Name: Crispy Chicken Caesar Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Lettuce leaves (petite romaine or butter lettuce), 1-2 leaves per wrap; Chicken breast tenders, cooked crispy (air fried, grilled, or roasted), quantity as needed; Crispy parmesan crisps (see recipe below), 4-5 pieces per wrap; Fresh basil or green onions, for garnish; Black pepper, to taste; 2 oz Parmesan cheese, finely grated; ¾ cup mayo (preferably Kewpie mayo); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1-2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon anchovy paste; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 oz); ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 39 reviews

If you’re craving something fresh, crunchy, and downright irresistible, the Crispy Chicken Caesar Lettuce Wraps Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a brilliant twist on the classic Caesar salad, wrapping the goodness of crisp chicken, tangy dressing, and savory parmesan all up in cool, tender lettuce leaves. These wraps are not just flavorful—they’re a perfect handheld delight that also keeps things light and refreshing. Whether you want a quick lunch, a fun appetizer, or a casual dinner, this recipe delivers incredible texture and bold Caesar flavors in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a metal baking tray lined with light brown parchment paper. On the parchment paper lies a large, flat, uneven layer of crispy cheese lace with a golden orange color. The cheese lace varies in texture, with some areas having a more open, holey pattern, while one side is darker brown and more crispy, showing a slightly burnt edge. The overall shape is irregular and the cheese strands create a delicate, lacy look. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients guarantees a wrap that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the crispness of the lettuce to the creamy zest of the homemade Caesar dressing—making the whole dish sing in harmony.

Lettuce (petite romaine or butter lettuce leaves): Choose firm but tender leaves to create sturdy yet crisp wraps.
Chicken (prepared crispy chicken breast tenders or grilled or roasted chicken breast): Opt for crispy chicken breast tenders for maximum crunch and juicy bites.
Crispy parmesan: Homemade parmesan crisps add a sharp, crunchy layer to these wraps.
Caesar dressing, prepared or homemade: This dressing ties everything together with its familiar tangy, creamy taste.
Fresh basil or green onions, for serving: These fresh herbs add a pop of color and subtle aromatic notes.
Parmesan cheese, finely grated: Used in the crisps and dressing for that signature salty tang.
Mayo (preferably kewpie mayo): Provides luscious creaminess with a slightly sweet undertone.
Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle sharpness that balances the dressing.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses a punch of savory depth.
Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami complexity of the dressing.
Anchovy paste: A classic Caesar ingredient that brings a savory richness.
Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor with fresh citrus notes.
Salt and pepper: To season and perfect the overall taste.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds silkiness and richness to the dressing.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Caesar Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Step 1: Make the Parmesan Crisps

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread freshly grated parmesan cheese in a thin, even layer on the sheet—this thinness is critical to ensure crispiness. Bake for about 12 minutes until the cheese turns a lovely golden brown. Let the crisps cool completely; they will harden into irresistible crunchy shards that bring a fantastic texture to your wraps.

Step 2: Whip Up the Caesar Dressing

Combine ¾ cup mayo, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1-2 roughly chopped garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon anchovy paste, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, ½ cup freshly grated parmesan, a pinch of salt and pepper, and 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a blender or food processor. Blend until perfectly smooth and creamy. Adjust the texture with a little water if it’s too thick, and tweak seasoning with more salt, pepper, lemon, or olive oil—whatever makes it your favorite Caesar dressing.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Cook your chicken according to the package or your preferred method. For unbeatable crispiness, I love using an air fryer on chicken tenders—it’s quick and yields that perfect golden crust. Alternatively, grilling or roasting works beautifully if you want a slightly different flavor profile.

Step 4: Assemble Your Crispy Chicken Caesar Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Use one or two lettuce leaves as your wrap’s base. Spoon a generous dollop of the creamy Caesar dressing onto the leaves, then layer in a piece of crispy chicken. Sprinkle about 4 to 5 parmesan crisps to add that sharp crunch. Drizzle some extra dressing over the top and finish with fresh basil or green onions plus a crack of black pepper. That’s it—delicious Crispy Chicken Caesar Lettuce Wraps ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Caesar Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Three long green romaine lettuce leaves serve as the base laid side by side on a white plate. Each lettuce leaf holds a crispy golden-brown breaded strip topped with irregular-shaped orange crispy cheese pieces with holes. Creamy white dressing is drizzled unevenly over the breaded strips and crispy cheese in all three leaves. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a white bowl of the same creamy dressing and a spoon dripping the sauce nearby. A white and gray striped cloth is partially visible under the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh basil or green onions enhances not only the appearance but also the layers of flavor with herbal brightness. A little extra cracked black pepper or finely grated parmesan on top is a simple way to elevate the dish. These garnishes make your wraps look as stunning as they taste.

Side Dishes

These wraps pair beautifully with light sides, such as a crunchy kale salad, roasted vegetables, or even some crispy sweet potato fries. They’re flexible enough to fit into a wholesome weeknight meal or a festive gathering where lighter fare is appreciated.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party appetizer, serve these wraps deconstructed so guests can build their own. Or get inventive by cutting the wraps into smaller bite-sized portions and securing them with cute toothpicks. Either way, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the cooked chicken and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the parmesan crisps and lettuce leaves separate too to avoid sogginess. This way, you can freshly assemble the wraps when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Freezing

The cooked chicken can be frozen for future quick meals, but it’s best to freeze it without the lettuce or dressing. Wrap the chicken tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags to preserve its crispiness as much as possible.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in an air fryer or oven to restore its crisp texture. Avoid microwaving, which can make it rubbery. Assemble the wrap fresh with chilled lettuce and dressing right before serving for the perfect balance of textures.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce for the wraps?

Absolutely! While petite romaine or butter lettuce works best for their shape and crunch, you can experiment with iceberg or even sturdy green leaf lettuce if you prefer. Just make sure the leaves are large and firm enough to hold the fillings.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Crispy Chicken Caesar Lettuce Wraps Recipe?

Yes! You can swap the chicken with crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas for plant-based protein. The homemade Caesar dressing can easily be made vegetarian by omitting anchovy paste or substituting it with a vegan alternative.

How long does the dressing keep in the fridge?

The homemade Caesar dressing stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Give it a good stir before using, as ingredients might settle or separate over time.

Can I make the parmesan crisps ahead of time?

Definitely. Parmesan crisps are great for prepping ahead since they keep their crunch when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.

What’s the best way to get the chicken extra crispy?

Cooking chicken tenders in an air fryer is the top method for maximum crispiness with minimal oil. Otherwise, oven-roasting at a high temperature or pan-frying with a light coating of oil also work well to achieve that satisfying crust.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Crispy Chicken Caesar Lettuce Wraps Recipe a try soon—it’s one of those easy, satisfying meals that feels special every time. The crunchy chicken, zesty dressing, and fresh lettuce combine into a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. Once you make these wraps, I’m confident they’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation too!