The Chicken Caesar Wrap is a delightful twist on the iconic Caesar salad. This portable, handheld meal takes all the beloved elements of a Caesar salad—smoky chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons—and wraps them in a soft flour tortilla for an easy, satisfying meal.
This dish is perfect for busy lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a dinner on the go, or a meal prep option for the week, the Chicken Caesar Wrap has you covered. It’s customizable, versatile, and packed with bold flavors that hit all the right notes. The addition of bacon cheddar crisps and jalapeño crisps adds an extra layer of texture and flavor, making each bite exciting and memorable.
The best part? It’s a recipe that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re packing it for a picnic, a road trip, or enjoying it as a quick dinner at home, the Chicken Caesar Wrap is both convenient and indulgent. It’s a modern-day classic that brings comfort and convenience together in one delicious package.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Wraps (Makes 4 servings):
- 2 cups chicken, seasoned and smoked
- 3 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup croutons, garlic and cheese-flavored
- ¼ cup creamy Caesar dressing
- ¼ cup bold Caesar dressing (or any spicier variation)
- Crisp jalapeño crisps, for extra crunch
- Bacon cheddar crisps, for additional flavor
- 4 large flour tortillas
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken fresh)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
How to Make Chicken Caesar Wrap
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season and smoke the chicken:
- Season 2 cups of chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Smoke the chicken in a smoker or grill until fully cooked and tender (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Alternatively, you can grill or roast the chicken for a smoky flavor.
- Let the chicken cool slightly, then slice it into thin strips or shred it, depending on your preference.
Step 2: Prepare the Lettuce and Toppings
- Wash and chop 3 cups of Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry to ensure the wraps don’t become soggy.
- Grate ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese for that signature Caesar flavor.
- Gather your other toppings:
- ½ cup garlic and cheese-flavored croutons
- Crisp jalapeño crisps
- Bacon cheddar crisps
Step 3: Mix the Caesar Dressings
- In a small bowl, mix:
- ¼ cup creamy Caesar dressing
- ¼ cup bold Caesar dressing
- This combination balances the classic creamy flavor with a spicy kick. Adjust the ratio to suit your taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
- Warm the flour tortillas for 15-20 seconds in a microwave or on a hot skillet to make them pliable.
- Lay a tortilla flat and layer the ingredients in the center:
- A handful of chopped Romaine lettuce
- A few strips of smoked chicken
- A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
- A few croutons for crunch
- A drizzle of the mixed Caesar dressing
- A small handful of jalapeño crisps and bacon cheddar crisps
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly into a wrap.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and ingredients.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Cut each wrap in half diagonally for a neat presentation.
- Serve immediately, or wrap them in parchment paper or foil for on-the-go meals.
Why This Recipe is Timeless
The Caesar salad has been a staple in kitchens and restaurants worldwide since its creation in the 1920s. Its creamy dressing, crisp lettuce, and Parmesan cheese make it a universally loved dish. The Chicken Caesar Wrap takes this timeless favorite and adapts it for modern, fast-paced lifestyles.
By wrapping the salad in a tortilla, it becomes portable, making it ideal for lunches, picnics, or quick dinners. The addition of smoky chicken, bacon cheddar crisps, and jalapeño crisps adds layers of complexity, making it more exciting than the traditional salad bowl.
This dish is endlessly versatile. You can swap out ingredients to suit your preferences—use spinach instead of Romaine, grilled shrimp instead of chicken, or a whole-grain tortilla for added fiber. It’s this adaptability that makes the Chicken Caesar Wrap a classic in its own right.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Caesar Wrap
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Crisp lettuce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese make all the difference.
- Warm the Tortillas: This prevents the wraps from cracking and makes them easier to roll.
- Customize the Dressing: Adjust the ratio of creamy to bold Caesar dressing to suit your spice tolerance.
- Don’t Overfill: Overloading the tortilla can make it difficult to roll and lead to a messy wrap.
- Add Extra Texture: Experiment with other crunchy toppings like fried onions or crispy chickpeas.
FAQs
1. Can I make this wrap vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or a plant-based protein. You can also skip the bacon crisps and use vegetarian Caesar dressing.
2. What’s the difference between creamy and bold Caesar dressing?
Creamy Caesar dressing is the classic version, rich and tangy. Bold Caesar dressing often has added spices or heat, making it more intense in flavor.
3. How do I keep the wraps from getting soggy?
Ensure the lettuce is completely dry before assembling the wraps. Add the dressing just before serving for the freshest results.
4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
5. How long will the wraps last?
Chicken Caesar Wraps are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep them fresh.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Wrap each assembled wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Make Ahead: Prepare all the components (chicken, lettuce, dressing, and toppings) separately and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Freezer: While wraps with fresh lettuce don’t freeze well, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
The Chicken Caesar Wrap is the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. It takes the timeless Caesar salad and reinvents it as a handheld meal that’s easy to enjoy anywhere. Whether you’re meal-prepping for a busy week, packing lunch for work, or looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Its versatility is unmatched—you can tailor it to suit your preferences and dietary needs, ensuring it never gets boring. From the smoky chicken and crunchy croutons to the creamy dressing and bold toppings, every bite is a delightful medley of textures and flavors.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients and whip up these wraps for a meal that’s guaranteed to please. The Chicken Caesar Wrap is more than just a recipe—it’s a modern classic that will keep you coming back for more!