If you’re anything like me and love lunch recipes that are quick, fresh, and packed with flavor, then this Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It’s got everything I love: tender chicken coated in vibrant pesto, crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a homemade Caesar dressing that’s just the right zing. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under 20 minutes—perfect for busy days.
- Flavor Explosion: The pesto and Caesar dressing combo is seriously addictive.
- Customizable: You can tweak ingredients based on what’s in your fridge or diet needs.
- Family Favorite: My crew goes crazy for these wraps—they’re great for lunchboxes or casual dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic here comes from simple, fresh ingredients that pair beautifully: juicy grilled chicken, rich pesto, and crisp veggies. I like to use a good-quality store-bought pesto if I’m short on time, but homemade always takes it up a notch.
- Cooked chicken: Leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly; it keeps the wraps moist and flavorful.
- Pesto: A classic basil pesto is my favorite, but feel free to experiment with spinach walnut pesto or even sun-dried tomato pesto.
- Grated Parmesan: Adds that salty, nutty punch that ties everything together.
- Wraps: Use your favorite tortilla or flatbread; flour wraps hold up great here.
- Romaine lettuce: Shredded for crunch and freshness—it’s the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy pesto chicken.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juiciness and color, they brighten up the whole wrap.
- Mayonnaise: This is the base of the Caesar dressing; plain Greek yogurt can also work for a lighter twist.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps blend the Caesar dressing smoothly.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brings brightness and tang to the dressing.
- Garlic, capers, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce: These give the Caesar dressing its signature zing.
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasoning to finish it all off.
Variations
One of the best things about this Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I often switch things up depending on what we’re craving or what’s in my fridge!
- Healthy swap: I sometimes use whole wheat or spinach wraps for a boost of fiber and nutrients.
- Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers—it’s just as satisfying.
- Extra heat: Adding a smear of spicy harissa or a few slices of jalapeño turns this wrap into a flavor powerhouse.
- Cheese lovers: Mixing in some fresh mozzarella or swapping Parmesan for feta gives it a fun twist.
How to Make Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces—this makes every bite perfectly balanced with pesto. Shred your romaine lettuce and slice those cherry tomatoes so they’re ready to toss. If you’re making your own pesto, prepare that first and set it aside. This is where I discovered that using leftover grilled chicken saves so much time and still tastes amazing.
Step 2: Whip up the Caesar Dressing
Combine all the Caesar dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor — mayo, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, capers, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. This dressing is what makes the wrap pop, so don’t skip this step! Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed; I usually add a pinch more salt.
Step 3: Toss the Salad and Chicken
In a medium bowl, toss the shredded romaine and tomatoes with half the Caesar dressing, making sure everything’s evenly coated—no dry bites here! Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix the chopped chicken with the pesto. You want every piece to be luxuriously coated for that rich flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
Lay out your wrap flat and pile the salad mixture in the center—don’t overstuff or the wrap will be tough to fold. Next, add a generous scoop of the pesto chicken. Sprinkle on some extra Parmesan if you like, and finish with a drizzle of the remaining Caesar dressing, or keep it on the side for dipping. Fold the wrap up burrito-style, and if you want, you can toast it in a hot skillet with a little oil for 2-3 minutes on each side for that golden, crispy finish.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe
- Balance the moisture: Chicken and pesto moisture levels vary, so start with less pesto and add more if needed to avoid soggy wraps.
- Don’t skip the dressing: The homemade Caesar dressing adds a tangy punch that lifts the whole wrap—trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
- Wrap folding technique: Fold in the sides first, then roll tightly to prevent filling from escaping as you eat.
- Toasting helps: Lightly toasting the wrap in a pan seals everything together and adds a wonderful crunch—it’s my favorite finish.
How to Serve Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
I like to add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and sometimes fresh basil leaves on top of the wrap for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A little drizzle of extra Caesar dressing on the side is great for dipping, especially if you’re serving these to guests.
Side Dishes
These wraps pair beautifully with a crisp side salad or some crunchy veggie sticks, like carrots and cucumbers. When I’m feeling indulgent, sweet potato fries or a handful of crispy homemade chips are a perfect match.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, I’ve laid out all the ingredients buffet-style—the wraps, salad, pesto chicken, and dressings separately—so everyone can customize their own. It’s fun and interactive, plus it keeps the wraps from getting soggy if you’re serving later.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually wrap leftover Chicken Pesto Wraps tightly in parchment paper or foil and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days without losing much flavor or texture.
Freezing
Freezing these wraps is a bit tricky because the lettuce can get wilted and the wraps soggy. If you want to freeze, I recommend keeping the chicken and pesto separate, then assembling fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently toast the wrap in a pan over medium heat, seam side down first, for a couple of minutes on each side. This warms the chicken and melts the cheese a bit while keeping the wrap crispy. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the wrap soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use any type of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even poached chicken breasts work well. Just chop into bite-sized pieces. Keep in mind, the moisture content might vary, so you might need to adjust the amount of pesto accordingly.
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Is there a vegetarian alternative for this Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe?
Definitely! You can swap the chicken for grilled tofu, roasted vegetables, or even chickpeas. The pesto and Caesar dressing still provide plenty of flavor to keep it satisfying and delicious.
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How do I prevent the wrap from getting soggy?
Avoid overstuffing your wrap and spread the pesto and dressing evenly but lightly. You can also toast the wrap in a pan before serving to add a crispy layer that helps hold everything together.
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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 in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before using.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe is one I keep coming back to, especially on hectic days when I want something satisfying but fuss-free. The combo of creamy pesto chicken, fresh salad, and tangy Caesar dressing wrapped up neatly just hits all the right notes. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s not just a meal, but a little moment of joy in your day. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a favorite in your rotation too.
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
These Chicken Pesto Wraps are a fresh and flavorful meal combining tender grilled chicken coated in vibrant pesto, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy homemade Caesar dressing, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, the wraps can be enjoyed cold or lightly toasted for a warm, crispy finish.
Ingredients
Chicken Pesto Wraps
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces (leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie recommended)
- ⅓ cup pesto (add more as needed)
- 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 4 wraps
- 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
Caesar Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (plain Greek yogurt also works as a healthier alternative)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 ½ Tbsp capers with brine
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the grilled chicken into small bite-sized pieces and set aside. If making homemade Spinach Walnut Pesto, prepare it now and set aside. Shred the romaine lettuce and slice the cherry tomatoes.
- Make Caesar Dressing: Combine all Caesar dressing ingredients—mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan, garlic, capers with brine, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper—in a small food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Toss Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded romaine, sliced cherry tomatoes, and half of the Caesar dressing. Mix well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Coat Chicken with Pesto: In a large bowl, mix the chopped chicken with the pesto thoroughly so each piece is well coated.
- Assemble Wraps: Lay a wrap flat and add a portion of the salad mixture to the center, being careful not to overstuff to prevent the wrap from falling apart. Next, add a generous amount of the pesto-coated chicken on top of the salad. Optionally sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and drizzle more dressing or save leftover dressing for dipping.
- Fold and Serve: Fold the wrap like a burrito to enclose the filling. You can eat the wraps as is, or to warm them, spritz a hot skillet with a little oil, place the wrap seam-side down, and toast for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
Notes
- Use leftover grilled chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Chicken moisture may vary based on cooking method and size; pesto consistency can also affect the amount needed—start with ⅓ cup and add more as desired.
- For a lighter Caesar dressing, substitute plain Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
- Store any leftover wraps in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg