Chicken Caesar Lettuce Wraps

Category: Fresh and Vibrant Salad Recipes

Chicken Caesar lettuce wraps offer a portable twist on the classic salad. Tender chicken, crunchy romaine, fresh Parmesan, and creamy Caesar dressing come together in soft tortillas with a handful of croutons for added crunch. Quick to assemble and easily customizable, you can use grilled, rotisserie, or even crispy chicken. Warm the tortillas for easy rolling, then fill and wrap just before serving to keep the veggies and croutons fresh. Perfect for meal prep or a speedy lunch, these wraps are hearty, flavorful, and always satisfying.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Thu, 15 May 2025 00:28:05 GMT
A plate with a chicken wrap on it. Save
A plate with a chicken wrap on it. | sarahmeal.com

Chicken Caesar Wraps take all the craveable flavors of your favorite salad and turn them into a quick and satisfying meal wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Every bite delivers juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, creamy Caesar, salty Parmesan and garlicky croutons—no fork required This is the recipe I reach for when I need something fresh and filling in under fifteen minutes whether it is an easy lunch at my desk or a weeknight dinner that everyone actually wants to eat.

My first time making these was after a weekend of grilling and I had some leftover chicken in the fridge. With a handful of pantry staples I had a dinner everyone agreed on and it has been a regular in our house ever since.

  • Chopped romaine lettuce: gives the wraps crunch and freshness. Go for hearts of romaine for crispest texture.
  • Cooked chicken: such as grilled, pan-seared, or rotisserie adds protein and keeps prep easy. Look for juicy pieces and avoid dry meat.
  • Caesar dressing: provides tang and richness. Choose a good-quality bottled dressing or make your own for brighter flavor.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: adds salty umami and creaminess. Use a wedge and grate it fresh if possible for better flavor.
  • Croutons: bring a garlicky crunch. Homemade takes it over the top but your favorite store brand also works.
  • Kosher salt: highlights flavors without overpowering. Taste first since Parmesan and dressing are salty.
  • Freshly ground black pepper: finishes everything with warmth and depth.
  • Flour tortillas or wraps: hold everything together. Look for soft and flexible eight to ten inch rounds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Filling:
Combine chopped romaine lettuce chicken Caesar dressing Parmesan and croutons in a large mixing bowl. Use tongs to toss thoroughly until every piece is coated and ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper if needed. If you want extra dressing feel free to add a bit more for a creamier texture.
Warm the Tortillas:
Heat tortillas one at a time in a dry skillet over medium heat for fifteen to thirty seconds per side until just pliable. Alternatively microwave for fifteen to thirty seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel. Warming makes them easier to roll and prevents tearing.
Assemble and Wrap:
Lay each tortilla flat and spoon a generous portion of the filling along the bottom third. Tuck in the sides then roll up snugly like a burrito to keep the salad inside. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
Serve:
Cut in half on the diagonal for easy eating or wrap tightly in parchment to pack for lunch. Enjoy right away so the lettuce and croutons stay crisp.
A plate with a wrap containing chicken and lettuce. Save
A plate with a wrap containing chicken and lettuce. | sarahmeal.com

Homemade croutons truly make these wraps extra special. There is just something about that garlicky crunch that brings me right back to childhood lunches. My kids love assembling their own wraps at the table and I always sneak in extra romaine to make it extra crisp.

Storage Tips

If you want to prepare ahead keep each component separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. Do not toss with dressing until just before wrapping or the lettuce and croutons will go soggy. If you need to wrap ahead tightly wrap each in parchment and a layer of plastic. Eat the same day for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to use any cooked chicken you have including rotisserie grilled or even crispy chicken tenders for a crunchy twist. Swap out romaine with any crunchy lettuce or even baby spinach for a different flavor. If you do not have croutons you can use toasted pita chips. Parmesan can be swapped with Pecorino Romano or a little shredded Asiago.

A chicken wrap with lettuce and spices. Save
A chicken wrap with lettuce and spices. | sarahmeal.com

Serving Suggestions

These wraps make a fun main course for lunch or a casual supper served with fruit salad or kettle chips on the side. If you are serving a crowd set up all the ingredients so everyone can build their own with extra toppings like tomatoes or bacon.

Cultural or Historical Context

The Caesar salad was invented in Tijuana by Caesar Cardini and became famous for its creamy tangy dressing. The wrap version popularized by American lunch spots takes the essence of the salad and delivers it in a modern portable form—no cutlery needed and a lot less mess.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What is the best chicken to use?

Grilled, rotisserie, or even crispy chicken tenders all work well. Choose what suits your preference or what's on hand.

→ How can I keep the wraps from getting soggy?

Combine ingredients just before serving, and keep croutons and lettuce separate until you're ready to assemble.

→ Should I warm the tortillas before wrapping?

Yes, briefly warming tortillas helps keep them soft and makes rolling easier without tearing.

→ Can I make these wraps ahead?

You can prep all the fillings in advance. Store ingredients separately and assemble wraps when ready to eat.

→ How do I make homemade croutons?

Cube day-old bread, toss with olive oil and seasonings, then bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until golden.

Chicken Caesar Lettuce Wraps

Juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, and creamy dressing meet in a tortilla for a quick, tasty handheld meal.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Duration
15 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Salads

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (4 wraps)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 01 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
Ingredient 02 1.5 cups chopped cooked chicken (grilled, pan-seared, or rotisserie)
Ingredient 03 80 ml Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Ingredient 04 30 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient 05 20 g croutons (store-bought or homemade)
Ingredient 06 Kosher salt, to taste
Ingredient 07 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Ingredient 08 4 flour tortillas, 25 cm each

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Combine romaine lettuce, chopped chicken, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and croutons in a large mixing bowl. Gently toss with tongs until all ingredients are evenly coated and distributed. Season lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Instruction 02

Heat each tortilla in a dry skillet over medium heat for 15–30 seconds per side or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for the same duration to enhance pliability.

Instruction 03

Arrange a portion of the chicken Caesar mixture along the center of each warmed tortilla. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly into a wrap. Slice in half if desired and serve immediately.

Additional Tips

  1. Prepare all components separately and assemble just before serving to preserve crispness of lettuce and croutons.
  2. Homemade croutons prepared from cubed day-old bread tossed in olive oil and garlic powder, baked at 190°C for 10–15 minutes, enhance flavor.
  3. Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken offers quick and convenient protein, while chopped crispy chicken tenders add extra crunch.

Essential Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Dry skillet or microwave
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (flour tortillas, croutons)
  • Contains eggs and fish (Caesar dressing may contain both)
  • Contains milk (Parmesan cheese)

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fat Content: 19 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 32 grams
  • Protein Content: 27 grams