Pin it My sister handed me a wrap at her kitchen counter one Saturday afternoon, and I wasn't expecting much—just lunch between errands. But the crunch of romaine against tender chicken, the sharpness of parmesan cutting through creamy Caesar dressing, all held together in a warm tortilla, stopped me mid-bite. It wasn't fancy, but it was exactly what I didn't know I needed. I've been making them ever since, usually on days when I want something filling but don't want to be stuck at the table with a fork.
I made these for a picnic once, wrapping each one in parchment paper and stacking them in a cooler. My friend unwrapped hers by the lake and said it tasted better than the café version she used to buy every week. There's something about the way the croutons soften just slightly against the dressing, while the lettuce stays crisp at the edges, that makes it feel both fresh and indulgent. It became my go-to whenever someone asked me to bring lunch somewhere, because it travels well and always disappears fast.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These grill quickly and slice cleanly, and seasoning them before cooking makes all the difference in flavor that soaks through every bite.
- Olive oil: Brushing the chicken with this keeps it from sticking to the grill and adds a subtle richness that complements the Caesar dressing.
- Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: A simple trio that builds a savory base without overpowering the other flavors in the wrap.
- Romaine lettuce: The sturdy leaves hold up to the dressing without wilting immediately, and the crunch is what makes the wrap feel alive.
- Caesar dressing: Whether you make it or buy it, this is the glue that ties everything together, creamy and tangy with just enough bite.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is worth it here because it melts slightly into the dressing and adds a sharpness that pre-shredded versions just don't deliver.
- Croutons: They add texture and a toasted flavor that reminds you this is more than just a wrap, it's a full salad experience.
- Flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, they roll without tearing and hold everything snugly without falling apart in your hands.
Instructions
- Season and Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, then brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill each side for 5 to 7 minutes until the juices run clear and the meat feels firm but not tough, then let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
- Toss the Caesar Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, and croutons, tossing until every leaf is lightly coated. The croutons will start to soften just a bit, which is exactly what you want.
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface and divide the Caesar salad mixture evenly among them, placing it in the center of each one. Top with the sliced grilled chicken, distributing it so every wrap gets an even amount.
- Roll and Serve:
- Fold in the sides of each tortilla, then roll up tightly from the bottom to form a secure wrap. Slice them in half if you like, and serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and the lettuce is crisp.
Pin it My coworker once told me she started making these every Sunday night for her lunches, and it changed her whole week. She said it felt like treating herself to something good instead of reheating leftovers she didn't care about. I think that's what I love most about this wrap—it's quick enough for a weeknight but tastes like you took the time to care about what you're eating.
Making It Your Own
I've added crispy bacon bits when I had some left over from breakfast, and the smoky crunch took it to another level. Cherry tomatoes, halved and tucked in with the lettuce, add a burst of sweetness that balances the richness of the dressing. If you're not a chicken person, grilled shrimp works beautifully here, or even seasoned tofu if you're keeping it plant-based. Sometimes I swap the flour tortilla for a whole wheat one, which adds a nutty flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the Caesar.
What to Serve Alongside
These wraps are filling on their own, but I like to serve them with a handful of kettle chips or a small cup of fruit salad. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc is perfect if you're having people over, or just sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon if it's a casual lunch. The acidity cuts through the creaminess of the dressing and refreshes your palate between bites. I've also set out a small bowl of extra Caesar dressing for dipping, which some people love and others ignore, but it's nice to have the option.
Storage and Reheating
If you're meal prepping, store the grilled chicken, salad mixture, and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will keep for up to three days, and you can assemble a fresh wrap whenever you're ready. Don't store assembled wraps overnight because the dressing will make the tortilla soggy and unpleasant. If you do need to pack one for later the same day, wrap it tightly in parchment or foil and keep it cold until you eat it.
- Store grilled chicken separately and slice it just before assembling to keep it moist.
- Keep croutons in a separate bag until the last minute so they stay crunchy.
- Warm the tortillas for a few seconds in the microwave before rolling to make them more pliable and less likely to tear.
Pin it This wrap has become one of those recipes I make without thinking, the kind that feels like muscle memory in the best way. It's simple, satisfying, and never feels like you're settling for something quick.
Common Questions
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving. Keep the grilled chicken refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and toss the salad mixture shortly before wrapping to prevent sogginess.
- → What's the best way to grill chicken breasts evenly?
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch before grilling. This ensures they cook uniformly in 5-7 minutes per side. Let them rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain moisture before slicing.
- → Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time. Use about 2 cups of shredded meat, and you can skip the grilling step entirely for an even quicker meal.
- → What are good substitutes for flour tortillas?
Whole wheat tortillas add more fiber, while spinach or herb-infused varieties offer extra flavor. Gluten-free tortillas are available for dietary restrictions, and large lettuce leaves can replace tortillas for a low-carb option.
- → How can I make homemade Caesar dressing?
Blend mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, and grated parmesan with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This homemade version is fresher and customizable to your preferences.
- → What proteins work best as alternatives?
Grilled shrimp, tofu, or seitan are excellent protein swaps. You can also use crispy bacon, turkey breast, or leftover roasted vegetables for vegetarian options. Adjust cooking times based on your chosen protein.