Save to Pinterest My coworker used to eat one of these every Thursday at her desk, and the smell of garlic and parmesan would drift across the office until someone finally asked for the recipe. She laughed and said it wasn't anything fancy, just grilled chicken and a good Caesar tossed into a tortilla. I tried it that weekend and realized she was right: sometimes the best meals are the ones you can hold in your hand. Now I make these whenever I need lunch to feel like more than an afterthought.
I made a double batch for a picnic once, and by the time we spread the blanket out, half the wraps were already gone from the car ride. Everyone kept saying they'd only have one more bite, but the creamy dressing and that hit of parmesan made it impossible to stop. One friend even asked if I'd cater her book club, which I took as the highest compliment.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These grill fast and slice cleanly, and a quick rest after cooking keeps them juicy instead of rubbery.
- Olive oil: Brushing it on before grilling prevents sticking and helps the seasoning cling to the meat.
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder: A simple trio that builds flavor without competing with the Caesar dressing later.
- Romaine lettuce: The sturdy leaves hold up to dressing and rolling better than delicate greens.
- Caesar dressing: Homemade is wonderful, but a good store bought version saves time and still delivers that creamy, tangy punch.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts slightly into the dressing and tastes sharper than the pre shredded kind.
- Croutons: They add crunch and a toasty note that makes every bite interesting.
- Flour tortillas (10 inch): Large and pliable, they wrap neatly without tearing if you fold the sides first.
Instructions
- Preheat and season the chicken:
- Get your grill or grill pan nice and hot so the chicken gets those dark lines without drying out. Brush each breast with olive oil and sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly on both sides.
- Grill the chicken:
- Lay the breasts on the grill and let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes per side, flipping once. When the juices run clear and the internal temperature hits 165 degrees, pull them off and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Toss the Caesar salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, parmesan, and croutons, tossing until every leaf is lightly coated. The croutons will start to soften slightly, which is perfect.
- Assemble the wraps:
- Lay out your tortillas and spoon the dressed salad into the center of each, then top with sliced chicken. Fold the left and right sides inward, then roll from the bottom up, tucking as you go to keep everything snug.
- Slice and serve:
- Cut each wrap in half on a diagonal if you like, or leave them whole for easier handling. Serve right away while the croutons still have some bite.
Save to Pinterest One night I packed these for a late shift at work, and my manager saw me eating one under the break room fluorescents. She said it looked too good for a Wednesday, and I told her that was exactly why I made it. Sometimes you need a little luxury wrapped in foil.
Making It Your Own
Crispy bacon bits or halved cherry tomatoes turn this into a more loaded version, and both add little bursts of flavor that surprise you mid bite. I've also swapped in grilled shrimp when I want something lighter, and tofu works beautifully if you press it well and char it on high heat. Whole wheat or gluten free tortillas fit right in without changing the spirit of the wrap.
Pairing and Serving
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creaminess of the dressing, but sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon does the same job if you're keeping it simple. I like to serve these with a handful of kettle chips or a small cup of fruit salad on the side, just to round out the plate. If you're packing them for later, wrap each one tightly in parchment and keep them chilled until you're ready to eat.
Storage and Reheating
These wraps hold up well in the fridge for a few hours, but the croutons will soften over time, so if you're meal prepping, pack them separately and toss them in right before rolling. Grilled chicken keeps for three days in an airtight container, and you can assemble fresh wraps whenever the craving hits. I wouldn't recommend reheating these, they're best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
- Store assembled wraps in foil or parchment for up to four hours in the fridge.
- Keep cooked chicken and salad components separate for longer freshness.
- Warm tortillas briefly before rolling if they've been refrigerated.
Save to Pinterest This wrap has become my go to for days when I want something satisfying without the fuss of plates and forks. It's proof that a little char, some crunch, and a good Caesar can turn lunch into something worth looking forward to.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the Caesar salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad mixture up to 2 hours ahead, but keep it separate from the tortillas. Assemble the wraps just before serving to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy.
- → What's the best way to grill the chicken evenly?
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before grilling. This ensures uniform cooking. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side over medium-high heat, avoiding constant flipping. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing for juicier results.
- → Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut. Use about 2 cups of shredded chicken and skip the grilling step, reducing total preparation time to just 15 minutes.
- → Are there gluten-free alternatives?
Yes, substitute regular flour tortillas with gluten-free or whole wheat options. Check your crouton and dressing labels for gluten content, as some store-bought versions may contain wheat ingredients.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store assembled wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. For longer storage, keep the components separate and assemble fresh wraps as needed. Individual components stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- → What beverages pair well with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the fresh, tangy flavors beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon or a light iced tea.