Save My sister showed up unannounced one afternoon, starving after a yoga class, and I had twenty minutes before my next meeting. I pulled out leftover grilled chicken, a head of romaine that needed using, and a bottle of Caesar dressing. What started as a panic lunch became her new obsession. She texts me every few weeks asking if I remember that wrap, and honestly, it's become my go-to when I need something that feels indulgent but comes together fast.
I made these for a picnic last summer, individually wrapped in parchment paper, and they held up beautifully in the cooler. My friend who claims she hates wraps ate two and asked for the recipe before we even packed up the blanket. There's something about the way the tortilla soaks up just a little bit of that Caesar dressing that makes it better than any salad bowl.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These grill up fast and stay juicy if you don't overcook them, and slicing them thin makes every bite easy to eat in a wrap.
- Olive oil: Brushing the chicken with this before grilling keeps it moist and adds a subtle richness that complements the Caesar dressing.
- Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: This simple trio seasons the chicken perfectly without competing with the bold flavors of the Caesar.
- Romaine lettuce: The crisp, sturdy leaves hold up to the dressing and won't wilt immediately, which is key for a wrap that travels well.
- Caesar dressing: Use your favorite store-bought version or make it from scratch, either way it's the creamy, tangy heart of this wrap.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated makes a huge difference in flavor and texture compared to the pre-shredded stuff.
- Croutons: They add that necessary crunch and a little toasty flavor that makes this feel like a real Caesar salad.
- Large flour tortillas: Go for the soft, pliable 10-inch size so you have enough room to pack in all the fillings and roll it up tight.
Instructions
- Prep and Season the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat so it's nice and hot when the chicken hits it. Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Toss the Caesar Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, and croutons. Toss everything together until each leaf is lightly coated and the croutons are mixed throughout.
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Lay out the four tortillas on a clean surface and divide the Caesar salad mixture evenly among them, placing it in the center. Top each with sliced grilled chicken and a little extra black pepper if you like.
- Roll and Serve:
- Fold in the sides of each tortilla, then roll up tightly from the bottom to form a secure wrap. Slice in half on the diagonal and serve immediately while everything is fresh and crisp.
Save The first time I packed these for my kid's lunch, he came home and said his friends were jealous of his fancy wrap. It made me laugh because it felt like such a simple thing to throw together, but I guess when you're used to plain sandwiches, a Caesar wrap does feel a little special.
Making It Your Own
If you want to add some smokiness, toss in a few strips of crispy bacon or even some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. I've also swapped the chicken for grilled shrimp when I'm craving something lighter, and it works beautifully. For a vegetarian version, use marinated grilled tofu or chickpeas and you'll still get plenty of protein and satisfaction.
Storage and Meal Prep
These wraps are best eaten fresh, but if you need to prep ahead, keep the grilled chicken, salad, and tortillas separate until you're ready to assemble. The chicken stays good in the fridge for up to three days, and you can toss the salad right before eating so nothing gets soggy. If you do wrap them in advance, use parchment paper and eat within a few hours for the best texture.
Pairing and Serving Ideas
I usually serve these with a handful of kettle chips or some fresh fruit on the side, nothing too heavy. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc is perfect if you're having friends over for lunch, or just stick with sparkling water and a wedge of lemon if you want to keep it simple.
- Add a small side salad or cup of soup to round out the meal.
- Serve with pickles or olives for a tangy, salty contrast.
- Pack them for picnics, road trips, or even a quick desk lunch at work.
Save This wrap has saved me more times than I can count when I needed something quick, satisfying, and just a little bit special. I hope it becomes one of those recipes you turn to without even thinking about it.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I know when the grilled chicken is fully cooked?
Grill the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also check by inserting a knife into the thickest part—the juices should run clear with no pink remaining.
- → Can I prepare these wraps ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the wraps up to 2 hours before serving. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. For best results, avoid adding the dressing until just before eating to prevent the tortilla from becoming soggy.
- → What are good substitutes for chicken?
Grilled shrimp, tofu, or turkey work wonderfully as alternatives. For a vegetarian option, add grilled portobello mushrooms or chickpeas. Each provides different protein while maintaining the fresh, light character of the wrap.
- → How can I make this wrap gluten-free?
Simply swap the regular flour tortillas for certified gluten-free alternatives, and use gluten-free croutons. Always check that your Caesar dressing and other pre-packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
- → What's the best way to slice the grilled chicken?
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after grilling, then slice it thinly against the grain using a sharp chef's knife. This ensures tender, easy-to-eat pieces that distribute evenly throughout the wrap.
- → Can I use homemade Caesar dressing instead of store-bought?
Absolutely. Homemade Caesar dressing will give you fresher flavor and more control over ingredients. Make it 1-2 hours ahead to let the flavors meld, then toss with the romaine and other salad components just before assembling the wraps.