The flavor is familiar as you have all the components that make the beloved Caesar Salad. The only difference is the form. Instead of being tossed all together and composing the perfect bite with a fork, this recipe allows you to forego the utensils and grab a lettuce cradle with your clean hands.
Chicken Caesar Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Nutritional Information
Note: The information shown is Edamam's estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
Ingredients
For Chicken
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 0.5 Cup Caesar dressing, plus more for garnish
- 3 Tablespoon olive oil, divided
- Juice of 1 lemon, divided
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
For Lettuce Wraps
- 9 leaves romaine or butterhead lettuce, for cups
- 0.5 Cup quartered cherry tomatoes
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 0.25 Cup freshly grated Parmesan, for garnish
Directions
Step 1
In a medium bowl, toss chicken with dressing, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and half of lemon juice. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap, and allow to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour remaining oil. Add chicken breasts to skillet and cook until golden and no longer pink, 8 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3
Assemble lettuce wraps: Fill each lettuce cup with chicken pieces, tomatoes, and bacon. Top with a squeeze of lemon, more dressing, Parmesan, and a couple extra cranks of black pepper.
This recipe was originally published in Delish US.
Frequently Asked Questions
To ensure a crisp crunch, pat your lettuce leaves completely dry after washing and wait to assemble the wraps until just before serving. Additionally, let the cooked chicken rest for five minutes before slicing to prevent excess juices from wilting the “lettuce cradle.”
Romaine heart leaves are the traditional choice for Caesar flavors, offering a sturdy rib and a satisfying snap. However, if you prefer a more flexible, cup-like shape that holds toppings securely, Butter lettuce (Bibb or Boston) is an excellent alternative.
Yes, you can marinate and cook the chicken, crisp the bacon, and chop the tomatoes up to three days in advance. Store the ingredients in separate airtight containers in the fridge and assemble the wraps fresh at mealtime to maintain the textural contrast between the warm chicken and cold lettuce.
Cook the chicken breasts over medium heat for approximately 8 minutes per side until they reach a golden-brown exterior. The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the thickest part of the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
To keep this recipe keto-friendly and gluten-free while maintaining that essential crunch, this version uses crispy bacon bits and shaved Parmesan cheese. For extra texture, you can also add toasted pepitas or crushed parmesan crisps (whisps) as a direct crouton replacement.
