Save Crispy Chicken Bacon Caesar Wraps are the perfect solution for a satisfying lunch or quick dinner. Featuring juicy, crispy chicken thighs and smoky bacon wrapped with crisp romaine and creamy Caesar dressing in a soft tortilla, they are as delicious as they are easy to make in just 45 minutes.
Save Every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures, from the crunch of the fried chicken coating to the creaminess of the Caesar dressing. This American classic brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Bacon:
- 8 strips smoked bacon
- For the Caesar Salad:
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup Caesar dressing
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For Assembly:
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
- Extra Caesar dressing, for drizzling (optional)
- Extra grated Parmesan, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Marinate the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes (up to overnight for extra tenderness).
- Step 2
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3
- Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 4
- Dredge each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour mixture, shake off excess, and fry for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 5
- In a separate skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 6
- In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing and Parmesan. Season with black pepper.
- Step 7
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Step 8
- Slice chicken thighs into strips.
- Step 9
- To assemble each wrap: Layer Caesar-dressed romaine, sliced crispy chicken, and 2 strips of bacon onto a tortilla. Drizzle with extra dressing and sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.
- Step 10
- Fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Slice in half and serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To prepare this recipe successfully, ensure you have a large skillet or deep fryer, mixing bowls, tongs, and paper towels for draining. This dish contains allergens including wheat, milk, and potentially egg or fish from the Caesar dressing. Always check the labels if you have specific dietary restrictions.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter version, you can substitute the fried chicken for grilled chicken thighs. Adding sliced avocado or fresh tomatoes can provide extra flavor and nutrition. Additionally, using whole wheat tortillas is a great way to incorporate more fiber into the meal.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these wraps immediately while the chicken is still hot and crispy. They pair excellently with a crisp, chilled Chardonnay or a glass of sparkling water with lemon. Each wrap provides 650 calories, 36g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates.
Save Whether you are hosting a quick lunch or sitting down for a simple family dinner, these wraps offer a balanced and delicious meal. Enjoy the perfect crunch of home-cooked crispy chicken and smoky bacon!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I grill the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, grilling works beautifully for a lighter version. Season chicken thighs with the same spices and grill over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through.
- → How long do these wraps stay fresh?
Best enjoyed immediately. Store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep tortillas from getting soggy by adding dressing just before serving.
- → Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
Prepare chicken and bacon in advance, store in airtight containers. Chop romaine and keep dry. Assemble wraps fresh when ready to eat for best texture.
- → What can I substitute for buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes before using. Plain yogurt thinned with water also works well.
- → Are these freezer-friendly?
Not recommended. The lettuce and dressing don't freeze well. However, you can freeze cooked chicken and bacon separately for up to 3 months, then fresh assemble.
- → Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Shred rotisserie chicken and skip the frying step for a quick 15-minute version. The bacon still provides delicious crunch and smoky flavor.