Save The smell of garlic and olive oil hit me before I even turned the chicken on the grill. I was trying to skip the lunch line at work and started meal-prepping these wraps on Sunday nights. What began as a shortcut turned into something I genuinely looked forward to, especially after I figured out that letting the chicken rest really does keep it from turning into rubber. Now I make them even when I have no reason to rush.
I made these for my sister once when she showed up unannounced and starving. She stood in my kitchen watching me toss the salad and said it smelled like a restaurant. When I handed her the wrap, she took one bite and asked if I could teach her how to grill chicken without drying it out. That moment made me realize how much confidence comes from just knowing a few things well.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These cook fast and stay tender if you dont overcook them, which is easier said than done until you learn to trust the timer.
- Olive oil: Brushing it on before grilling keeps the chicken from sticking and adds a subtle richness that plain seasoning cant match.
- Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: This trio is all you need for chicken that tastes intentional without any fuss or fancy spice blends.
- Romaine lettuce: The crunch holds up way better than softer greens, and it doesnt wilt into sad mush if you assemble these ahead.
- Caesar dressing: Store-bought works perfectly fine, but if you have a favorite homemade version, this is the place to use it.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts slightly into the dressing and tastes sharper than the pre-shredded stuff, which is worth the extra minute.
- Croutons: They add texture and a little surprise in every bite, plus they soak up some dressing without getting soggy right away.
- Flour tortillas: Go for the larger 10-inch ones so you have enough room to actually wrap everything without it all falling out the sides.
Instructions
- Get the grill ready:
- Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high so it sizzles when the chicken hits it. Brush the chicken with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Grill the chicken:
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the juices run clear and the internal temp hits 165 degrees. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing so the juices stay inside instead of running all over your cutting board.
- Toss the salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, parmesan, and croutons. Toss everything until the lettuce is evenly coated and the croutons have grabbed some of that creamy dressing.
- Build the wraps:
- Lay out your tortillas and divide the salad mixture among them, keeping it centered. Top each with sliced grilled chicken and a little extra black pepper if you like.
- Wrap it up:
- Fold in the sides of each tortilla, then roll from the bottom up as tightly as you can without tearing it. Slice in half if you want, and serve right away while the chicken is still warm.
Save One summer evening I packed these for a picnic and realized halfway through eating mine that I hadnt missed sitting at a table. The wrap held together, the flavors stayed bright, and I felt like I had pulled off something both simple and special. It was one of those meals that reminded me cooking doesnt have to be complicated to feel really good.
Making It Your Own
If you want to change things up, crispy bacon bits or halved cherry tomatoes add a smoky or sweet pop that works surprisingly well. I tried grilled shrimp once instead of chicken and it was just as satisfying, maybe even a little lighter. Tofu works too if you press it well and give it a good sear, just season it the same way you would the chicken.
Storing and Packing
These hold up for a day in the fridge if you keep the dressing separate and add it right before eating. I learned to wrap them tightly in foil or parchment, which keeps everything compact and makes them easier to grab on your way out. If youre meal-prepping, store the grilled chicken and salad components separately and assemble fresh each day for the best texture.
Little Things That Help
A sharp knife makes slicing the chicken way easier and keeps the slices even, which helps everything fit better in the wrap. If your tortillas keep cracking, theyre probably too cold, so let them sit out for a few minutes or warm them gently first. Using whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas works just fine, though the texture changes slightly depending on the brand.
- Pair these with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc if youre feeling fancy, or just sparkling water with lemon if youre not.
- If you love extra parmesan, sprinkle a little more on top of the chicken before rolling, it sticks to the dressing and tastes incredible.
- Slice the wraps on an angle for a cleaner presentation, it looks more intentional and makes them easier to pick up.
Save This wrap has become my go-to when I want something that feels like a real meal without the cleanup or the wait. I hope it ends up in your regular rotation too, because its one of those recipes that just works.
Saffron Brook Recipe Q&As
- → How do I keep the tortillas from falling apart?
Warm your tortillas before filling to make them more pliable. Place them in a damp towel for a minute or wrap them in foil and heat in a low oven. Roll tightly after assembling and let the wrap sit seam-side down for a minute before serving.
- → Can I prepare these wraps in advance?
Yes, you can assemble wraps 2-3 hours ahead and refrigerate them wrapped in foil. Avoid adding dressing until just before serving to prevent sogginess. Pack dressing separately if transporting for later consumption.
- → What's the best way to grill chicken evenly?
Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness (about ¾ inch) before grilling. Preheat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates. Grill 5-7 minutes per side without moving constantly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute gluten-free tortillas for regular flour ones. Ensure your croutons are gluten-free or make homemade ones using gluten-free bread. Verify that your Caesar dressing is gluten-free, as some store-bought versions contain hidden gluten.
- → What vegetables can I add to boost nutrition?
Cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, avocado, red onion, and cucumber work wonderfully. You can also add roasted bell peppers or fresh herbs like basil. Avoid overstuffing—stick to 2-3 additions per wrap to maintain structural integrity.
- → Is homemade Caesar dressing better than store-bought?
Homemade dressing offers fresher flavor and control over ingredients, but store-bought versions are convenient and work well. For homemade, blend mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, and parmesan. Both options work equally in this wrap.