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Fresh Whole30 BBQ Pulled Chicken Lettuce Cups with Mango Avocado Salsa

Whole30 BBQ pulled chicken lettuce cups - featured image
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A light and satisfying Whole30-approved meal featuring smoky BBQ pulled chicken paired with a fresh mango avocado salsa, served in crisp lettuce cups. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs yield juicier results)
  • 1 cup Whole30-compliant BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated and rinsed
  • Optional: lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

  1. Dice the mango, avocado, red onion, and jalapeño. Chop the cilantro and juice the lime. Set the salsa ingredients aside in a medium bowl but don’t mix yet.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook about 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly browned. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks or a hand mixer on low to shred the chicken gently.
  5. Pour the Whole30 BBQ sauce over the shredded chicken and stir gently until coated. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  6. Fold the diced mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice together in the bowl. Add a pinch of salt and stir gently to combine.
  7. Lay out the lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon a generous amount of BBQ pulled chicken onto each leaf, then top with a scoop of mango avocado salsa. Add a lime wedge on the side if desired.
  8. Serve immediately for best freshness. If holding, cover loosely with damp paper towels and refrigerate up to 1 hour.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier, easier-to-shred meat. Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it moist. Let chicken rest before shredding to lock in juices. Adjust salsa heat by adding or omitting jalapeño. Keep lettuce leaves dry to prevent sogginess. You can prepare chicken and salsa ahead but assemble lettuce cups just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Whole30, BBQ pulled chicken, lettuce cups, mango avocado salsa, healthy dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free, summer recipe

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/fresh-whole30-bbq-pulled-chicken-lettuce-cups-with-mango-avocado-salsa-recipe-you-need-today/