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This hearty Chicken Caesar Wrap transforms the beloved classic salad into a convenient handheld meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches. The familiar flavors of crisp romaine, savory chicken, and tangy Caesar dressing all come together in a warm tortilla for a satisfying meal that's ready in just 15 minutes.
I first made these wraps when looking for a way to repurpose leftover rotisserie chicken, and they've since become our family's go to solution for quick dinners when everyone is rushing between activities. My teenagers actually request these now instead of fast food when we're on the run.
Ingredients
- Fresh romaine lettuce provides the classic crisp foundation and adds essential nutrients
- Cooked chicken offers protein versatility use whatever you have available rotisserie saves time
- Caesar dressing creates that distinctive tangy flavor choose a high quality brand for best results
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds nutty depth and saltiness pre grated won't melt as nicely
- Homemade croutons provide delightful crunch store bought work in a pinch but lack freshness
- Flour tortillas or wraps serve as the vehicle for all the goodness spinach or whole wheat work too
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper allow you to adjust seasoning to your preference
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling
- Combine chopped romaine lettuce, cooked chicken, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and croutons in a large bowl. Use tongs to thoroughly toss everything together, ensuring each component gets coated with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you'll want to assess if you need more dressing based on your preference for moisture and flavor intensity.
- Warm the Tortillas
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place each tortilla in the pan for approximately 15 to 30 seconds per side. You're looking for them to become warm and pliable, not crispy. This step is crucial as cold tortillas will crack when folded. Keep warmed tortillas covered with a kitchen towel to maintain heat and flexibility while you work with the others.
- Assemble the Wraps
- Lay each warmed tortilla on a clean surface and spoon one quarter of the Caesar salad mixture down the center of each one. Be careful not to overfill or your wrap will be difficult to close properly. Fold in the sides of the tortilla first, then roll from the bottom up, creating a neat burrito style package. If needed, secure with a toothpick to prevent unraveling.
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The Parmesan cheese is my secret weapon in these wraps. I always grate it fresh rather than using the pre grated variety. The difference in flavor is remarkable, and it melts slightly when placed against the warm tortilla, creating a subtle binding effect that helps hold everything together. My grandmother taught me that freshly grated cheese is always worth the extra minute of effort.
Make-Ahead Tips
While these wraps are definitely best enjoyed fresh, you can prep components ahead of time to make assembly lightning fast. Store washed and chopped romaine in a paper towel lined container, cook and chop chicken up to three days ahead, and even make a batch of homemade croutons on the weekend. When ready to serve, simply warm tortillas, toss ingredients together, and roll.
Customization Options
These wraps welcome creative adaptations based on what you have available. Try adding diced avocado for creaminess, crispy bacon bits for smokiness, or sun dried tomatoes for a sweet tangy punch. For a lower carb option, use large romaine leaves instead of tortillas to create lettuce wraps. If serving to kids, consider using milder dressing and smaller tortillas for easier handling.
Serving Suggestions
These Chicken Caesar Wraps pair beautifully with simple sides. Serve alongside sweet potato fries, a cup of tomato soup, or a simple fruit salad for a complete meal. For entertaining, cut wraps into pinwheel slices and secure with toothpicks for an elegant appetizer presentation. During summer months, these make perfect picnic fare as they travel well and don't require reheating.
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Common Questions
- → What type of chicken works best for these wraps?
You can use any type of cooked chicken including grilled, fried, or rotisserie. Rotisserie chicken offers convenience, while grilled chicken provides a leaner option with great flavor. The recipe is flexible enough to work with whatever cooked chicken you have on hand.
- → Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
While the assembled wraps are best enjoyed the day they're made, you can prep all the ingredients in advance. Store the lettuce, cooked chicken, dressing, and cheese separately in the refrigerator, then assemble just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.
- → What can I substitute for Caesar dressing?
If you don't have Caesar dressing, you can substitute with Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Ranch dressing with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon can also work in a pinch.
- → How do I keep my wraps from falling apart?
To ensure your wraps stay intact, don't overfill them, warm the tortillas before filling to make them more pliable, fold in the sides before rolling, and use a toothpick to secure if needed. You can also wrap them tightly in parchment paper or aluminum foil, which helps hold everything together while eating.
- → Can I make these wraps vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make vegetarian Caesar wraps by omitting the chicken and adding protein alternatives like roasted chickpeas, cubed tofu, or a plant-based chicken substitute. You might also want to increase the amount of Parmesan cheese or add avocado for extra richness and satiety.
- → What sides pair well with Chicken Caesar Wraps?
These wraps pair perfectly with simple sides like potato chips, sweet potato fries, a light fruit salad, or a cup of tomato soup. For a healthier option, consider serving with a small green salad, vegetable sticks with hummus, or a small portion of quinoa salad.