Jamaican Jerk Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Mango Salsa

These Jamaican Jerk Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, flavorful dinner option that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken seasoned with jerk spice pairs perfectly with sweet mango (or peach), crunchy peanuts, bright cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a light, satisfying meal.

Perfect for a lighter dinner

When the weather is warm or you want something lighter without sacrificing flavor, these lettuce wraps are ideal. They’re quick to prepare, full of fresh textures and just filling enough to leave you satisfied.

This recipe won over even a meat-and-potatoes lover in my household — he enjoyed the wraps so much he packed the leftovers for lunch the next day. The jerk seasoning brings a pleasant heat and aromatic complexity, while fresh mango (or a ripe peach) offers a refreshing sweetness. Add cilantro and lime and you’ll feel like you’ve taken a little trip to the Caribbean.

Key ingredients

• Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used here, but thighs work well too.
• Jerk seasoning – Use a store-bought blend or make your own for the best flavor.
• Mango – Fresh mango adds sweetness; ripe peach is a great substitute.
• Peanuts – Dry-roasted peanuts add salty crunch; swap for your favorite nut if desired.
• Lettuce leaves – Large leaves like Bib, iceberg or romaine make sturdy wraps.
• Toppings – Green onions, fresh cilantro and lime wedges to finish.

Step-by-step directions

• Chop the mango, peanuts, green onions and cilantro and place them in separate small bowls for easy assembly.
• Slice the lime into wedges.
• Wash and separate the lettuce into individual leaves.
• Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces so it cooks evenly.
• Toss the chicken with jerk seasoning until all pieces are well coated.
• Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken.
• Cook for 3–4 minutes, stir to turn the pieces, then continue cooking another 3–4 minutes until cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest in the bowl for about 5 minutes before assembling the wraps.
• To assemble: place a lettuce leaf on a plate, top with chicken, a spoonful of mango, a sprinkle of peanuts, green onions and cilantro. Squeeze lime over the top and serve.

Recipe tips

• Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so it cooks uniformly.
• Arrange toppings in small bowls so everyone can customize their wraps.
• Let the chicken cool a few minutes before assembling; very hot chicken can wilt the lettuce.
• If the lettuce leaves are small, overlap two or three leaves for a sturdier wrap.

Variations and substitutions

• Serve the seasoned chicken over rice instead of in lettuce leaves for a heartier meal.
• Toss everything into a salad and dress with a lemon vinaigrette for a different take.
• Substitute peaches for mango when they’re in season.
• Use almonds, cashews or your preferred nut instead of peanuts.
• Add sliced jalapeños or another hot pepper for extra heat.
• Grill whole chicken breasts outdoors, then slice or chop and use in the wraps.

More delicious chicken dishes

• Oriental chicken lettuce wraps
• Creamy chicken orzo
• Oven baked BBQ chicken legs
• Honey lemon chicken

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it—leave a comment and share a photo on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop.

Check more main dish recipes for additional inspiration.