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This Chopped Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap brings together the creamy, savory flavors of a classic Caesar salad with the convenience and heartiness of a soft tortilla wrap. It's loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, crunchy lettuce, and rich Caesar dressing for a meal that feels indulgent but comes together quickly. Perfect for busy days or a satisfying dinner, this wrap delivers fresh textures and bold tastes in every bite.
I first tried this wrap on a hectic afternoon when I needed a quick yet hearty meal. Now it’s a go-to that everyone in my family asks for regularly because it tastes so fresh and comforting.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: the main source of juicy lean protein choose fresh, boneless, and skinless for best results
- Kosher salt: enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken evenly
- Black pepper: adds mild heat freshly ground if possible for more aroma
- Olive oil: use extra virgin for flavor and a quality sear on the chicken
- Burrito-size tortilla: soft and pliable for wrapping warmed slightly to prevent tearing
- Iceberg lettuce: provides satisfying crunch and mild flavor pick firm heads without brown spots
- Bacon strips: delivers smokiness and texture thicker-cut works well if you want extra crispness
- Caesar dressing: creamy element that pulls everything together choose a good quality or homemade option
- Grated Parmesan cheese: adds sharp umami freshly grated is always better for flavor and texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Bacon:
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon strips and cook each side for about two to four minutes until the bacon is crispy and browned. Remove and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces that will distribute easily in the wrap.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Season the chicken breast evenly with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat another tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about four minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and bake in the oven for nine to twelve minutes until cooked through. Let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing thinly to keep it juicy.
- Make the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, sliced chicken, chopped bacon, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the dressing coats all ingredients evenly. This ensures every bite is flavorful with a good balance of creamy and crunchy elements.
- Assemble and Toast the Wrap:
- Lay the warmed tortilla flat on your workspace. Spoon the salad mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Fold the sides in and then roll tightly from one edge to the other to create a wrapped bundle. Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and place the wrap seam side down. Toast for one to two minutes per side until the tortilla is golden and slightly crispy. This not only adds texture but helps hold everything together.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the wrap in half diagonally and serve it warm. It pairs well with a light side like fresh fruit or a simple salad, or enjoy it on its own for a quick satisfying meal.
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My favorite ingredient here is the crispy bacon because it adds a smoky crunch that elevates the whole wrap. I remember making this for a picnic where the wrap held up perfectly and everyone loved how the flavors reminded them of a classic Caesar salad without the mess of forks and plates.
Storage tips
Keep leftover ingredients like chopped chicken, bacon, and lettuce stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. If you assemble the wrap ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and eat within 24 hours for best freshness. Avoid freezing since the lettuce and dressing will become watery and limp.
Ingredient substitutions
You can easily swap grilled or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast yourself. For a vegetarian option, use crispy chickpeas or grilled tofu in place of chicken and bacon. Whole wheat or spinach tortillas work nicely if you want more fiber and nutrients. For cheese alternatives, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good choices.
Serving suggestions
Pair this wrap with sweet potato fries, a crisp garden salad, or even tomato soup to balance the creamy dressing. Fresh fruit salad or roasted vegetables also add nice contrast without overpowering the wrap’s flavors.
Cultural context
This recipe is a modern twist on the traditional Caesar salad, turning it into a portable and versatile meal ideal for lunches or casual dinners. It combines familiar Italian-American flavors with the convenience of wraps that have become popular in fast casual dining.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for this wrap?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works well and saves prep time without sacrificing flavor.
- → What type of tortilla is best to use?
A large burrito-size flour tortilla is ideal for softness and flexibility; whole wheat or spinach tortillas offer nutritious alternatives.
- → How can I keep the wrap from becoming soggy?
Use dressing sparingly, assemble just before eating, and toasting the wrap helps maintain a crisp outer layer.
- → Is there a vegetarian option available?
Replace the chicken and bacon with grilled tofu or crispy chickpeas and opt for vegetarian bacon or omit it entirely.
- → What cheeses can substitute Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or mild shredded mozzarella provide flavorful alternatives.
- → Can I prepare the wrap ahead of time?
It’s best to store components separately—lettuce, protein, and dressing—and assemble fresh to maintain texture.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Keep ingredients in airtight containers and refrigerate. Reheat the assembled wrap in a skillet to retain crispness, avoiding the microwave.