Hot Honey Chicken Caesar Wrap

Experience a flavor explosion with this Hot Honey Chicken Caesar Wrap, where the bold heat of spicy honey meets the cool, creamy classicism of a Caesar salad. This handheld meal features perfectly crispy chicken strips that are tossed in a sweet and fiery glaze, making every bite a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.

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This wrap is more than just a quick lunch; it is a balanced combination of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. By marinating the chicken in buttermilk, you ensure the meat stays juicy while the panko breadcrumbs create a shatteringly crisp exterior that holds up beautifully against the hot honey coating.

Ingredients

• For the Crispy Chicken
• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Hot Honey
• ⅓ cup honey
• 1½ tablespoons hot sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• For the Caesar Salad
• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup Caesar dressing
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• 1 cup croutons (optional)
• For the Wraps
• 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)

Instructions

Step 1

In a bowl, marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2

In a shallow dish, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Dredge the marinated chicken strips in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.

Step 4

Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken strips in batches for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5

In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Warm over low heat until just blended. Remove from heat.

Step 6

Toss the fried chicken strips in the hot honey sauce until well coated.

Step 7

In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and cherry tomatoes (if using). Toss to coat. Add croutons if desired.

Step 8

Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable.

Step 9

To assemble each wrap, layer Caesar salad onto the center of a tortilla. Top with hot honey chicken strips. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly.

Step 10

Slice in half and serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve the ultimate crunch, ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken strips; this prevents the breading from absorbing too much oil. Letting the chicken drain on paper towels after frying helps keep it crispy before it is tossed in the warm hot honey sauce.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a lighter alternative, you can bake or air-fry the chicken strips instead of deep-frying them. If you have dietary preferences, try using whole wheat tortillas or gluten-free wraps, and feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the honey to control the heat level.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these wraps immediately after assembly to enjoy the contrast between the warm chicken and the cold, crisp salad. They are excellent on their own or paired with a side of extra Caesar dressing for dipping and some fresh fruit to cleanse the palate.

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With its vibrant combination of spicy honey and classic Caesar flavors, this wrap is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a hearty, balanced meal that proves you don't have to sacrifice flavor for convenience.

Recipe FAQ Section

→ Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread and fry the chicken strips up to a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until crispy before tossing with hot honey and assembling.

→ How do I make this lighter?

Bake the breaded chicken strips at 425°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden and cooked through. The coating will still get crispy without deep frying.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

Mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until thickened. This creates a tangy buttermilk alternative that still tenderizes the chicken beautifully.

→ How spicy is the hot honey coating?

The heat level is moderate and customizable. Start with the suggested amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes, then adjust to your preference. You can reduce the hot sauce to 1 tablespoon for mild flavor or increase to 2 tablespoons for extra kick.

→ Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Absolutely. Bottled Caesar dressing works perfectly in this wrap. If you want to elevate the flavor, look for a creamy variety with visible Parmesan and garlic, or stir in extra grated cheese and cracked pepper before tossing with the lettuce.