Description
Craving a fresh, flavorful meal that brings the classic Caesar salad to life in a portable wrap? Say hello to Crockpot Chicken Caesar Wraps with Homemade Caesar Dressing! This recipe features tender, slow-cooked chicken paired with crisp romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas and elevated by a creamy, tangy homemade Caesar dressing.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
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Chicken Breasts or Thighs (1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless): Tender, protein-packed base.
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Substitution: Rotisserie chicken (skip slow cooking) or tofu for vegetarian.
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Chicken Broth (½ cup): Keeps chicken moist.
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Substitution: Vegetable broth or water with bouillon.
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Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Adds savory depth.
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Substitution: 2 minced garlic cloves or ½ tsp garlic salt (reduce salt).
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Salt (½ tsp): Enhances flavor.
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Substitution: Sea salt or low-sodium options.
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Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds mild heat.
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Substitution: White pepper or cayenne pinch.
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For the Homemade Caesar Dressing
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Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Creamy base.
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Substitution: Greek yogurt or vegan mayo.
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Anchovy Paste (1 tsp): Classic umami flavor.
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Substitution: 2 mashed anchovy fillets or 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (for fish-free).
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Lemon Juice (1 tbsp, freshly squeezed): Bright, tangy zest.
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Substitution: Lime juice or ½ tsp white vinegar.
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Dijon Mustard (1 tsp): Subtle sharpness.
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Substitution: Yellow mustard or omit.
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Garlic (1 clove, minced): Bold, savory kick.
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Substitution: ¼ tsp garlic powder.
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Parmesan Cheese (2 tbsp, finely grated): Nutty richness.
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Substitution: Pecorino Romano or vegan Parmesan.
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Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Smooths dressing texture.
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Substitution: Avocado oil.
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Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Balances flavors.
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Substitution: Sea salt or omit if salty.
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For the Salad Mixture
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Romaine Lettuce (3 cups, chopped): Crisp, fresh texture.
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Substitution: Green leaf lettuce or kale.
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Parmesan Cheese (⅓ cup, freshly grated): Nutty, cheesy depth.
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Substitution: Pecorino Romano or vegan Parmesan.
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Homemade Croutons (½ cup): Crunchy texture (recipe below).
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Substitution: Store-bought croutons or gluten-free crackers.
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Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Balances flavors.
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Substitution: Sea salt or omit if dressing is salty.
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For the Homemade Croutons
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Day-Old Bread (2 slices, cubed): Base for crispy croutons.
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Substitution: Sourdough or gluten-free bread.
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Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Crisps croutons.
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Substitution: Butter or avocado oil.
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Garlic Powder (¼ tsp): Savory flavor.
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Substitution: Onion powder or dried herbs.
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Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances flavor.
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Substitution: Sea salt or omit.
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For the Wraps
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Flour Tortillas or Wraps (4, 10-inch): Soft, portable shell.
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Substitution: Whole wheat, spinach, or gluten-free wraps.
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Why They’re Important: The chicken provides a savory core, while the homemade Caesar dressing delivers creamy, authentic flavor. Romaine and croutons add classic crunch, Parmesan brings cheesy depth, and tortillas make it a convenient, handheld meal.
Instructions
Step 1: Slow Cook the Chicken
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Place 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Season with 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Add ½ cup chicken broth.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until tender and 165°F (74°C) internally.
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Shred or chop chicken into bite-sized pieces (yielding ~1.5 cups). Discard liquid or reserve for another use. Set aside and keep warm.
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Tip: Use breasts for leaner texture or thighs for juiciness. Check doneness early with a thermometer. Use a liner for easy cleanup.
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Step 2: Make Homemade Caesar Dressing
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In a small bowl, whisk ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp anchovy paste, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, and 2 tbsp grated Parmesan until smooth.
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Slowly drizzle in 2 tbsp olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust with more lemon juice if needed.
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Set aside at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
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Tip: Blend ingredients in a food processor for smoother dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning sparingly, as anchovy adds saltiness. Double the recipe for extra dressing.
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Step 3: Make Homemade Croutons
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cube 2 slices day-old bread into ½-inch pieces and place in a bowl.
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Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, ¼ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp salt. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Cool completely.
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Tip: Use stale bread for better texture. Ensure even cube sizes for consistent baking. Store extras in an airtight container for up to a week.
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Step 4: Prepare the Salad Mixture
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In a large bowl, combine 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1.5 cups cooked chicken, ⅓ cup homemade Caesar dressing, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan, and ½ cup croutons.
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Toss with tongs until coated. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Add more dressing (1-2 tbsp) if desired. Set aside.
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Tip: Chop lettuce bite-sized for wrapping. Add croutons just before assembly to maintain crunch. Reserve extra dressing for serving.
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Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
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In a skillet, warm 4 (10-inch) flour tortillas over medium heat for 15-30 seconds per side until pliable. Alternatively, microwave between paper towels for 15-30 seconds.
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Place on a plate and cover with a towel to keep warm.
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Tip: Warm tortillas to prevent cracking. Stack to retain heat. Use a non-stick skillet for ease.
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Step 6: Assemble and Serve
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Place each tortilla on a clean surface. Divide the Caesar salad mixture (~¾ cup per wrap) down the center.
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Fold opposite sides, then roll tightly, burrito-style. Secure with a toothpick if needed. Slice in half or serve whole.
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Serve with extra dressing, Parmesan, or croutons on the side. Pair with fruit, fries, or a tomato-cucumber salad.
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Tip: Roll tightly to secure ingredients. Serve immediately to keep lettuce crisp. Wrap in parchment for picnics.
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