Caesar Chicken Salad Wrap

I used to pack these wraps for beach picnics back when I lived near the coast, thinking they'd get soggy by the time we arrived. But something about the way the Caesar dressing clings to the lettuce without drowning it keeps everything surprisingly intact. Now I make them for quick weeknight dinners when I'm too tired to plate anything fancy. The tortilla holds everything together like a promise you can actually keep. And honestly, there's something deeply satisfying about eating salad with your hands.

The first time I made these for a potluck, I wasn't sure how they'd hold up next to all the hot dishes and casseroles. But they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. People loved that they could grab one and keep talking without needing a fork or a napkin pile. I watched my friend's kid, who claimed to hate salad, eat two halves without realizing what he was doing. That's when I knew this recipe had something quietly powerful going for it.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These grill up fast and slice beautifully, and I've learned that letting them rest after cooking keeps every bite juicy instead of dry.
• Olive oil: Just enough to keep the chicken from sticking and to help the seasoning adhere without making it greasy.
• Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: This simple trio does all the heavy lifting for flavor, and I've stopped overthinking chicken seasoning because of it.
• Romaine lettuce: The crunch is non-negotiable here, and romaine holds up better than any other green when wrapped and pressed.
• Caesar dressing: Whether you buy it or make it, this is the soul of the wrap, so use one you actually enjoy tasting straight from the spoon.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated makes all the difference, it melts slightly into the dressing and adds a sharpness that pre-shredded just can't match.
• Croutons: They add pockets of texture and a little bit of surprise in every bite, plus they soak up just enough dressing to stay interesting.
• Flour tortillas: Go for the large, soft ones that fold without cracking, because a broken tortilla turns this whole thing into a messy plate situation.

Instructions

Season and Grill the Chicken:

Preheat your grill or grill pan until it's properly hot, then brush the chicken with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the juices run clear, then let it rest before slicing so all that moisture stays inside the meat.

Toss the Caesar Salad:

In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, parmesan, and croutons, tossing until every leaf is lightly coated. Don't overdress it or the wrap will get soggy, just enough to make everything cohesive.

Assemble the Wraps:

Lay out your tortillas and divide the dressed salad evenly down the center of each one, then top with sliced grilled chicken. Fold in the sides first, then roll up tightly from the bottom to create a secure package.

Slice and Serve:

Cut each wrap in half on a diagonal if you want that deli-style look, or leave them whole for easier handling. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and the lettuce is crisp.

Save

There was one evening last summer when I made a double batch of these for a last-minute backyard gathering, and we ended up sitting outside until the fireflies came out. Everyone had seconds, and my neighbor asked if I'd cater her book club meeting. I didn't, but the fact that she asked made me realize how much a simple, well-executed meal can turn an ordinary night into something people remember. These wraps have that kind of quiet magic.

Choosing Your Tortillas

I used to grab whatever tortillas were on sale, but I learned the hard way that stiff or small tortillas make wrapping a nightmare. Now I look for the large, soft flour ones that bend without tearing, and I warm them for a few seconds in a dry skillet if they've been in the fridge. That little bit of warmth makes them pliable and forgiving, and it prevents that tragic mid-bite breakage that sends chicken and lettuce tumbling onto your lap.

Making It Your Own

The beauty of this wrap is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand or what you're craving. I've added crispy bacon when I had leftover breakfast strips, tossed in halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color, and even swapped the chicken for grilled shrimp on nights when I wanted something lighter. A friend of mine uses baked tofu and vegan Caesar dressing, and honestly, it's just as satisfying. Don't be afraid to riff on the formula once you've nailed the basics.

Storage and Meal Prep

If you're planning to make these ahead, keep the components separate until you're ready to eat. I grill a big batch of chicken on Sunday, store it sliced in the fridge, and keep the salad ingredients prepped but undressed in containers. When lunchtime hits, I toss everything together and wrap it up in under three minutes. Assembled wraps don't keep well, they get soggy and sad, but the prep work makes them feel like fast food without the guilt.

• Store grilled chicken in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Keep the Caesar salad components separate and dress only what you plan to eat immediately.
• Wrap assembled wraps tightly in parchment paper if you must transport them, and eat within two hours.

Save

This wrap has become my go-to when I need something that feels like a treat but doesn't require much thought or cleanup. I hope it becomes that kind of recipe for you too, the one you make on autopilot and never get tired of eating.

Questions & Answers

→ Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, grill the chicken the day before and refrigerate it. Slice it just before assembling the wraps to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

→ What temperature should the chicken reach?

Grill chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy.

→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Use shredded or sliced rotisserie chicken as a convenient substitute. This reduces cooking time to just 5-10 minutes for assembly.

→ How do I prevent the wrap from becoming soggy?

Assemble wraps just before serving. Keep the salad and dressing separate until ready to wrap, and avoid over-dressing the lettuce mixture.

→ What are good protein alternatives?

Try grilled shrimp, seasoned tofu, grilled turkey breast, or sliced steak. Adjust cooking times based on the protein chosen.

→ Are there gluten-free options?

Yes, use gluten-free tortillas and verify that your croutons and Caesar dressing are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.