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This Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap is your answer to busy weeknights or quick desk lunches when you want something fresh but satisfying. The combination of savory chicken, crisp lettuce, crunchy bacon, and creamy Caesar dressing all wrapped in a pillowy tortilla is a total crowd-pleaser.
What got me hooked on these wraps was how quickly I could whip them up for hungry kids after soccer practice. Now even my picky eaters ask for them by name.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: for juicy tender meat select one that feels firm and has a fresh clean smell
- Kosher salt: brings out all the flavors use flaky sea salt if you have it
- Cracked black pepper: adds a pop of heat grind fresh for best results
- Olive oil: keeps the chicken and wrap moist choose extra virgin for best taste
- Burrito-size tortilla: large enough to fit a hearty helping look for one that bends without tearing
- Iceberg lettuce: for crunch and freshness pick a head that feels cold and heavy
- Bacon strips: bring smoky flavor and crunch thicker cut bacon holds up best
- Store-bought Caesar dressing: saves time and brings classic taste look for one with parmesan and anchovy in the ingredient list
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: for salty nutty richness grate your own for a creamier texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bacon:
- Cook bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until they are as crispy as you like about two to four minutes per side Let them cool on a paper towel and chop into bite-sized pieces Set aside for later
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt and black pepper Gently heat some olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken on each side about four minutes until golden brown Finish cooking in a preheated oven at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit until the center reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Let the chicken rest for five minutes then slice into thin strips
- Make the Salad:
- Rinse dry and chop your iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces Place the lettuce on a large cutting board Add the sliced chicken chopped bacon Caesar dressing and parmesan Take a large chef knife and chop and mix everything together until every bite has all the flavors
- Assemble the Wrap:
- Lay the tortilla flat and add the salad mixture down the center Fold the sides in then roll everything up tightly to form a neat wrap
- Toast the Wrap:
- Heat a skillet with a little olive oil or cooking spray Place your wrap seam side down Press with a spatula and cook for one to two minutes per side until the tortilla is golden brown and the outside is crisp and warm
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I am always amazed by what a difference toasting the wrap makes The warmth brings the whole dish together and the golden outside keeps the wrap from falling apart even in a lunchbox Last time I made these my youngest grinned and said it tasted like restaurant food at home
Storage Tips
Wraps are best fresh but you can prep everything in advance and store ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge Assembled wraps will stay good for a day but toast them just before eating for best texture
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken for rotisserie or leftover roasted turkey Use turkey bacon or leave it out for a lighter version Swap Romaine or mixed greens for iceberg if you want more nutrition
Serving Suggestions
Slice wraps in half for party platters Or tightly wrap and pack in foil for picnics Add a bowl of soup or a handful of cherry tomatoes for a complete meal
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Cultural and Historical Context
The Caesar salad was invented in Tijuana Mexico in the 1920s by Caesar Cardini a restaurateur Wraps are a modern American invention perfect for making classic salads portable This mashup is both comforting and practical and always a hit for all ages
Commonly Asked Questions
- → What type of chicken is best to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast works well as it cooks quickly and slices easily for wraps. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and allowed to rest before slicing for juicier pieces.
- → Can I substitute the iceberg lettuce?
Yes, romaine lettuce or any crisp leafy green is a great alternative. Just make sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- → How do I keep the wraps from becoming soggy?
Assemble the wraps just before serving and avoid overdressing the salad mixture to help maintain a crisp texture.
- → Can these wraps be prepared in advance?
You can prep the fillings ahead of time, but assemble and toast the wrap just before eating for the freshest results.
- → Is there a vegetarian option?
Replace chicken and bacon with grilled vegetables or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version with lots of flavor.