Save Elevate your lunch or dinner with these Crispy Chicken Bacon Caesar Wraps, a flavorful handheld meal that perfectly balances textures and tastes. Featuring succulent fried chicken thighs and crispy smoked bacon, this dish takes the classic Caesar salad and transforms it into a hearty, satisfying wrap that is ready in just 45 minutes.
Save The secret to this recipe lies in the contrast between the warm, seasoned chicken and the cold, crisp romaine lettuce. By using a buttermilk marinade, you ensure that every bite of chicken is tender and juicy, while the seasoned flour coating provides a satisfying crunch that holds up beautifully against the dressing.
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
For the ultimate crunch, ensure your frying oil reaches the correct temperature before adding the chicken. Draining both the chicken and bacon thoroughly on paper towels is essential to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy. If you have time, marinating the chicken overnight in buttermilk will yield the most tender results.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you are looking for a lighter option, you can easily substitute the fried chicken for grilled chicken thighs. For extra nutritional value, try using whole wheat tortillas or adding fresh ingredients like sliced avocado or diced tomatoes. For those who enjoy extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the romaine can brighten the flavors.
Serviervorschläge
These wraps are best enjoyed immediately while the chicken is still warm and the salad is crisp. Pair them with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or a refreshing lemon sparkling water. They also go wonderfully with a side of sweet potato fries or a light fruit salad for a complete meal experience.
Save With the perfect blend of smoky, creamy, and crispy elements, these wraps are a reliable way to bring restaurant-quality flavors into your kitchen. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and rich taste of this simple yet impressive recipe.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight for extra tenderness. The fried chicken can also be cooked up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator—just reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness before assembling the wraps.
- → What's the best way to warm the tortillas?
Warm tortillas directly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 15-20 seconds per side until pliable, or microwave them wrapped in damp paper towels for 20-30 seconds. This prevents cracking when rolling and makes them easier to fold tightly around the filling.
- → Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead?
While you can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker version, you'll miss the crispy coating and texture. To add some crunch, consider tossing the rotisserie chicken in a small amount of the seasoned flour mixture before sautéing briefly in a hot pan with oil.
- → How do I prevent the wraps from getting soggy?
The key is toasting your tortillas first and not over-dressing the romaine lettuce. Toss the lettuce with just enough Caesar dressing to coat lightly rather than drowning it. You can also place a barrier of extra Parmesan between the lettuce and tortilla to help absorb excess moisture.
- → What sides pair well with these wraps?
These wraps are quite filling on their own, but you can serve with simple sides like roasted potato wedges, a light cucumber salad, or fruit. For beverages, a chilled Chardonnay cuts through the richness beautifully, or opt for sparkling water with fresh lemon for a non-alcoholic option.