Hot Honey Chicken Caesar Wrap

The first time I made hot honey, I wasnt expecting it to become such a kitchen staple. I was experimenting with drizzling spicy honey over fried chicken during a summer cookout, and everyone couldnt stop talking about that sweet-heat combination. Now this wrap has become my go-to when I want something that feels indulgent but still manages to be handheld and mess-free.

My roommate used to request these wraps every Sunday during football season. Thered be four of us crowded around the tiny kitchen island, each assembling our own with different amounts of hot honey depending on our spice tolerance. Something about wrapping up all those flavors together made it feel more special than just serving chicken and salad on separate plates.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Cutting them into strips ensures even cooking and makes them perfect for wrapping
• Buttermilk: This is the secret to tender chicken, it breaks down proteins and adds tang
• Panko breadcrumbs: Extra crispy compared to regular breadcrumbs and they stay crunchier longer
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the honey sweetness
• Honey: The base of your hot honey sauce, local honey works wonderfully here
• Hot sauce: Franks RedHot is classic, but Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce works too
• Romaine lettuce: Stays crisp better than other lettuces and provides that classic crunch
• Caesar dressing: Homemade or store-bought, pick one you really love
• Flour tortillas: Large 10-inch wraps hold everything together without tearing

Instructions

Marinate the chicken:

Let those strips soak in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes, though an hour in the fridge makes them even more tender

Create the coating station:

Whisk together flour, panko, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined

Coat the chicken:

Press each buttermilk-soaked strip into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure its completely covered

Fry to perfection:

Heat oil until shimmering, then fry chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through

Make the hot honey:

Warm honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes over low heat just until blended, dont let it boil

Coat the chicken:

Toss those crispy strips in the hot honey sauce while theyre still hot for maximum cling

Prepare the Caesar:

Toss romaine with dressing, Parmesan, and tomatoes until every leaf is lightly coated

Warm the tortillas:

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

Assemble and roll:

Layer Caesar salad on the center, top with saucy chicken, fold in sides and roll tight

Serve immediately:

Slice in half at an angle and watch that beautiful cross-section reveal all those layers

Save

Last summer my cousin asked me to make these for her birthday picnic. We wrapped them in parchment paper and tied them with twine, making them perfect for eating outdoors. Seeing everyone unwrap their parcels and take that first bite, followed immediately by That hot honey is genius, reminded me why simple food done well hits so hard.

Making It Lighter

You can absolutely bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying. Spray the breaded strips with cooking spray and bake at 400F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway. The texture wont be quite the same, but youll still get that satisfying crunch with way less mess.

Customizing the Heat

The beauty of homemade hot honey is you control the spice level. Start with less hot sauce and red pepper flakes, then taste and adjust. Some days I want just a gentle warmth, other times Im shaking in extra flakes because I need that bigger kick.

Make-Ahead Strategy

The components actually prep really well in advance. You can bread and fry the chicken up to a day ahead, then just reheat it in the oven before tossing in hot honey. The Caesar salad can be prepped without dressing and stored in a separate container. Just dont dress it until youre ready to eat or itll get soggy.

• Warm the wrapped tortillas in a 300F oven for 5 minutes if theyve been in the fridge
• Keep the hot honey chicken and salad separate until the last minute for maximum crunch
• Extra hot honey keeps in the fridge for weeks and is amazing on pizza or biscuits

Save

Theres something deeply satisfying about food you can eat with your hands, especially when its this packed with flavor. Make these on a Tuesday and feel like youve treated yourself to something special.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, arrange the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and cooked through. An air fryer works well too at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.

→ How spicy is the hot honey coating?

The heat level is moderate and customizable. Start with less hot sauce if you prefer milder flavors, or increase the amount and add extra red pepper flakes for more intensity. The honey balances the spice nicely.

→ Can I make these wraps ahead of time?

It's best to assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the tortillas from getting soggy. You can prep the chicken and honey sauce in advance, then warm them through when ready to wrap.

→ What type of hot sauce works best?

Frank's RedHot is a classic choice that adds vinegar notes. Other options include Sriracha for garlic flavor, Cholula for a smokier taste, or your favorite hot sauce depending on preferred heat and flavor profile.

→ Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Absolutely. A quality bottled Caesar dressing works perfectly here. Just toss it with the romaine and Parmesan before assembling. Homemade dressing adds extra creaminess but isn't necessary for great results.