions or red onions: Both add color and bite Go for green for a milder flavor
  • Tomatoes and cucumbers: Completely optional but add great freshness and color Choose firm veggies for less watery boats
  • Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy base for the ranch Choose full fat for best taste
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds tang and lightness Greek yogurt gives a protein boost
  • Ranch seasoning mix: Blend of savory herbs and spices Avoid generic brands for less salt and more flavor Use fresh herbs if you can
  • Lemon juice: Brightens up the dressing Fresh squeezed works best
  • Milk or water: Just a splash to thin the ranch if needed
  • Romaine or butter lettuce: Look for big sturdy leaves without any browning They need to cup the filling
  • Salt and pepper: To taste Always taste and adjust before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Chicken and Bacon:
If starting with raw chicken season with a little salt pepper and if you like a sprinkle of garlic powder Cook in a skillet over medium heat for five to six minutes per side until cooked through Shred with two forks or dice finely Bacon gets cooked until crispy set on paper towels then chop into small bits
Mix the Ranch Dressing:
In a small mixing bowl combine mayonnaise sour cream or yogurt ranch seasoning and lemon juice Whisk everything until smooth Add milk or water a teaspoon at a time until the dressing pours easily Taste and adjust salt and herbs as you like
Make the Filling:
Grab a large bowl Combine the chicken bacon cheese green onions and any of the extra veggies Spoon in about half of the ranch and stir until everything is evenly coated The filling should be moist but not soupy
Prep Lettuce Boats:
Separate the lettuce leaves and rinse thoroughly Dry them well using a salad spinner or paper towels Pick out the biggest sturdiest leaves and lay them on a platter or cutting board
Assemble:
Heap a generous spoonful of chicken bacon ranch filling onto each lettuce leaf Drizzle more ranch dressing over the top or offer on the side for dipping Finish with your favorite toppings and enjoy immediately
A plate of food with lettuce and bacon. Pin it
A plate of food with lettuce and bacon. | cookingwithcasey.com

Cheddar is my go to cheese here because it melts just enough and gives a punchy flavor In my house bacon is non negotiable My youngest loves to help add the toppings and it always turns into a family assembly line in our kitchen

Storage tips

Keep the chicken bacon filling tightly sealed in the fridge and use within three days The lettuce should be washed dried and stored separately in a container lined with paper towels This keeps it crisp If you are packing lunch for work or school put the filling in one container and the lettuce in another Combine when ready to eat for best texture

Ingredient substitutions

Try shredded turkey in place of chicken or swap cheddar for pepper jack for a kick Greek yogurt can sub for sour cream and any homemade ranch blend works too If you do not eat pork turkey bacon crisps up nicely and tastes great in these boats

Serving suggestions

Pile the filling into lettuce boats for a hand held meal or scoop it onto a salad for extra greens Add sliced avocado crumbled blue cheese or a pinch of fresh dill on top When you want something cozy warm the chicken filling slightly then spoon into the lettuce leaves just before serving

Cultural or historical context

Lettuce wraps have roots in a wide variety of cuisines from Asian lettuce cups to Tex Mex taco salads This version borrows from classic American flavors with ranch bacon and cheddar giving you all the comfort of a deli sandwich without the bread I turned these into my lunchtime standard after ditching grains a few years ago and have not looked back

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of lettuce works best?

Use sturdier leaves like romaine, butter, or little gem for cups that hold fillings without getting soggy.

→ Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?

Absolutely! Homemade or store-bought ranch both work; adjust with herbs or seasonings to taste.

→ How do I keep lettuce boats crisp for meal prep?

Store the lettuce and chicken filling separately, and assemble just before serving to maintain crunch.

→ Are there ways to customize the filling?

Yes! Add avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, jalapeños, or swap cheeses for unique texture and flavor.

→ Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free ranch dressing and omit cheese, or substitute with your favorite non-dairy cheese option.

→ Is pre-cooked chicken okay to use?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken saves time and works perfectly in this dish.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Lettuce Boats

Tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and fresh veggies in crisp lettuce boats for a quick, healthy bite.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (8 lettuce boats)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken Filling

01 300 g cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
02 4 slices smoked bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
03 60 g cheddar cheese, shredded
04 30 g green onions or red onions, finely chopped
05 30 g tomatoes, chopped (optional)
06 30 g cucumber, chopped (optional)
07 Salt, to taste
08 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Ranch Dressing

09 120 g mayonnaise
10 60 g sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
11 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (or 1/2 teaspoon each dried dill, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, plus salt and pepper)
12 1 teaspoon lemon juice
13 15–30 ml milk or water to thin, as needed

→ Lettuce Base

14 1 large head romaine, butter lettuce, or little gem lettuce (choose sturdy, cup-shaped leaves)

→ Optional Toppings

15 Sliced avocado or guacamole
16 Sliced jalapeños
17 Chopped fresh dill or parsley
18 Crumbled blue cheese or feta

Instructions

Step 01

If using raw chicken, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Sear in a skillet over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through, then shred or dice. Cook bacon until crisp and chop. Shortcut: substitute with cooked rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked bacon if desired.

Step 02

In a small bowl, blend mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, ranch seasoning mix, and lemon juice. Gradually whisk in milk or water to achieve a pourable consistency. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, cheddar, onions, and optional vegetables. Pour in half the ranch dressing and toss until the mixture is thoroughly coated.

Step 04

Gently separate lettuce leaves, wash, and dry thoroughly. Select the largest, most intact leaves to serve as boats.

Step 05

Generously fill each lettuce boat with the chicken mixture. Drizzle additional ranch dressing on top or serve on the side. Add chosen toppings such as avocado, jalapeño, herbs, or cheese as desired.

Notes

  1. For extra crunch, refrigerate lettuce before serving and keep filling and leaves separate until ready to eat.
  2. To meal prep, store chicken filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving for freshness.
  3. Spice it up with hot sauce or cayenne pepper in the dressing or filling.
  4. For a portable option, wrap filling in low-carb tortillas or whole collard leaves.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Small whisk or fork

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar, sour cream, mayonnaise, blue cheese or feta as toppings)
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 340
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Protein: 23 g