Save I used to think wraps were just sandwiches trying too hard until a coworker brought these to our lunch potluck. She pulled them out of foil still warm from her grill, and the whole break room went quiet when she sliced one open. The contrast of cold crisp lettuce against that hot chicken, all held together by creamy Caesar dressing, completely changed my mind. Now I make a batch every Sunday night and eat them cold from the fridge throughout the week, and somehow they taste even better the next day.
The first time I made these for my kids, my youngest asked if we could have them for his birthday dinner instead of pizza. I laughed until I realized he was serious. We ended up serving them at his pool party, cut into pinwheels, and even the adults kept sneaking extras. There is something about handheld food that makes people relax and actually talk to each other instead of hovering over plates with forks.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that grills up juicy if you do not overcook it, and slicing it thin helps it distribute evenly in every bite.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist on the grill and adds a subtle richness that complements the Caesar dressing without competing.
- Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: A simple trio that seasons the chicken just enough to let the Caesar flavors shine through.
- Romaine lettuce: The only lettuce sturdy enough to hold up to dressing without wilting into sad green mush within minutes.
- Caesar dressing: The creamy, tangy glue that holds this whole wrap together, whether you make it from scratch or grab a good bottle from the store.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated makes all the difference, those little shavings melt slightly against the warm chicken and add a nutty sharpness.
- Croutons: They add the crunch that makes this feel like a real Caesar salad, not just lettuce and chicken in a tortilla.
- Flour tortillas: Soft and pliable enough to wrap without cracking, they become the vessel that turns salad into a meal you can eat with your hands.
Instructions
- Season and grill the chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan until it is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on contact. Brush the chicken with olive oil, season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the juices run clear and the internal temperature hits 165 degrees.
- Rest and slice:
- Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute instead of running all over your counter. Slice it thinly against the grain so each piece stays tender.
- Toss the salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, parmesan, and croutons, tossing until every leaf is lightly coated. Do not overdress or the croutons will go soggy before you even assemble.
- Assemble the wraps:
- Lay out your tortillas and divide the Caesar salad mixture down the center of each one, leaving space at the edges. Top with the sliced grilled chicken, arranging it in an even layer.
- Roll and serve:
- Fold in the sides of each tortilla like you are tucking in a blanket, then roll up tightly from the bottom. Slice in half on the diagonal if you want to show off the layers, then serve right away while the chicken is still warm.
Save My neighbor once told me she makes these every time her mother in law visits because they look fancy but require almost no effort. She grills the chicken the night before, keeps the salad components separate in the fridge, and assembles them fresh when her guest arrives. Her secret is warming the tortillas just before serving so the wraps feel like they took all afternoon, and no one ever guesses she pulled it together in ten minutes.
Making It Your Own
Once you nail the basic version, this wrap becomes a template for whatever you have on hand or feel like eating. I have added crispy bacon when I had some leftover from breakfast, tossed in halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of sweetness, and even swapped the chicken for grilled shrimp when my seafood loving friend came over. The Caesar dressing and parmesan are the constants, everything else is fair game. One time I used leftover rotisserie chicken and no one could tell the difference.
Storing and Packing
These wraps are one of the few foods that actually pack well for lunch if you know the trick. Wrap them tightly in parchment paper or foil, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper, and they will hold their shape without getting soggy for hours. I keep the dressing a little lighter when I am meal prepping so the lettuce stays crisp, and I pack extra parmesan and croutons on the side to add right before eating. My husband takes two to work every Monday and Thursday, and he says his coworkers are always jealous.
Serving Suggestions
I usually serve these with a handful of kettle cooked potato chips on the side because the salty crunch pairs perfectly with the creamy Caesar flavor. If I am feeling fancy or having people over, I slice the wraps into pinwheels and arrange them on a platter with a bowl of extra dressing for dipping. A cold glass of sparkling water with lemon or a crisp white wine makes it feel like a real meal instead of just lunch.
- Add a side of sweet potato fries for something heartier.
- Serve with a light soup like tomato basil or chicken noodle for a comforting combo.
- Pair with a simple green salad if you want even more vegetables.
Save These wraps have become my answer to the eternal question of what is for dinner when I do not feel like cooking but still want something that tastes homemade. They are fast, they are satisfying, and they make everyone at the table happy.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
Grill the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side over medium-high heat. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear when pierced. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
- → Can I make this with store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, absolutely. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and works wonderfully. Simply shred or slice the chicken and skip the grilling step. You'll have a ready-to-assemble meal in just 15 minutes.
- → What alternatives work for the Caesar dressing?
You can use homemade Caesar dressing for better control over ingredients, or opt for dairy-free versions if needed. Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and garlic powder also creates a lighter alternative while maintaining the classic flavor profile.
- → How can I make this wrap vegetarian or vegan?
Substitute the chicken with marinated grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a protein-rich vegetarian option. Use vegan Caesar dressing and ensure your tortillas don't contain animal products. Nutritional yeast can replace parmesan for a vegan version.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Prepare components separately and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep grilled chicken, chopped lettuce, and dressing in separate containers. Assemble wraps just before serving to prevent sogginess and maintain the tortilla's texture.
- → What tortillas work best for this wrap?
Large flour tortillas (10-inch) work well for this wrap. You can also use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber, spinach tortillas for color, or gluten-free varieties. Choose tortillas that are pliable enough to fold without tearing.