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Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to throw together, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe. I love how it combines tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and crisp romaine all wrapped up in a soft tortilla—making it perfect for busy lunches or a quick dinner that feels special without the fuss. Seriously, once you try this, it might just become your new go-to meal for hectic days, picnic treats, or even casual get-togethers.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 20 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute meals.
  • Fresh and Flavorful: The bright pesto and lemony Caesar dressing bring vibrant, balanced flavors together.
  • Versatile & Customizable: Works great with leftover chicken, rotisserie, or grilled for a quick fix.
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for these wraps—they’re always the first to disappear at parties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe come together naturally—the creamy pesto-coated chicken pairs so well with fresh romaine and the zingy homemade Caesar dressing. When shopping, look for high-quality pesto and fresh, crisp greens to elevate the flavors instantly.

Flat lay of cooked shredded chicken pieces, a small white bowl of green spinach walnut pesto, a small white bowl of grated parmesan cheese, four plain white flour wraps stacked neatly, shredded fresh romaine lettuce piled in a simple white ceramic bowl, sliced bright red cherry tomatoes in a white bowl, a small white bowl of creamy caesar dressing, two whole garlic bulbs, a few whole fresh capers with brine in a white bowl, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of fresh lemon juice, a small white bowl of smooth mayo, a small white bowl of dijon mustard, a small white bowl of Worcestershire sauce, white and black cracked peppercorns scattered artistically, sea salt crystals arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chicken Pesto Wraps, easy chicken pesto wraps, healthy wraps with chicken and pesto, quick lunch wraps, flavorful picnic wraps
  • Cooked chicken: Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works wonders here for quick prep.
  • Pesto: Use store-bought or homemade for that herby, nutty kick—you might want a bit more if your chicken seems dry.
  • Grated Parmesan: Adds umami and richness, optional but highly recommended.
  • Wraps: Choose your favorite tortilla or flatbread; soft but sturdy wraps hold everything perfectly.
  • Romaine lettuce: Shredded for crunch and freshness.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Halved or sliced for a sweet, juicy pop.
  • Mayonnaise: This makes a creamy base for the Caesar dressing; Greek yogurt is a great alternative.
  • Olive oil: Gives smooth texture and richness to the dressing.
  • Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for bright acidity.
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic amps up the classic Caesar flavor.
  • Capers and brine: Adds subtle briny, tangy notes in the dressing.
  • Dijon mustard: Balances flavors with a bit of sharpness.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the dressing’s umami with a savory punch.
  • Salt & pepper: To taste, for seasoning all layers perfectly.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe is—feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. It’s so fun to make it your own!

  • Vegetarian Variation: Swap the chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted veggies for a hearty, meat-free version I’ve enjoyed on warm summer evenings.
  • Spicy Kick: Adding a touch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce gave my wraps a lovely heat that my spice-loving friends absolutely loved.
  • Gluten-Free Wraps: I’ve had great success using gluten-free tortillas here—just make sure they’re pliable to avoid cracking.
  • Different Greens: Arugula or spinach work well if you want a peppery or milder taste instead of romaine’s crunch.

How to Make Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Fresh Ingredients

Start by chopping your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces—this helps the flavors soak in better and makes for easier eating. Then shred the romaine lettuce and slice the cherry tomatoes; these fresh ingredients bring the wrap to life, adding crispness and juiciness.

Step 2: Whip Up the Caesar Dressing

I discovered that making the Caesar dressing in a small blender is a game changer—it emulsifies everything beautifully and keeps that bold flavor balanced. Just blend mayo, olive oil, lemon juice, parmesan, garlic, capers with brine, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth. Give it a taste and adjust salt if needed.

Step 3: Toss the Salad and Coat the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded romaine, cherry tomatoes, and half of the Caesar dressing. Toss well so everything’s evenly coated and flavorful. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix the chopped chicken with the pesto—this step is when the magic happens because the pesto clings all over the chicken, creating that irresistible herby taste.

Step 4: Assemble and Toast Your Wraps

Lay your wrap flat and place a generous portion of the salad mixture in the center. Then pile on the pesto-coated chicken. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and drizzle a little more Caesar dressing—or reserve it as a tasty dip. Fold up the sides like a burrito. If you want warm, toasty wraps (which I highly recommend), spritz a touch of oil in a hot skillet, place the wrap seam-side-down, and toast for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and warm.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe

  • Adjust Pesto Quantity: Depending on your chicken’s moisture, start with ⅓ cup pesto and add more if it seems dry—I’ve found this flexibility avoids dry bites.
  • Warm Wraps for Better Flavor: Toasting the wraps briefly brings out nuttiness and crisps the outside, making every bite even more delicious.
  • Don’t Overstuff: Too much filling can cause your wrap to burst—keep portions balanced for easier folding and eating.
  • Make Ahead Dressing: The Caesar dressing tastes even better after resting for a few hours—make it early and keep refrigerated.

How to Serve Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe

Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan right before serving, sometimes a few fresh basil leaves for an herby pop. A little cracked black pepper on top always wakes up the flavors, too. These small touches take the wraps from great to restaurant-worthy in my opinion.

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, I usually serve these Chicken Pesto Wraps with a crisp garden salad or some crunchy sweet potato fries. Sometimes, I even throw together a quick fruit salad or a light soup on the side—perfect for balancing the savory richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve sliced the wraps into pinwheel-sized bites, securing each with a pretty toothpick—everyone loved how easy and elegant they looked on the platter. You can also serve the wraps open-faced on toasted flatbreads for a casual, build-your-own vibe that’s always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover wraps store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the dressing separate if I know we’ll be eating them later to prevent the wraps from getting soggy—they still hold up beautifully with this trick.

Freezing

While freezing these wraps isn’t my go-to, I’ve tried freezing the pesto chicken mixture alone, which thaws and reheats well. The fresh veggies and wraps don’t freeze as nicely, so I recommend assembling fresh if possible.

Reheating

To reheat, I unwrap the wrap and pop it in a hot skillet over medium heat, cooking each side until warm and the wrap is crisp. This method keeps the texture nice and prevents the filling from steaming and getting soggy—an approach I’ve perfected after a few reheating mishaps!

FAQs

  1. Can I use raw chicken for this recipe?

    This recipe calls for cooked chicken to save time and simplify prep. You can grill or roast chicken breasts ahead of time or use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just chop the cooked chicken before mixing it with the pesto.

  2. Is it possible to make the pesto from scratch?

    Absolutely! Homemade pesto made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts or walnuts, Parmesan, olive oil, and salt tastes incredible in these wraps. Making it yourself lets you control the flavor and moisture, which can enhance the entire dish.

  3. How do I keep the wraps from getting soggy?

    To prevent sogginess, avoid over-dressing the salad and consider keeping extra dressing on the side for dipping. You can also toast the wraps briefly before serving to add a crispy layer that helps hold everything together.

  4. Can I substitute the Caesar dressing with something else?

    Definitely! If you prefer, you can swap the Caesar dressing for a simple vinaigrette, ranch, or even extra pesto for a more herb-forward flavor. The wrap is versatile and thrives with many dressing options.

  5. What’s the best way to warm the wraps without losing freshness?

    Lightly toasting the wraps in a hot skillet with a quick spritz of oil on medium heat keeps the outside crisp while warming the filling—my favorite technique to maintain texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe, I was hooked immediately by how effortlessly it balanced fresh, creamy, and savory flavors in every bite. Whether you’re making it for an easy weekday meal or impressing friends at a casual gathering, it delivers every time. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find it’s both comforting and exciting, just like a great foodie discovery you want to share with everyone you know.

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Chicken Pesto Wraps Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 70 reviews
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 wraps
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Salt

Description

These Chicken Pesto Wraps combine tender grilled chicken tossed in vibrant pesto with a crisp romaine and cherry tomato salad dressed in a zesty Caesar dressing, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla. Perfect for a quick and flavorful lunch or light dinner, they can be enjoyed cold or toasted in a skillet for a warm, melty finish.


Ingredients

Chicken and Pesto

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces (leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • ⅓ cup pesto (add more as needed)
  • 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Salad

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced

Wraps

  • 4 large wraps or tortillas

Caesar Dressing

  • ½ cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 ½ Tbsp capers along with brine
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper


Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Chop the cooked grilled chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and set aside. If making your own pesto, prepare it now and set aside. Shred the romaine lettuce and slice the cherry tomatoes, setting them aside for later.
  2. Make Caesar Dressing: Add all Caesar dressing ingredients—mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan, garlic, capers with brine, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper—into a small food processor or blender. Blend well until smooth. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
  3. Combine Salad: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded romaine and sliced cherry tomatoes with half of the Caesar dressing. Toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  4. Mix Pesto Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken with the pesto sauce. Stir thoroughly so the chicken pieces are well coated with pesto.
  5. Assemble Wraps: Lay a wrap flat and add the dressed salad mixture to the center. Avoid overfilling to prevent the wrap from falling apart. Next, add a generous portion of the pesto chicken on top of the salad. Optionally sprinkle additional grated Parmesan and drizzle some leftover Caesar dressing or save it as a dip.
  6. Fold and Serve: Fold the wrap like a burrito, tucking in the sides to secure the filling. You may enjoy the wrap as is or warm it in a skillet. To toast, lightly spritz a skillet with oil, set over medium heat, and place the wrap seam side down, toasting 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crisp.

Notes

  • Use leftover grilled chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Chicken dryness and pesto moisture vary, so adjust pesto quantity as needed, starting with ⅓ cup.
  • Plain Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative to mayonnaise in the dressing.
  • Store any leftover wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 wrap
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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