Keto Cranberry Herb Chicken Lettuce Boats are a fresh, creamy, low-carb lunch made with tender chicken, herbs, crunchy pecans, and sugar-free cranberries served in crisp lettuce leaves. This festive winter recipe is keto-friendly, flavorful, and perfect for light holiday meals or meal prep.

About This Recipe

These Keto Cranberry Herb Chicken Lettuce Boats are the perfect balance of freshness, crunch, and creamy holiday flavor—without any sugar or unnecessary carbs. This dish takes tender cooked chicken, mixes it with a festive blend of herbs, sugar-free cranberries, and pecans, and serves it inside crisp lettuce leaves for a light yet satisfying winter lunch. It feels seasonal without being heavy, making it ideal for busy days, meal prep, or healthy holiday eating.

The base chicken mixture is rich and creamy thanks to a combination of mayonnaise and a touch of sour cream, which adds tang and keeps everything smooth. Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme bring bright holiday notes, while chopped pecans provide crunch and warmth that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of sugar-free dried cranberries. Every bite has a mix of creamy, savory, sweet, and crunchy elements, creating a balanced and festive flavor experience.

Using lettuce boats instead of tortillas or bread keeps the meal low-carb and refreshing. Romaine, butter lettuce, or iceberg all work beautifully, offering crunch and structure while letting the chicken salad shine. It’s a handheld lunch that’s quick to assemble, kid-friendly, and ideal for packing in containers or assembling right before eating.

This recipe is extremely flexible—swap chicken for turkey, add extra herbs, or include celery for additional crunch. It also keeps well in the fridge, making it a top choice for keto meal prep throughout the holidays. Whether you’re craving something light after heavier seasonal meals or wanting a fresh, winter-inspired lunch, these cranberry herb lettuce boats deliver festive flavor in a healthy, keto-friendly way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh, crisp, and festive
Keto-friendly and low-carb
Perfect for holiday meal prep
Quick, no-cook winter lunch
Uses sugar-free cranberries
Creamy with crunchy texture
Light but filling
Easy to customize

Ingredients

Chicken Salad

1 cup cooked chicken, chopped
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp sugar-free dried cranberries
1 tbsp chopped pecans
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1/4 tsp dried thyme
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper

Lettuce Boats

4 romaine or butter lettuce leaves

Optional Toppings

Extra cranberries
Extra pecans
Fresh parsley

Instructions

Add chicken, mayonnaise, sour cream, cranberries, pecans, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper to a bowl.
Mix until well combined.
Spoon chicken mixture into lettuce leaves.
Add optional toppings if desired.
Serve immediately or chill until ready.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 290
Fat: 22g
Protein: 18g
Net Carbs: 4g

FAQ

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes—great for holiday leftovers.
Can I prep the filling ahead?
Yes—keeps 3 days in the fridge.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Omit sour cream and use extra mayo.
Can I make it crunchier?
Add diced celery or more pecans.
Do I have to use lettuce boats?
No—serve as a bowl or stuffed in peppers.

Variations & Substitutions

Swap pecans for walnuts
Add celery for crunch
Use turkey instead of chicken
Add chives for added flavor
Mix in a squeeze of lemon for brightness

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a light holiday lunch
Pair with a warm winter soup
Add avocado slices on the side

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