Description
Craving a fresh, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or a light Valentine’s Day treat? Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Wraps are your answer! Adapted from the original recipe, this slow cooker version features tender, slow-cooked chicken combined with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and crunchy homemade croutons, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas.Â
Ingredients
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- Romaine Lettuce (3 cups, chopped):
- Why it’s important: Provides crisp, fresh texture typical of a Caesar salad.
- Substitutions: Baby spinach, arugula, or mixed greens.
- Cooked Chicken (1 ½ cups, chopped, ~2 medium chicken breasts):
- Why it’s important: Offers a tender, protein-rich base.
- Substitutions: Turkey, tofu, or plant-based chicken for vegetarian.
- Caesar Dressing (â…“ cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds creamy, tangy, and savory flavor.
- Substitutions: Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing, ranch, or vegan Caesar dressing.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (â…“ cup):
- Why it’s important: Brings nutty, salty richness to the wrap.
- Substitutions: Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or nutritional yeast for vegan.
- Homemade Croutons (½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds crunchy, garlicky texture.
- Substitutions: Store-bought croutons, toasted nuts, or omit for gluten-free.
- Kosher Salt (to taste, about ¼ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the filling.
- Substitutions: Sea salt or table salt.
- Black Pepper (to taste, about ¼ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds mild heat and depth.
- Substitutions: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
- Flour Tortillas or Wraps (4, 10-inch):
- Why it’s important: Provides a soft, portable vessel for the filling.
- Substitutions: Whole wheat tortillas, gluten-free wraps, or lettuce leaves for low-carb.
Additional for Slow Cooker:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs (1 lb, boneless, skinless, for cooking):
- Why it’s important: Base for the cooked chicken in the wraps.
- Substitutions: Bone-in chicken (increase cooking time by 1 hour on low).
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth (¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Keeps the chicken moist during slow cooking.
- Substitutions: Water or white wine.
- Garlic Powder (½ tsp, for slow cooker):
- Why it’s important: Adds subtle flavor to the chicken.
- Substitutions: 1 minced garlic clove or omit.
Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor, and chop lettuce just before assembling to maintain crispness. Make homemade croutons by tossing cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt, then baking at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Instructions
 Step 1: Cook the Chicken in the Slow Cooker
- Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
- Place 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper, and add ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth for moisture.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (165°F/74°C internally).
- Remove the chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes, then chop or shred into bite-sized pieces (yielding ~1 ½ cups). Set aside to cool slightly.
- Tip: Check doneness early to avoid overcooking, and drain excess liquid if needed to prevent soggy wraps.
Step 2: Prepare the Caesar Salad Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken, ⅓ cup Caesar dressing, ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup homemade croutons.
- Toss well with tongs to ensure even coating. Taste and season with ¼ tsp kosher salt and ¼ tsp black pepper, adding more dressing (1–2 tbsp) if desired for extra creaminess.
- Tip: Add croutons just before assembling to maintain crunch, and toss gently to avoid crushing the lettuce.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 4 flour tortillas (10-inch) for 15–30 seconds per side until pliable. Alternatively, microwave them between paper towels for 15–30 seconds.
- Place warmed tortillas on a plate and cover with a kitchen towel to keep them soft and warm.
- Tip: Warm tortillas one at a time in the skillet for even heating, or stack in the microwave for efficiency.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
- Place each tortilla on a clean surface. Divide the Caesar salad mixture evenly among the tortillas (~¾–1 cup per wrap), placing it in a line down the center.
- Fold in the opposite sides of each tortilla, then roll up tightly from the bottom, burrito-style, to enclose the filling.
- Secure each wrap with a toothpick in the center to hold it closed, if needed.
- Tip: Don’t overfill the wraps to prevent tearing, and roll tightly to keep the filling secure.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the wraps whole or cut in half diagonally for a polished presentation, revealing the vibrant filling.
- Pair with a side of fruit salad, cucumber slices, or extra croutons for a complete meal.
- Tip: Serve on a platter with lemon wedges or extra Parmesan sprinkled around for a fresh, Caesar-inspired look, perfect for Valentine’s Day.