Hot Honey Chicken Caesar Wrap

The first time I made hot honey, I was just trying to use up some honey that had crystallized in the back of my pantry. I mixed it with whatever hot sauce we had going, and suddenly my whole kitchen smelled like this sweet, spicy magic. Now I put that stuff on everything, but these wraps? They changed how I think about lunch entirely.

My roommate walked in while I was frying the chicken and literally stood over the stove watching. She kept sneaking pieces before I could even toss them in the honey sauce. By the time I actually assembled the wraps, wed eaten half the chicken standing there laughing about how we needed to start over.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Cutting them into strips ensures even cooking and maximum coating coverage
• Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken and helps the breading stick better than anything else
• Panko breadcrumbs: They create that shatteringly crispy crust that stays crunchy even wrapped up
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that balances the sweet honey perfectly
• Honey and hot sauce: The ratio here hits that sweet spot between sugary and spicy
• Romaine lettuce: Holds up better than other greens and wont get soggy quickly
• Caesar dressing: Homemade or store-bought, make sure its thick and creamy
• Large flour tortillas: The 10-inch size gives you enough room to roll everything up without bursting

Instructions

Marinate the chicken:

Let those strips soak in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes while you prep everything else

Make the coating station:

Whisk together flour, panko, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish

Coat the chicken:

Press each strip into the breading mixture, making sure every surface is covered

Fry until golden:

Heat about ½ inch of oil until shimmering and fry chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden

Whisk the hot honey:

Warm honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan just until blended

Sauce the chicken:

Toss the fried chicken in the hot honey while still warm so it sticks to every piece

Prep the Caesar:

Toss lettuce, dressing, Parmesan, and tomatoes until evenly coated

Warm the tortillas:

A quick 30 seconds in a dry skillet makes them pliable and easier to roll

Assemble and roll:

Pile Caesar salad in the center, top with sauced chicken, fold in sides and roll tightly

Serve immediately:

Slice in half on a diagonal and watch the honey drip out

Pin

My dad took one bite and declared these better than any restaurant wrap hed ever had. He now requests them every time he visits, and honestly, I never say no because theyre just that fun to make.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I add pickled red onions for extra tang, or swap in shredded Brussels sprouts when I want more crunch. The hot honey works on literally any protein, so dont be afraid to play around.

Ahead Of Time Strategy

You can bread the chicken up to 4 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The hot honey keeps for weeks in the fridge, so make a double batch and use it on everything.

Serving Ideas

Cut these into pinwheels for parties or serve whole alongside extra Caesar dressing for dipping. They are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack.

• Pair with cold beer or lemonade to balance the heat
• Extra napkins are mandatory because the honey will drip
• These travel well wrapped in foil for picnics or lunch

Pin

There is something deeply satisfying about eating with your hands, especially when every bite hits that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, creamy, and crisp.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake the coated chicken strips at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The coating won't be quite as crispy, but still delicious.

→ How spicy is the hot honey sauce?

The spice level is moderate and adjustable. Start with less hot sauce or red pepper flakes for milder flavor, or increase for more heat.

→ Can I make these wraps ahead of time?

Prepare components separately up to 24 hours ahead. Store chicken, salad, and sauce in different containers. Assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

Mix 1 cup regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. Let stand 5 minutes before using. Regular milk works in a pinch too.

→ Are these wraps freezer-friendly?

Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat before assembling with fresh salad.

→ Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Absolutely. Use your favorite bottled Caesar dressing to save time. Homemade offers more control over ingredients and flavor intensity.