Chopped Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

This chopped chicken Caesar salad wrap is my solution for quick lunches or dinners that feel special without much fuss. Every bite offers that satisfying combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, cool lettuce, and zesty Caesar dressing—all bundled up in a warm tortilla that takes just minutes to pull together.

I started making these years ago when we needed a hearty grab-and-go dinner on sports practice nights and now my friends ask for the recipe at every potluck.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: adds juicy protein and stays super tender when properly seasoned and rested after cooking always choose chicken breasts that look plump and moist without a slimy sheen
• Kosher salt and black pepper: simple but crucial for flavor you want coarse kosher salt and freshly ground pepper for best results
• Olive oil: helps crisp the bacon and sear the chicken use extra virgin olive oil for the richest taste and mouthfeel
• Large tortilla: creates the sturdy wrap I go with flour tortillas about ten or twelve inches wide and look for ones that feel pliable not dry
• Iceberg lettuce: brings crunch and freshness look for tight heavy heads and crisp pale green leaves
• Bacon strips: give smoky crispy bits choose thick-cut bacon for more chew or regular for classic crunch
• Caesar dressing: delivers creamy tang try to find one with visible flecks of anchovy and Parmesan or make your own for top quality
• Parmesan cheese: adds salty depth and melts slightly in the warm tortilla always buy a wedge and grate or shave it yourself

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Bacon:

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers then add the bacon strips Cook until the fat renders and the bacon is deeply crisp about six minutes flipping as needed Move to paper towels and chop into small pieces

Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit Pat the chicken breast dry and season both sides with salt and pepper Warm the remaining olive oil in the same skillet over medium high and sear the chicken undisturbed for two to three minutes per side until it develops a golden crust Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for nine to twelve minutes depending on thickness Check doneness by slicing at the thickest point the juices should run clear Rest five minutes then slice into thin strips

Make the Salad:

In a large mixing bowl combine the chopped lettuce warm sliced chicken cooled bacon Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese Toss everything together with tongs so each piece gets coated in the creamy dressing

Assemble and Toast the Wrap:

Place your tortilla on a flat surface Fill the center with the salad mixture keeping it in a line Add a little extra cheese if you like Fold in the two short sides then roll tightly away from you Press down lightly as you roll so it holds its shape

Toast the Wrap:

Set a clean skillet over medium heat and place the wrap seam side down Toast for two to three minutes per side turning until both sides are a deep golden brown and the wrap feels crisp Use a sharp knife to slice in half and serve warm

Save This

My favorite ingredient here is freshly grated Parmesan because it melts just enough against the warm wrap for the best flavor I remember letting my kids help pile up the salad inside and toast the wraps on the weekend sometimes the whole kitchen smelled like bacon and Caesar dressing for hours

Storage Tips

If you are prepping wraps ahead let the filling cool to room temperature first then wrap tightly in foil or plastic Store in the fridge up to one day They taste best if you retoast them in a skillet to bring back the crispy exterior

Ingredient Substitutions

Rotisserie chicken works perfectly to save time or try turkey if you want leaner protein For a vegetarian swap crispy roasted chickpeas make a surprisingly satisfying substitute for the chicken and bacon You can also use romaine lettuce if you prefer more flavor or even spinach for a softer texture Soft corn tortillas work in a pinch but will not crisp up quite as well as flour

Serving Suggestions

These wraps are perfect as a meal on their own or you can serve them with a cup of tomato soup or a cold glass of lemonade I also love to slice them into pinwheels as a party appetizer or picnic snack Add fresh avocado slices or chopped hard boiled eggs for a little twist

Cultural Touch

The Caesar salad itself dates back to Tijuana in the nineteen twenties and was invented by Italian immigrant Caesar Cardini Adding chicken and wrapping it up in a tortilla is a classic modern American spin born from the need for quick portable meals With the toasted shell this wrap feels like both a salad and a sandwich at the same time

Common Queries

→ How do I keep the wrap from getting soggy?

Be sure to toss the salad ingredients just before assembling and toast the wrap in a dry skillet for a crisp texture. Wrap tightly in foil for freshness if storing.

→ Can I use other types of lettuce?

Yes, you can substitute romaine or mixed greens for iceberg lettuce to suit your taste or use whatever greens you have on hand.

→ What's the best way to cook the chicken?

Sear the seasoned chicken breast in a hot skillet, then finish in the oven until cooked through and juicy. Let it rest before slicing for tenderness.

→ Are there recommended additions?

Add avocado slices or chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra flavor and texture. Grilled veggies can also add a unique twist to the wrap.

→ How long does it keep in the fridge?

Wraps stay fresh for up to 1 day when tightly wrapped and refrigerated. Enjoy soon after assembling for the best texture.

→ Can this be made ahead for meal prep?

Yes, prep the salad and fillings in advance, then assemble and toast the wrap just before serving for ideal freshness.