Introduction
This delightful Chicken Caesar Lemon Wrap combines tender, breaded chicken cutlets with a zesty Caesar lemon dressing, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla with fresh romaine lettuce. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and offers a fresh twist on the classic Caesar salad. With a mix of vibrant flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Chicken:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
1½ cups seasoned bread crumbs
⅔ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
3 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Caesar Lemon Dressing:
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
Juice of ½ lemon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
For Assembly:
4 large tortillas or wraps
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
4 servings
This Chicken Caesar Lemon Wrap is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the crispy goodness of breaded chicken with the refreshing flavor of homemade dressing. By preparing the components ahead of time, you can easily assemble these wraps for a quick and enjoyable meal any day of the week. Enjoy your cooking!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dressing:
– In a food processor or blender, combine the minced garlic, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, anchovy paste, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
– With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Prepare the Chicken:
– Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
– In a shallow dish, combine the seasoned bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest.
– Dip each chicken cutlet into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
– Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Add the breaded chicken cutlets to the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Add more olive oil as needed for subsequent batches.
– Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Assemble the Wraps:
– Warm the tortillas slightly to make them more pliable.
– Place a handful of chopped romaine lettuce in the center of each tortilla.
– Slice the cooked chicken cutlets into strips and arrange over the lettuce.
– Drizzle with the prepared Caesar lemon dressing.
– Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll tightly from the bottom to form a wrap.
– Slice in half if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Adjusting Consistency:
– If the dressing is too thick, add a little water or more olive oil to reach the desired consistency.
Cooking Chicken:
– Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Variations:
– Feel free to add additional vegetables like tomatoes or cucumbers to the wraps for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storage:
– Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The wraps are best eaten fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Dressing
Using a food processor or blender allows for a smooth and creamy consistency when combining the ingredients for the Caesar lemon dressing. The slow drizzle of olive oil helps emulsify the dressing while achieving the desired texture.
Cooking the Chicken
Breaded chicken cutlets should be cooked in a medium heat skillet to ensure even cooking and browning. It’s important to avoid overcrowding the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary. This allows the chicken to get crispy without steaming.
Assembling the Wraps
Warming tortillas slightly before assembly makes them more pliable, ensuring they roll tightly and hold the filling well. Slicing the chicken into strips allows for even distribution over the lettuce, enhancing the overall texture of the wraps.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts. They may require a slightly longer cooking time, but they will provide a richer flavor.
How can I make the dressing vegan?
To make the dressing vegan, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and omit the anchovy paste. You can use additional seasoning to enhance the flavor.
What can I serve with these wraps?
These wraps can be served with a side of fresh vegetables, a simple salad, or some roasted potatoes for a balanced meal.
Can I prepare the chicken and dressing in advance?
Yes, both the chicken and dressing can be prepared ahead of time. Store the chicken in the refrigerator, and the dressing can be kept in an airtight container for a few days.
How do I store leftover wraps?
Leftover wraps should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best consumed within a day or two for optimal freshness.
Conclusion
This Chicken Caesar Lemon Wrap is a delightful fusion of flavors that balances the tangy zest of lemon with the savory crunch of breaded chicken and a creamy Caesar dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, it promises to bring a taste of freshness to your table.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Toss together chopped romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, croutons, and the Caesar lemon dressing for a classic salad option.
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
Layer the breaded chicken cutlets on a toasted bun with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for a hearty sandwich.
Vegetarian Caesar Wrap
Replace chicken with grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, using the same Caesar lemon dressing for flavor.
Pasta with Caesar Dressing
Combine cooked pasta with grilled chicken, romaine, and Caesar lemon dressing for a satisfying pasta dish.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Bowls
Serve the breaded chicken cutlets over rice or quinoa with steamed vegetables and a drizzle of the Caesar dressing.
Chopped Chicken Caesar Pizza
Top a pizza crust with the Caesar lemon dressing, pieces of breaded chicken, and mozzarella cheese before baking until golden.
Caesar Lettuce Wraps
Use the chicken and dressing to fill large romaine leaves for a low-carb alternative to traditional wraps.
