Save I was standing in the kitchen on a warm Tuesday afternoon, staring at leftover grilled chicken and wondering what to do with it that wasn't another boring plate. My daughter wandered in, saw the romaine sitting on the counter, and said, "Can we have something we can eat with our hands?" That's when it clicked. I tossed together a quick Caesar salad, grabbed the tortillas from the pantry, and rolled everything up into these wraps. We ate them standing at the counter, laughing as parmesan flakes fell onto our shirts.
The first time I made these for a group, I was skeptical about how they'd hold up. We were having friends over for a casual lunch, and I wanted something that felt special but didn't require me to miss the conversation. I set out all the components and let everyone build their own wraps. The room went quiet for a solid five minutes while people devoured them, and then someone asked if I'd made extras.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These grill up fast and slice beautifully, but don't skip the resting time or you'll lose all those juices to the cutting board.
- Olive oil: Just enough to keep the chicken from sticking and to help the seasoning cling to the surface.
- Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: Simple seasoning that lets the Caesar dressing do the heavy lifting without competing for attention.
- Romaine lettuce: The crunch is non-negotiable here, and romaine holds up better than any other lettuce when dressed.
- Caesar dressing: Store-bought works great, but if you have a favorite homemade version, this is the place to use it.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated makes a difference, it melts slightly into the dressing and tastes sharper and more alive.
- Croutons: They add texture and a little saltiness, and they soak up just enough dressing to stay interesting.
- Flour tortillas: Go for the large, soft ones that can handle a generous filling without tearing when you roll them up.
Instructions
- Season and Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan until it's really hot, then brush the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle on the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill each side for 5 to 7 minutes until the juices run clear, then let it rest before slicing so it stays tender.
- Prep the Caesar Salad:
- Toss the chopped romaine with Caesar dressing, parmesan, and croutons in a big bowl until everything is evenly coated. Don't overdress it, you want the lettuce to stay crisp, not wilted.
- Slice the Chicken:
- Once the chicken has rested for about 5 minutes, slice it thinly against the grain. This keeps each bite tender and makes it easier to roll up in the tortilla.
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Lay out your tortillas and divide the salad mixture down the center of each one, then top with the sliced chicken. Fold in the sides first, then roll up tightly from the bottom.
- Serve:
- Slice each wrap in half on the diagonal if you want, or leave them whole. Serve right away while the lettuce is still crunchy and the tortilla is soft.
Save There was an evening last summer when I packed these wraps for a picnic at the park. I wrapped each one in parchment paper and tucked them into a cooler with some cold drinks. We sat on a blanket under the trees, and as we unwrapped them, the smell of garlic and parmesan drifted up. My husband looked at me and said, "This is better than any sandwich shop." I had to agree.
Making It Your Own
One night I didn't have croutons, so I threw in some crushed tortilla chips instead, and honestly, it was just as good. I've also added crispy bacon when I'm feeling indulgent, and cherry tomatoes when I want a little burst of sweetness. If you're feeding someone who doesn't eat meat, grilled shrimp or even crispy tofu work beautifully here. The Caesar dressing is forgiving and ties together almost anything you throw at it.
What to Serve Alongside
These wraps are pretty filling on their own, but sometimes I'll put out a bowl of sweet potato fries or a light cucumber salad on the side. A cold glass of sparkling water with lemon feels right, or if it's the weekend, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. The wrap is rich enough that you don't need much else, just something simple to balance it out.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftover grilled chicken and prepped salad, keep them separate in the fridge and assemble the wraps fresh when you're ready to eat. The chicken will stay good for up to three days, and the salad will last about two if you haven't dressed it yet. I don't recommend reheating assembled wraps, they lose their texture and the lettuce gets limp.
- Store grilled chicken and salad components separately to keep everything fresh.
- Dress the salad right before assembling to avoid sogginess.
- Warm tortillas briefly before rolling if they've been refrigerated.
Save This wrap has become one of those recipes I turn to when I want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. It feels like a treat, but it comes together so quickly that it never feels like work.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How long should I grill the chicken breasts?
Grill chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side over medium-high heat until fully cooked and juices run clear. Let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing to ensure they stay tender and juicy.
- → Can I prepare the wraps ahead of time?
It's best to assemble wraps just before serving to prevent the tortilla from becoming soggy. However, you can prepare the grilled chicken and Caesar salad mixture separately and refrigerate for up to 2 days, then assemble when ready to eat.
- → What are good substitutes for the chicken?
Grilled shrimp works wonderfully for a seafood version, or use seasoned tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also substitute with grilled turkey breast or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- → Can I use a different type of tortilla?
Absolutely! Whole wheat tortillas add extra fiber, spinach tortillas offer a nutritional boost, or gluten-free options work well for dietary restrictions. Choose based on your preferences and dietary needs.
- → How do I prevent the wrap from falling apart?
Place the salad mixture in the center of the tortilla and don't overfill. Fold in the sides first, then roll tightly from bottom to top. You can wrap it in foil or parchment paper for easier handling and eating.
- → What dressing alternatives work if I don't have Caesar?
Ranch dressing, Greek yogurt-based dressing, or a light vinaigrette all pair well with grilled chicken and romaine. You can also make homemade Caesar dressing using anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, and mayonnaise.