If you want an easy keto lunch that feels like a proper meal, these chicken Caesar lettuce cups are hard to beat. Crunchy, creamy, salty, and ready fast.
They’re also great for meal prep. Keep the filling separate, then build the cups when you’re ready to eat so the lettuce stays crisp.
Yo Keto swap: If you’re cooking chicken fresh, start with a Yo Keto stocked cooking fat (like tallow or ghee). It keeps things keto-friendly and adds real flavour.
Ingredients
- 8 large cos (romaine) lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/3 cup whole-egg mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
- 1/4 tsp salt, plus extra to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp crispy bacon pieces (optional)
- 1 small celery stalk, finely sliced (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, only if the chicken feels dry)
- If cooking chicken fresh: 1 tbsp Yo Keto cooking fats (search: tallow)
Method
- In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken and stir until fully coated. If it feels a bit thick, loosen with a small drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze more lemon.
- Stir through celery and bacon (if using).
- Spoon the chicken Caesar mix into the lettuce leaves and fold into cups.
- Finish with a little extra parmesan and black pepper. Eat straight away for the best crunch.
Keto tip: Why lettuce cups work so well
Lettuce cups do the job of bread without the carb load. You still get that handheld lunch feel, but it’s lighter, fresher, and it helps you keep your carbs under control.
If you’re still hungry after two cups, add more chicken or serve with a simple side like cucumber and salt. Keto works best when your lunch is actually filling.
Short on time?
If you want to keep lunch even simpler, stock up on keto pantry staples that make quick meals easier (fats, condiments, and low-carb sides). Start here: Yo Keto search: mayonnaise.
And if you’re building a weekly “no-thinking” lunch routine, browse quick add-ons here: Yo Keto search: snacks.
FAQs
Can I meal prep this for work lunches?
Yes. Keep the chicken mix in a container and pack the lettuce separately. Build the cups right before eating so the lettuce stays crisp.
What can I use instead of parmesan?
Any hard, salty cheese works. If you’re avoiding dairy, skip the cheese and add extra lemon and pepper for punch.
How long does the chicken filling last in the fridge?
Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If using rotisserie chicken, follow the use-by guidance and keep it well chilled.
How do I make it more filling?
Add more chicken, extra mayo, or bacon. You can also serve it with sliced avocado or a simple cucumber salad on the side.
That’s it. Quick lunch, zero drama, and it actually tastes like something you’d order.
If you make it, try it once with bacon and once without. You’ll end up with two different lunches you can rotate all week.