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Nothing beats a quick, flavorful lunch like this Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe, a delightful handheld meal that combines tender seasoned chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, zesty Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh bites that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a satisfying meal on the go, this wrap has it all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe plays a key role, from the succulent chicken breasts seasoned to perfection, to the crisp romaine that adds freshness, and the Parmesan cheese that brings that unmistakable Caesar flavor. These simple staples come together to create a wrap bursting with both taste and texture.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein for a juicy, flavorful base—organic if possible for added quality.
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a mild savory depth that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Provides subtle sweetness and complexity to the seasoning mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a pleasant smoky warmth that complements the other spices beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Blended into the chicken seasoning for that classic Caesar essence.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Gives a gentle kick that heightens all the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking the chicken to juicy perfection without sticking.
- 1 burrito size tortilla (at least 10-inch): The wrap that holds everything together; smaller tortillas don’t work as well here.
- 1/2 cup chopped chicken: The cooked chicken, chopped for easy filling and even distribution.
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce: Washed and thoroughly dried for crispness and crunch.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons Caesar dressing: Homemade or store-bought, it’s the creamy heart of the wrap.
- 2 cherry tomatoes (minced and drained): Adds a burst of juiciness and a touch of vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup croutons: For extra crunch and texture contrast inside the wrap.
- 1 tablespoon shredded or grated Parmesan cheese: A final sprinkle to accentuate the classic Caesar flavor.
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste: Sprinkled on top for a fresh zing just before serving.
How to Make Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry so they brown nicely. Butterfly the breasts or slice them into cutlets to ensure quick and even cooking. Season both sides generously with kosher salt, then sprinkle the combined garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Parmesan cheese, and freshly ground pepper. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a sturdy skillet, then cook the chicken for about 3 to 5 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Rest the chicken for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces to keep all those juices locked in.
Step 2: Make or Prepare the Caesar Dressing
Whether you choose to whip up a creamy homemade Caesar dressing or use a high-quality store-bought version, this step is crucial because the dressing ties all the ingredients together with its rich, tangy flavor. Make sure it’s chilled and ready to add once the chicken and veggies are prepped.
Step 3: Assemble the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, minced cherry tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and Parmesan cheese. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of Caesar dressing according to your taste, then toss everything gently to coat each piece evenly. This mixture should look vibrant and inviting, with every ingredient perfectly balanced.
Step 4: Wrap the Filling
Lay the large tortilla flat and place the filling right in the middle, keeping about a 1-inch border around the edges. Fold in the sides first to keep the filling secure, then roll the tortilla from the bottom up, much like a burrito, to create a neat wrap. Slice it diagonally to reveal the colorful, tasty layers inside and make serving easier.
Step 5: Serve or Store
Serve these wraps immediately for the best combination of crisp lettuce and crunchy croutons alongside tender chicken. If you need to save some, wrap them carefully in parchment or wax paper and refrigerate for a few hours, but avoid plastic wrap, which can trap moisture and make the tortilla soggy.
How to Serve Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal and flavor of your Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe by sprinkling a little extra grated Parmesan on top right before serving, along with some freshly ground black pepper. Adding a few fresh lemon wedges on the side also brightens the palate nicely.
Side Dishes
This wrap pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crispy sweet potato fries, a light garden salad, or even a crunchy pickle spear. These accompaniments complement the wrap’s savory flavors without overpowering the delicate Caesar notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist when serving guests, slice the Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe into smaller pinwheels or bite-sized pieces arranged artfully on a platter. You can also serve the filling deconstructed alongside warm tortillas for everyone to build their own wraps—it’s interactive and super satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your assembled Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe wrapped in parchment paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days to maintain the freshest texture of the lettuce and tortilla.
Freezing
Freezing fully assembled wraps is not recommended due to the fresh ingredients and dressing, which can become soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked, sliced chicken separately to use later in the recipe.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftover chicken, gently reheat the sliced chicken strips in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, then reassemble your wrap with fresh lettuce, dressing, and other ingredients to keep that crisp texture. Avoid microwaving the entire wrap to maintain its integrity.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken makes this Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe even quicker to put together without sacrificing flavor. Just chop the chicken and add it directly to your filling.
What kind of tortilla works best for this wrap?
Look for a burrito-sized tortilla that is at least 10 inches wide. Larger tortillas hold the filling better without breaking and give you a satisfying, easy-to-handle wrap.
Can I make this wrap vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! You can swap the chicken for grilled or roasted vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini or even add chickpeas for protein to keep the wrap hearty and delicious.
How long will this wrap last in the fridge?
For optimal freshness, eat the wrap within 1 to 2 days of making it. The lettuce and croutons start to lose their crunch over time, which can change the experience.
Is it better to use homemade Caesar dressing or store-bought?
Homemade Caesar dressing lets you customize flavors like garlic intensity and anchovy presence, which can elevate this Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe significantly, but a good quality store-bought dressing also works great for convenience.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe enough—it’s quick, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion whether it’s a busy weekday lunch or a relaxed weekend picnic. Give it a try and enjoy a satisfying wrap that feels both fresh and indulgent every time.
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Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Caesar Wrap recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts pan-seared to juicy perfection, tossed with crisp romaine, tangy Caesar dressing, fresh cherry tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and Parmesan cheese, all wrapped in a large tortilla for a delicious, easy-to-make meal perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds), butterflied or cutlets
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Wrap Filling
- 1 burrito size tortilla (at least 10-inch)
- 1/2 cup chopped cooked chicken (prepared as above or substitute)
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce (washed and dried thoroughly)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons Caesar dressing, to taste (homemade or purchased)
- 2 cherry tomatoes (about 1/8 cup), minced and drained
- 1/4 cup croutons
- 1 tablespoon shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If not already butterflied, slice them horizontally to create cutlets. Season both sides with kosher salt (adjusting up to 1 1/2 teaspoons total if needed). In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, grated Parmesan cheese, and a few grinds of black pepper, then evenly sprinkle this spice mixture on both sides of the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing: Prepare your homemade Caesar dressing according to your recipe, or use a high-quality store-bought dressing if preferred. Set aside.
- Assemble the Wrap Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of chopped cooked chicken, 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce, 2 to 3 tablespoons of Caesar dressing (to taste), minced and drained cherry tomatoes, croutons, and 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. Gently toss everything to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Wrap the Filling: Lay out the large tortilla on a flat surface. Place the prepared filling in the center, leaving about a 1-inch border on all sides. Fold the sides inward, then roll the tortilla from the bottom up in a burrito style to enclose the filling. Slice the wrap diagonally in half for easy serving.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the wrap immediately for the best flavor and texture. If you need to store it, wrap the sandwich in parchment or wax paper and refrigerate for a few hours. Avoid plastic wraps as they may cause the wrap to become soggy.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
- Letting the cooked chicken rest before slicing helps retain juiciness.
- You can use pre-cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time.
- Make sure to dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly to avoid soggy wraps.
- Use a large burrito-sized tortilla (10 inches or more) for easy rolling and to hold all the filling.
- Wrap leftovers in parchment or wax paper rather than plastic wrap to maintain texture.
