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Chicken and Apple Slaw Wraps – A Low Carb and Protein Rich Weight Loss Recipe

Last Updated on January 4, 2025 by Arif Chowdhury

You know that mid-day slump when your stomach’s growling but the thought of another sad desk salad makes you want to cry?

I’ve been there. After countless failed attempts at “healthy” lunches that left me hangry by 3 PM, I stumbled upon this game-changer: Chicken and Apple Slaw Wraps nestled in crisp collard greens.

Sounds fancy, right? But trust me, it’s ridiculously simple and actually fills you up.

Fun fact: Did you know that collard greens pack more protein than most leafy greens? With 4-5 grams per cup, they’re a weight loss superhero hiding in plain sight.

The Science Behind Why This Wrap Works for Weight Loss

Let’s get nerdy for a minute. This isn’t just another “diet” recipe – it’s strategic eating at its finest. The combination of lean protein from chicken, fiber from apples and collards, and healthy fats creates what nutritionists call the “satiety trifecta.”

A 2023 study found that meals combining these three elements kept participants feeling full for up to 4 hours longer than carb-heavy alternatives.

The Collard Green Revolution

Ditch those processed tortillas, friends. Collard greens are having their moment, and for good reason.

These sturdy leaves are nature’s perfect wrap, offering a mere 11 calories per leaf while delivering a whopping 21% of your daily vitamin A needs. Plus, they actually hold together – no more lunch falling apart on your keyboard!

What You’ll Need (The Shopping List)

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the Apple Slaw:

  • 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work beautifully)
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

  • 8-10 large collard green leaves
  • Optional: handful of microgreens

Let’s Make Magic (The How-To)

Preparing the Chicken

  • Slice those chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner cutlets (helps them cook evenly – trust me on this one)
  • Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers
  • Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through
  • Let it rest for 5 minutes (patience is key!), then shred using two forks
  • Toss with lemon juice while still warm

Creating the Apple Slaw

  • Core and julienne those apples (or use a grater if you’re short on time)
  • Toss the apples, cabbage, carrot, and red onion in a large bowl
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and honey
  • Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until everything’s well-coated
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste
  • Let it hang out in the fridge for at least 15 minutes (this lets the flavors mingle)

Prepping the Collard Greens

Here’s the trick most people miss: you need to prep those collards right!

  • Cut off the thick stem at the bottom of each leaf
  • Using a sharp knife, carefully shave down the remaining stem so it’s level with the leaf
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil
  • Dip each leaf in the boiling water for 30 seconds (this makes them pliable)
  • Immediately plunge into ice water
  • Pat dry with paper towels

Assembly Time

  • Lay your prepared collard leaf flat
  • Add a generous portion of shredded chicken
  • Top with the apple slaw
  • Add microgreens if you’re feeling fancy
  • Fold in the sides and roll from bottom to top, like a burrito
  • Slice diagonally (makes it easier to eat and looks prettier)

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Here’s something cool: these wraps actually get better after a day in the fridge. The flavors develop more depth, and unlike regular wraps, the collard greens don’t get soggy. They’ll keep for up to 3 days when stored properly.

Pro tip: If meal prepping, keep the components separate and assemble the morning of. Your future self will thank you.

The Numbers That Matter

Each wrap clocks in at approximately:

  • Calories: 245
  • Protein: 26g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Healthy fats: 9g

Another fascinating stat: People who prep lunch at home consume an average of 175 fewer calories per day compared to those who buy lunch out. That could translate to roughly 1.5 pounds of weight loss per month, just from this one habit change!

Final Thoughts (Because Every Good Recipe Needs a Pep Talk)

Look, I get it. Switching up your lunch routine can feel daunting. But this recipe?

It’s like that friend who pushes you to try new things and then turns out to be exactly what you needed. Give it a shot. Your taste buds (and waistline) will high-five you later.