Pin it My neighbor handed me a takeout wrap through the fence one summer afternoon, insisting I try it before mine got cold. One bite and I knew I had to figure it out at home. The crunch of romaine against tender chicken, that hit of parmesan and garlic, all tucked into something I could eat with one hand while weeding the garden. I've been making these wraps ever since, tweaking the dressing and perfecting the grill marks until they taste even better than that first surprise lunch.
I started packing these for my husband's work lunches after he mentioned his usual sandwich felt boring. He'd text me photos of his coworkers peeking over, asking what smelled so good. Now I make extra on Sunday nights so we both have them ready to grab. There's something deeply satisfying about knowing a simple wrap can feel like a treat in the middle of a long day.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I flatten mine slightly with my palm before grilling so they cook evenly and don't dry out on the edges.
- Olive oil: Brushing it on before seasoning helps the spices stick and gives you those beautiful grill lines.
- Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: This trio is all you need for chicken that tastes intentional, not bland.
- Romaine lettuce: The sturdy leaves hold up to dressing without wilting into sad ribbons by lunchtime.
- Caesar dressing: Store-bought works perfectly, but if you have five extra minutes, homemade makes it unforgettable.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts slightly into the dressing and tastes sharper than the pre-shredded kind.
- Croutons: They add the crunch that makes every bite feel complete, even inside a soft tortilla.
- Flour tortillas: Go for the large 10-inch ones so you have enough room to fold without everything spilling out the sides.
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 and the internal temperature hits 165 degrees, then let it rest before slicing so it stays juicy.
- Prepare the Caesar Salad:
- Toss the chopped romaine with Caesar dressing, parmesan, and croutons in a large bowl until everything is evenly coated. Don't overdress it or the tortilla will get soggy.
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Lay out your tortillas and divide the dressed salad down the center of each one, then top with sliced grilled chicken. Fold in the sides first, then roll from the bottom up, tucking tightly as you go.
- Slice and Serve:
- Cut each wrap in half on a diagonal if you like, or leave them whole for easier handling. Serve them right away while the chicken is still warm and the lettuce is cold.
Pin it The first time I brought these to a picnic, I watched my friend's kids devour them without complaint, and their mom looked at me like I'd performed magic. It reminded me that sometimes the best recipes aren't the fanciest ones, just the ones people actually want to eat. I went home that night and made another batch for myself, standing at the counter in the quiet kitchen, feeling grateful for food that brings people together without any fuss.
Make It Your Own
I've swapped in grilled shrimp when I'm feeling fancy, and it works beautifully with the Caesar flavors. My sister uses baked tofu for her vegetarian version and says it's just as satisfying. You can also tuck in some crispy bacon or halved cherry tomatoes if you want more texture and color. The base is forgiving enough that you can follow your cravings without worrying about ruining anything.
Storing and Packing
If you're meal prepping, keep the grilled chicken, dressed salad, and tortillas separate in the fridge until you're ready to assemble. The wraps hold up for a few hours once rolled, but they taste best when made fresh. I wrap mine tightly in parchment paper so they don't unravel in my bag, and they stay intact even on bumpy car rides. Just don't pack them the night before or the lettuce will lose its crunch by morning.
Serving Suggestions
These wraps don't need much on the side, but I like pairing them with a handful of kettle chips or a simple fruit salad. A cold glass of lemonade or iced tea feels right on a warm day. If you're serving them for dinner, a light soup like tomato basil rounds out the meal without making anyone feel overly full.
- Add a handful of baby spinach or arugula for extra greens.
- Drizzle a little extra dressing on top if you like things saucy.
- Serve with pickle spears on the side for a tangy contrast.
Pin it This wrap has become one of those recipes I don't even think about anymore, my hands just know what to do. I hope it finds a spot in your regular rotation too, the kind of meal that feels like a small win every time you make it.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, grill the chicken the night before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can either slice it cold or quickly reheat it before assembling the wraps.
- → What's the best way to prevent the wrap from falling apart?
Ensure the tortilla is pliable by warming it slightly, don't overfill, and roll tightly after folding in the sides. Wrapping each wrap in foil temporarily helps hold it together.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely. Grilled shrimp works wonderfully for a lighter option, or try grilled tofu for vegetarian versions. Pan-seared turkey or salmon are also excellent choices.
- → How do I make this wrap gluten-free?
Replace the flour tortillas with certified gluten-free varieties and use gluten-free croutons. Always check that your Caesar dressing is gluten-free as some brands may contain hidden gluten.
- → What side dishes pair well with this wrap?
Serve alongside fresh fruit, vegetable crudités, chips, or a light soup. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon complements the flavors beautifully.
- → How can I add more flavor to the wraps?
Try adding crispy bacon bits, sliced cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs like basil. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add heat if desired.