Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

This portable version of the beloved Caesar salad transforms everything you love about the classic into a handheld wrap that you can eat anywhere. The combination of marinated chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and authentic Caesar dressing wrapped in a soft flour tortilla creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. After years of trying different wrap combinations, this one has become our family's go to lunch solution because it delivers all the satisfaction of a restaurant Caesar salad in a format that travels beautifully.

I discovered this combination when my daughter was going through a phase where she would only eat Caesar salad for lunch. Making individual salads every morning was getting tedious, so I started wrapping everything together in tortillas. Now she requests these wraps even when regular salad is available, and I completely understand why.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken breasts: halved or cut into fillets for even cooking and maximum marinade absorption
• 2 teaspoons olive oil: for cooking the chicken to golden perfection
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: for the marinade creates tender and flavorful chicken
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest: adds bright citrus notes that enhance the Caesar flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: for proper seasoning throughout the chicken
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: provides subtle heat and depth
• 1/3 cup Caesar dressing: for marinating plus 2/3 cup for the salad mixture
• 4 large burrito sized flour tortillas: choose soft pliable ones for easy rolling
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: adds extra savory depth to complement the dressing
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese: shaved or freshly grated for the best texture and flavor
• 4 cups romaine lettuce: chopped and packed provides the signature Caesar crunch

Step by Step Instructions

Create the Chicken Marinade:

Whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, fresh lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and 1/3 cup Caesar dressing in a bowl until well combined. Place chicken breasts in a zip top bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over them. Massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure even coating, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. This marinating step infuses the chicken with Caesar flavors throughout rather than just on the surface.

Cook the Marinated Chicken:

Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy bottomed pan over medium high heat until shimmering. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and place in the hot pan. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing into strips. This resting period allows juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.

Prepare the Caesar Salad Base:

While chicken rests, place chopped romaine lettuce in a large mixing bowl and pat completely dry with paper towels if needed. Add the remaining 2/3 cup Caesar dressing, garlic powder, and half the Parmesan cheese to the lettuce. Toss thoroughly until every piece of lettuce is coated with dressing. Add sliced chicken and remaining Parmesan, then gently fold together until evenly distributed throughout.

Warm and Prepare Tortillas:

Heat tortillas one at a time in a dry skillet for 15 seconds per side, or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10 to 15 seconds until warm and pliable. This step is crucial for preventing tears during rolling and ensures the tortillas wrap smoothly around the filling without cracking or breaking.

Assemble and Roll the Wraps:

Place each warm tortilla on a clean work surface and add about 1 cup of the Caesar salad mixture to the center, leaving a 2 inch border on all sides. Fold the left and right sides of the tortilla over the filling, then fold the bottom edge up and over the filling. Tuck the bottom edge under the filling and roll tightly toward the top, keeping the sides folded in as you roll. Apply gentle pressure as you roll to create a tight, secure wrap that won't fall apart.

Bookmark

The key to this wrap's success is the double dose of Caesar dressing used in both the marinade and the salad mixture. Most people skip marinating the chicken and miss out on that deep flavor penetration that makes restaurant Caesar salads so memorable. I learned this technique from a chef friend who always marinates proteins in the same sauce they'll be served with, and it completely changed how I approach chicken dishes.

Smart Storage Solutions

These wraps are perfect for meal prep when stored properly. Wrap each finished wrap tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The foil helps maintain the wrap's shape and prevents the tortilla from becoming soggy. For longer storage, wrap individual components separately and assemble fresh wraps as needed. The marinated chicken keeps beautifully for 3 days cooked, and the Caesar salad mixture stays crisp for 2 days when stored in an airtight container.

Creative Ingredient Swaps

While this combination is perfection, you can easily adapt it to dietary needs or preferences. Grilled chicken thighs work beautifully in place of breasts and stay even more moist. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt based Caesar dressing or make your own with anchovy paste and lemon juice. Whole wheat or spinach tortillas add extra nutrition, while lettuce wraps eliminate carbs entirely. You can even add crispy bacon or homemade croutons for extra texture and authentic Caesar salad elements.

Bookmark

Serving and Pairing Ideas

These wraps are substantial enough to serve as a complete meal, but they pair wonderfully with simple sides that don't compete for attention. A handful of kettle cooked chips provides satisfying crunch, while fresh fruit like grapes or berries offers a refreshing contrast to the rich Caesar flavors. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted sweet potato wedges or a light soup. The wraps also work beautifully cut in half and served as appetizers at parties or casual gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing instead of homemade?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought Caesar dressing, though homemade provides better flavor control and freshness. Use the same amount called for in the marinade and salad mixture.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. The acids in the Caesar dressing help tenderize the meat while infusing it with flavor.

→ What's the best way to keep the wraps from getting soggy?

Pat the lettuce completely dry after washing and let the cooked chicken cool slightly before assembling. You can also wrap each finished wrap in foil to maintain structure.

→ Can I prepare these wraps ahead of time?

The chicken can be cooked and the salad components prepared up to 2 days ahead. Assemble the wraps just before serving to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.

→ What type of Parmesan cheese works best?

Freshly shaved Parmesan provides the best texture and flavor, though grated Parmesan works well too. Avoid pre-packaged powdered Parmesan for optimal taste.

→ How do I get the tightest wrap roll?

Warm the tortillas first to make them pliable, place filling in the center, fold sides in first, then fold bottom up and tuck under the filling before rolling tightly forward.