Pin It My neighbor showed up one Sunday with a cooler full of grilled chicken and a jar of Caesar dressing she swore by. We stood in my kitchen, tearing romaine and rolling wraps while her kids played in the yard. That afternoon taught me that some of the best meals don't need a stove, just good company and a few smart shortcuts. These wraps became my go-to whenever I needed something fast, filling, and actually exciting to eat.
I started making these for my husband's work lunches after he complained about boring sandwiches. He'd come home and tell me his coworkers were jealous of the smell when he unwrapped them at his desk. One Friday, I packed extras and sent them along. Now I get requests from people I've never even met.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose medium-sized breasts so they cook evenly and stay juicy, not dry and rubbery.
- Olive oil: This helps the seasonings stick and gives the chicken a gorgeous golden sear on the grill.
- Garlic powder: A little goes a long way and adds warmth without overpowering the Caesar flavor.
- Romaine lettuce: The crisp, sturdy leaves hold up to the dressing and won't wilt before you finish eating.
- Caesar dressing: Store-bought works great, but if you have time, homemade tastes like a different universe.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts into the dressing and clings to every leaf, making each bite richer.
- Croutons: They add crunch and a hint of garlic that ties the whole wrap together.
- Flour tortillas: Go for the large 10-inch size so you have plenty of room to roll without tearing.
Instructions
- Season and grill the chicken:
- Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then grill over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes per side. Let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices settle back into the meat.
- Toss the Caesar salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, parmesan, and croutons, tossing until everything is evenly coated. Don't add the chicken yet or it'll make the salad heavy.
- Assemble the wraps:
- Lay out your tortillas and divide the Caesar salad down the center of each, then top with sliced grilled chicken. Fold in the sides and roll tightly from the bottom up.
- Slice and serve:
- Cut each wrap in half on the diagonal if you want them to look neat and easier to handle. Serve right away while the croutons are still crunchy.
Pin It The first time I brought these to a potluck, someone asked if I'd catered it. I laughed and said it took me less time than driving to pick up takeout. That's when I realized how much people crave something that tastes thoughtful but doesn't ask for hours in the kitchen.
How to Store and Reheat
If you're meal prepping, store the grilled chicken, salad, and tortillas separately in airtight containers. Assemble the wraps right before eating so the lettuce stays crisp and the tortilla doesn't get limp. Leftover wraps can be wrapped tightly in foil and refrigerated for up to one day, but they're always best fresh.
Variations to Try
Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp if you want something lighter, or use marinated tofu for a plant-based version. I've added crispy bacon bits and cherry tomatoes when I have them on hand, and both bring a nice pop of flavor. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas without changing the taste much at all.
Serving Suggestions
These wraps are perfect on their own, but I love pairing them with a handful of sweet potato fries or a light cucumber salad. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully if you're serving them for lunch with friends, or just stick with sparkling water and a wedge of lemon.
- Serve with a side of kettle chips for extra crunch.
- Add a small bowl of extra Caesar dressing for dipping.
- Pair with iced tea or lemonade for a casual summer meal.
Pin It This wrap turned into one of those recipes I make without thinking, the kind that feels like muscle memory now. I hope it becomes that easy and reliable for you too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare these wraps in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the wraps a few hours ahead and wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated until ready to eat. However, assemble just before serving to prevent the tortilla from becoming soggy.
- → How do I keep the chicken moist while grilling?
Don't overcook the chicken. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side until just cooked through. Let it rest for 5 minutes after grilling before slicing to retain juices. Avoid pressing down on the chicken while cooking.
- → Can I make this without a grill?
Absolutely. Use a grill pan, skillet, or even bake the seasoned chicken at 375°F for 18-20 minutes. Pan-searing over medium-high heat also works perfectly.
- → What are good substitutes for the Caesar dressing?
Try ranch, garlic aioli, or a lemon herb dressing. You can also make homemade Caesar with mayo, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and anchovies for a fresh option.
- → How can I make this vegetarian?
Replace grilled chicken with seasoned tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. You can also add crispy chickpeas or roasted vegetables for protein and texture.
- → Are these wraps freezer-friendly?
No, these wraps don't freeze well due to the lettuce and dressing. However, you can freeze the grilled chicken separately and assemble fresh wraps when needed.