Save to Pinterest I stumbled onto this wrap during a particularly hectic Tuesday when I had twenty minutes before a meeting and a fridge full of leftover grilled chicken. The crunch of romaine against the soft tortilla, the sharpness of fresh parmesan, and that creamy Caesar dressing turned what could have been a sad desk lunch into something I actually looked forward to. Now it's my go-to whenever I need something that tastes indulgent but comes together faster than ordering takeout. There's something about the way all those textures play together that makes every bite feel complete.
The first time I made these for friends, I wrapped them in parchment and tied them with kitchen twine, thinking I was being fancy. Everyone laughed, but then they devoured them in minutes, sauce dripping down their hands, talking through full mouths about how this should be on every picnic menu. One friend even asked if I'd cater her next birthday. I didn't, but I did teach her how to make them, and now she texts me photos every time she nails the grill marks on the chicken.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These grill up fast and slice beautifully when you let them rest, giving you tender, juicy strips that don't dry out the wrap.
- Olive oil: A light coating keeps the chicken from sticking and helps the seasoning cling, creating a golden exterior with just enough char.
- Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: This simple trio is all you need to bring out the chicken's flavor without overwhelming the Caesar profile.
- Romaine lettuce: Its sturdy leaves and crisp texture stand up to the dressing and won't wilt into sad, soggy greens halfway through your meal.
- Caesar dressing: Whether you make your own or buy a good-quality jar, this is the heart of the wrap, so choose one with enough tang and creaminess to coat every leaf.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated makes all the difference, adding sharp, nutty notes that pre-shredded versions just can't match.
- Croutons: They bring the crunch factor and a hint of garlic that plays perfectly with the dressing.
- Flour tortillas: Large, soft, and pliable, they wrap up all that goodness without tearing or getting in the way of the flavors.
Instructions
- Prep and Season the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat until it's hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on contact. Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, pressing the spices gently into the meat so they stick.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Place the chicken on the grill and let it cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes per side, resisting the urge to move it around so you get those beautiful char lines. When the juices run clear and the internal temperature hits 165 degrees F, remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
- Toss the Caesar Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, parmesan, and croutons, tossing everything together until each leaf is lightly coated. The croutons will start to soften slightly, which is exactly what you want for texture without losing all the crunch.
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface and divide the Caesar salad mixture evenly among them, piling it down the center of each one. Top each mound of salad with a generous portion of sliced grilled chicken, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly from the bottom, tucking as you go to keep everything snug inside.
- Slice and Serve:
- If you like, slice each wrap in half on the diagonal to show off the colorful layers inside. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and the lettuce is crisp, with extra parmesan and black pepper on the side if anyone wants more.
Save to Pinterest There was an afternoon last summer when I packed these wraps for a beach trip, wrapping each one tightly in foil and stacking them in a cooler. We ate them with sandy hands, sitting on blankets while the sun dipped low, and someone said it tasted better than any restaurant lunch they'd had all year. It wasn't fancy, but it felt special because we were together, and the food was simple and satisfying in a way that didn't need anything extra.
Make It Your Own
This wrap is a blank canvas that welcomes improvisation without losing its identity. I've added crispy bacon for a smoky bite, halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, and even thin slices of avocado when I'm feeling indulgent. For a pescatarian twist, grilled shrimp works beautifully, taking on the Caesar dressing with a delicate brininess that chicken can't quite match. If you're going vegetarian, swap in marinated grilled tofu or crispy chickpeas, and you'll still get that satisfying protein punch without missing the meat.
Storing and Packing
These wraps are surprisingly travel-friendly if you pack them right. I wrap each one tightly in parchment paper, then slide them into a container or zip-top bag to keep them from unraveling in transit. If you're making them ahead, assemble everything except the croutons and add those just before eating so they don't turn into mush. They'll hold up in the fridge for a few hours, but I wouldn't push it past that, the lettuce starts to wilt and the tortilla can get a little soggy around the edges.
What to Serve Alongside
I usually keep it simple with a handful of kettle-cooked chips or a small cup of fresh fruit, something that adds a little crunch or sweetness without competing with the wrap itself. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc is my favorite pairing if it's a weekend lunch, the acidity cuts through the richness of the Caesar dressing in the best way. On busier days, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon does the job just as well, refreshing and light without any fuss.
- Kettle-cooked chips or sweet potato fries for a satisfying crunch.
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette if you want more greens.
- Fresh fruit like grapes or apple slices to balance the richness.
Save to Pinterest This wrap has earned a permanent spot in my weekly rotation, not because it's fancy, but because it delivers every single time. Whether you're feeding yourself on a busy Tuesday or packing lunch for a group, it's the kind of recipe that makes you look like you tried harder than you did.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare these wraps ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the wraps a few hours in advance and wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator until ready to eat. For best texture, keep dressing separate until just before serving if preparing more than 2 hours ahead.
- → What's the best way to grill chicken breasts evenly?
Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch before grilling. This ensures they cook uniformly. Use medium-high heat and avoid moving them too frequently. Grill 5-7 minutes per side, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- → Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely. Shred or slice rotisserie chicken and use it directly in your wraps. This saves significant time and works beautifully with the Caesar dressing and romaine.
- → How do I prevent the tortilla from tearing when rolling?
Warm your tortillas before assembling by heating them on the grill for a few seconds per side or wrapping them in foil in a warm oven. Warm tortillas are more pliable and less likely to crack when rolled.
- → What are good side pairings for this wrap?
Serve alongside crispy chips, a light soup, fresh fruit, or a simple green salad. A sparkling beverage like Sauvignon Blanc or lemon-infused water complements the fresh flavors nicely.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute gluten-free flour tortillas and ensure your croutons and Caesar dressing are certified gluten-free. Many store-bought options are readily available, making this adaptation straightforward.