Description
Ingredients
For the Chicken
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Chicken Breasts or Thighs (1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless): Provides a tender, protein-packed base.
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Substitution: Rotisserie chicken (skip slow cooking), turkey breast, or tofu for vegetarian.
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Chicken Broth (½ cup): Keeps chicken moist and adds flavor.
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Substitution: Vegetable broth or water with bouillon.
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Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Infuses savory depth.
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Substitution: 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced, or ½ tsp garlic salt (reduce added salt).
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Salt (½ tsp): Enhances chicken 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 a pinch of cayenne.
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For the Caesar Salad Mixture
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Romaine Lettuce (3 cups, chopped): Adds crisp, fresh texture.
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Substitution: Green leaf lettuce, kale, or spinach.
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Caesar Dressing (⅓ cup): Brings creamy, garlicky flavor.
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Substitution: Homemade Caesar dressing, ranch, or vegan Caesar dressing.
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Parmesan Cheese, Freshly Grated (⅓ cup): Adds nutty, cheesy depth.
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Substitution: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or vegan Parmesan.
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Homemade Croutons (½ cup): Provides crunchy texture (recipe below).
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Substitution: Store-bought croutons or crushed tortilla chips for gluten-free.
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Kosher Salt (to taste): Balances flavors.
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Substitution: Sea salt or omit if dressing is salty.
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Black Pepper, Freshly Ground (to taste): Adds mild heat.
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Substitution: White pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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For the Homemade Croutons
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Day-Old Bread (2 slices, cubed): Forms the base for crispy croutons.
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Substitution: Sourdough, baguette, or gluten-free bread.
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Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps croutons crisp up.
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Substitution: Butter or avocado oil.
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Garlic Powder (¼ tsp): Adds savory flavor.
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Substitution: Onion powder or dried herbs.
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Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances crouton 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): Creates a soft, portable shell.
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Substitution: Whole wheat tortillas, spinach wraps, or gluten-free wraps.
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Why They’re Important: The chicken provides a savory, protein-packed core, while romaine and croutons add classic Caesar salad crunch. Caesar dressing and Parmesan deliver creamy, cheesy richness, and tortillas make it a convenient, handheld meal. Homemade croutons elevate the dish with fresh, garlicky texture.
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 to keep the chicken moist.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks or chop into bite-sized pieces. Discard excess liquid or reserve for another use (e.g., soup). Set chicken aside and keep warm.
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Tip: Use breasts for a leaner result or thighs for juicier texture. Check doneness early with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. A slow cooker liner simplifies cleanup.
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Step 2: Make Homemade Croutons
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut 2 slices of day-old bread into ½-inch cubes and place in a large bowl.
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Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, ¼ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp salt. Toss to coat evenly.
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Spread the cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Set aside to cool.
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Tip: Use slightly stale bread for better texture. Ensure cubes are evenly sized for consistent baking. Store extra croutons in an airtight container for up to a week.
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Step 3: Prepare the Caesar Salad Mixture
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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 with tongs until everything is evenly coated. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste and add more dressing (1-2 tbsp) if desired. Set aside.
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Tip: Chop lettuce into bite-sized pieces for easy wrapping. Grate Parmesan fresh for best flavor. Add croutons just before assembling to maintain crunch.
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Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
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In a large 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 warmed tortillas on a plate and cover with a kitchen towel to keep warm and soft.
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Tip: Warm tortillas to prevent cracking when rolling. Stack them to retain heat. Use a non-stick skillet for easy warming.
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Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
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Place each tortilla on a clean surface. Divide the Caesar salad mixture evenly among the tortillas (about ¾ cup per wrap), placing it in a line down the center.
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Fold in the opposite sides of each tortilla, then roll up tightly, burrito-style, tucking in the ends as you go. Insert a toothpick through the center to secure if needed.
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Slice in half diagonally for a polished look or serve whole for a hearty meal.
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Tip: Don’t overfill wraps to ensure easy rolling. Roll tightly to keep ingredients secure. Serve immediately to maintain lettuce and crouton crispness.
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Step 6: Serve
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Arrange the wraps on plates, cut side up if halved, to showcase the vibrant filling. Serve with extra Caesar dressing, Parmesan, or croutons on the side for dipping.
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Pair with a side of fresh fruit, sweet potato fries, or a simple tomato-cucumber salad for a complete meal. Serve with iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water for a refreshing vibe.
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Tip: Wrap in parchment paper for a picnic-friendly presentation. Offer extra toothpicks for easy handling. Serve within 30 minutes to avoid soggy tortillas.
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