If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful lunch or an easy dinner idea that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, you’re going to absolutely love this Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe. It’s got that perfect mix of juicy chicken, herby pesto, crisp romaine, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing that just turns simple ingredients into something fan-freaking-tastic. I promise, once you try these wraps, they’ll become your go-to whenever you want something tasty and satisfying in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick & Easy: You can throw this together in about 20 minutes using leftovers or freshly cooked chicken.
- Bright and Flavorful: The combination of pesto and a homemade Caesar dressing brings tons of flavor without being heavy.
- Versatile for Any Meal: Whether it’s lunch on the go or a casual dinner, these wraps hit the spot every time.
- Customizable: You can tweak fillings, add your favorite veggies, or switch the greens depending on what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When I first made this Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe, I was amazed at how the textures and flavors came together so naturally. Each ingredient plays a role — the pesto keeps the chicken tender and flavorful, while the Caesar dressing adds a creamy tang that perfectly balances the fresh romaine and tomatoes.
- Cooked Chicken: Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here — it saves time and adds a smoky note.
- Pesto: I like using store-bought for speed, but homemade spinach walnut pesto is a game changer if you have time.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish — don’t skip it if you can help it!
- Wraps: Choose large, soft wraps that can hold all the fillings without tearing.
- Romaine Lettuce: Shredded romaine gives a satisfying crunch and freshness.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Slice them so you get little bursts of sweetness in every bite.
- Caesar Dressing Ingredients: Mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, extra Parmesan, garlic, capers, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper — all blended into a rich, tangy dressing.
Variations
I love how flexible this Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe is. I often tailor it to what’s in my fridge or what my family is craving, and you can totally do that too. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Veggie Boost: Adding sliced avocado or roasted red peppers gives a creamy or smoky punch — my family goes crazy for these small tweaks.
- Low Carb Option: Swap the wraps for large lettuce leaves if you want to keep things light.
- Spicy Kick: A dash of red pepper flakes or a swipe of spicy mayo can jazz things up if you like a little heat.
- Different Greens: Baby spinach or arugula can replace romaine to switch up the flavor profile slightly.
How to Make Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Like a Pro
Start by chopping your cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures every bite is packed with chicken and evenly coated in pesto later. Meanwhile, shred the romaine lettuce and slice your cherry tomatoes; setting these aside helps keep your assembly organized and quick.
Step 2: Whip Up That Homemade Caesar Dressing
I’ve made Caesar dressings from scratch many times, and blending the mayo, olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan, garlic, capers, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper together is my secret for a fresh, tangy dressing. Use a food processor or blender for a smooth finish, and don’t be shy about tasting — sometimes I add an extra squeeze of lemon or a pinch more salt depending on my mood.
Step 3: Toss The Salad Right
In a medium bowl, mix your shredded romaine and tomatoes with half of the Caesar dressing. This helps coat the veggies evenly without weighing them down, so you get crunchy, flavorful bites in every forkful.
Step 4: Coat The Chicken In Pesto
In a separate large bowl, stir the chopped chicken with the pesto. You’ll find that the chicken soaks up the pesto’s flavor perfectly, making every mouthful delightfully herbaceous. Remember, the amount of pesto can vary — start with a third of a cup and add more if it looks dry.
Step 5: Assemble and Toast Your Wraps
Lay your wrap flat and add a modest layer of the salad mixture, aiming not to overstuff or the wrap can fall apart when you try to fold it. Next, pile on the pesto-coated chicken and sprinkle extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Drizzle a little more dressing or save it for dipping. Fold the wrap like a burrito, and if you’re craving a warm wrap, spritz a little oil in a hot skillet, place the wrap seam side down, and toast for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Toasting is my personal favorite step — it melts the cheese slightly and adds a lovely crunch.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe
- Use Leftover Chicken: I never cook chicken just for this; leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken makes life easier and adds extra flavor.
- Adjust Pesto Moisture: I learned pesto can vary in oiliness, so add it gradually, stirring as you go to avoid soggy chicken.
- Don’t Overstuff Wraps: This prevents the wrap from tearing and makes eating a neater, more enjoyable experience.
- Freshen Dressing Last Minute: If your Caesar dressing tastes flat, a quick splash of fresh lemon juice brightens it right up.
How to Serve Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves on top just before serving. It adds that extra boost of aroma and a fancy touch without extra effort. Sometimes, I even drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil for richness.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, my go-to sides are crispy sweet potato fries, a simple cucumber salad, or some roasted vegetables. These complement the wrap beautifully by adding a variety of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun lunchbox surprise or party platter, cut the wraps into smaller pinwheel slices and secure them with colorful toothpicks. It’s a playful way to serve that’s perfect for sharing and looks super appetizing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover wraps tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them wrapped well prevents the wraps from drying out and helps maintain the texture of the greens and chicken.
Freezing
Freezing these wraps isn’t my first choice because the lettuce and tomatoes get soggy upon thawing, but if you really need to, remove the salad and freeze just the pesto chicken and wraps separately. Then, reassemble fresh salad when ready to eat.
Reheating
The best way to reheat the wraps is to warm them in a skillet on medium heat, turning every couple of minutes until warmed through and lightly crisp. I avoid microwaving because it can make the wrap soggy and wilt the lettuce prematurely.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought pesto for this Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works great and saves you time, especially when you’re in a rush. Just be sure to taste it first since some brands can be saltier or oilier than homemade versions. Adjust the amount accordingly.
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What type of chicken is best for these wraps?
I prefer using leftover grilled chicken breast or rotisserie chicken because it’s juicy and has great flavor. But any cooked chicken you enjoy will work — even shredded or diced from a roasted whole chicken.
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Can I make the Caesar dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The dressing can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir or shake before using, as it may thicken or separate slightly.
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How do I prevent the wrap from getting soggy?
To keep sogginess at bay, don’t overdo the dressing on the greens and assemble the wrap just before serving. Toasting the wrap also helps add a crispy barrier that keeps moisture in check.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe quickly became one of my favorite weeknight meals because it feels fresh, tastes incredible, and comes together so easily. I love recipes like this that turn simple ingredients into something that feels special but isn’t complicated. You’ll enjoy how versatile and satisfying these wraps are — they’re perfect for busy days, casual lunches, or even a light dinner. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your kitchen like it is in mine!
Print
Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these flavorful Chicken Pesto Wraps featuring tender grilled chicken tossed in vibrant pesto, fresh romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing, all wrapped up for a quick and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Pesto Wraps
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- ⅓ cup pesto (add more as needed)
- 3 Tbsp grated parmesan, optional
- 4 wraps
- 4 cups romaine, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
Caesar Dressing
- ½ cup mayo (plain Greek yogurt can be used as substitute)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup parmesan, grated
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 ½ Tbsp capers and brine
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the grilled chicken into small bite-sized pieces and set aside. If making your own pesto, prepare it now and set aside. Shred the romaine lettuce and slice the cherry tomatoes.
- Make Caesar Dressing: Add mayo, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, parmesan, garlic cloves, capers with brine, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and fresh cracked pepper into a small food processor or blender. Blend well until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Mix Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded romaine, sliced tomatoes, and half of the Caesar dressing. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat the salad components.
- Coat Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the chopped chicken with the pesto to ensure all pieces are well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Assemble Wraps: Place a wrap on a clean surface. Add a generous amount of the salad mixture in the center, being careful not to overfill to prevent tearing. Next, add a generous portion of the pesto-coated chicken on top of the salad. Sprinkle extra parmesan if desired and drizzle a bit more dressing or reserve it for dipping.
- Fold Wrap: Fold the sides over and roll the wrap tightly like a burrito to encase the filling.
- Optional Toasting: To warm and crisp the wrap, heat a skillet over medium heat with a light spritz of oil. Place the wrap seam-side down and toast for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the wraps immediately, with leftover dressing on the side for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Use leftover grilled chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Chicken moisture and pesto consistency can vary, so adjust pesto quantity from ⅓ cup as needed to ensure proper coating.
- Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for mayo in the Caesar dressing for a lighter option.
- Store any leftover wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg