Description
Craving a quick, fresh, and satisfying meal that packs all the classic flavors of a Caesar salad in a portable package? Chicken Caesar Wrap is your go-to solution! This delicious wrap combines crisp romaine lettuce, tender chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, nutty Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons, all rolled up in a soft flour tortilla. Perfect for lunch on the go, meal prep, or a light dinner, this recipe is beginner-friendly and highly customizable.
Ingredients
This wrap comes together with ingredients that create a flavorful, balanced meal. Here’s what you need and why each matters:
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Chopped Romaine Lettuce (3 cups): Provides crisp, fresh texture and a sturdy base for the filling.
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Chopped Cooked Chicken (1 ½ cups, grilled, fried, or rotisserie): Adds tender, savory protein for heartiness.
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Caesar Dressing (⅓ cup): Delivers creamy, tangy, and garlicky flavor; store-bought or homemade.
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Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (⅓ cup): Contributes nutty, salty richness.
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Homemade Croutons (½ cup): Offer crunchy texture and buttery flavor.
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Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): Enhance and balance flavors.
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Flour Tortillas or Wraps (4, 10-inch): Serve as a soft, pliable vessel for the filling.
Substitutions and Variations
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Chicken: Swap for grilled shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for vegetarian; adjust quantities to match 1 ½ cups.
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Lettuce: Use kale, spinach, or mixed greens; massage kale with dressing to soften.
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Caesar Dressing: Replace with Greek yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option or vegan Caesar dressing for dairy-free.
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Parmesan: Substitute with Pecorino Romano, nutritional yeast, or vegan Parmesan for dairy-free.
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Croutons: Use store-bought croutons, crispy chickpeas, or omit for gluten-free; crushed tortilla chips add crunch.
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Tortillas: Swap for whole wheat, spinach, or gluten-free wraps; lettuce leaves work for low-carb.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas and croutons; ensure Caesar dressing is gluten-free.
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Add-Ins: Include avocado slices, bacon bits, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
Instructions
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Prepare the Filling:
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In a large bowl, combine 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken, ⅓ cup Caesar dressing, ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup homemade croutons.
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Toss well with tongs to coat evenly. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Taste and add more dressing (1–2 tbsp) if desired; set aside.
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Beginner Tip: Toss gently to avoid crushing croutons; chop lettuce and chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy wrapping.
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Warm the Tortillas:
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Heat a large pan over medium heat. Warm 4 flour tortillas (10-inch) for 15–30 seconds per side until pliable, or microwave between paper towels for 15–30 seconds.
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Place on a plate and cover with a kitchen towel to keep warm.
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Beginner Tip: Warm tortillas to prevent tearing when rolling; don’t overheat, as they can become brittle.
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Assemble the Wraps:
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Lay each tortilla on a clean surface.
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Divide the Caesar salad mixture evenly among the tortillas, placing it in a line down the center (about ¾–1 cup per wrap).
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Fold in the opposite sides of each tortilla, then roll up tightly, burrito-style, tucking in the filling as you go.
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Secure with a toothpick in the center if needed to keep closed.
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Beginner Tip: Don’t overfill to ensure easy rolling; fold sides snugly to contain the filling.
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Serve:
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Serve wraps whole or cut in half diagonally for a polished look.
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Enjoy immediately, optionally with extra Caesar dressing or a side salad.
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Beginner Tip: Use a sharp knife for clean cuts; serve promptly to keep lettuce crisp.
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Cooking Tips
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Chicken Prep: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for speed; grill or fry chicken in advance (5–6 minutes per side, 165°F or 74°C) and chill until needed.
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Crouton Crunch: Make homemade croutons by toasting cubed bread with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes; store extras in an airtight container.
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Dressing Balance: Add dressing gradually to avoid a soggy filling; taste before seasoning to adjust salt, as dressing and Parmesan are salty.
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Tortilla Rolling: Place filling slightly off-center toward you for easier rolling; roll tightly but gently to avoid tearing.
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Freshness: Prep lettuce and grate Parmesan just before assembling to maintain crispness and flavor.