Save The first time I had hot honey on fried chicken, I literally stopped mid-bite and stared at my plate like it had personally wronged me for not introducing us sooner. I was at this tiny sandwich shop in Chicago, and the owner just laughed when I asked what the sweet-spicy glaze was. Now I put that stuff on everything, but this wrap? This wrap might be my favorite canvas yet.
My roommate walked in while I was testing this recipe and immediately claimed the second wrap as her own. She stood leaning against the counter watching me assemble them, asking if I was sure I wanted to share. We ended up eating standing up in the kitchen, too impatient to even sit down at the table.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Cut them into strips so they cook evenly and fit perfectly inside the tortilla
- Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken while adding a subtle tang that cuts through the richness
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that shatteringly crispy crust that stays crunchy even after saucing
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that makes the coating taste way more complex than it is
- Honey: Use local honey if you can find it, the floral notes really shine through the heat
- Hot sauce: Franks is classic here but anything with a vinegar kick works beautifully
- Romaine lettuce: Sturdy enough to hold up to the warm chicken without wilting instantly
- Caesar dressing: Homemade or store-bought, just make sure its well seasoned
- Flour tortillas: Warm them up first or theyll crack when you try to roll everything up
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken:
- Let those strips soak in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes while you prep everything else
- Mix the coating:
- Whisk together flour, panko, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined
- Coat the chicken:
- Press each buttermilk-soaked strip firmly into the crumb mixture until fully covered
- Fry until golden:
- Cook in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through
- Make the hot honey:
- Warm honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes just until blended, about 2 minutes
- Glaze the chicken:
- Toss the crispy strips in the hot honey until evenly coated
- Prep the Caesar:
- Toss lettuce, dressing, Parmesan, and tomatoes until everything is glossy and coated
- Warm the tortillas:
- Heat them in a dry pan for 30 seconds per side so they roll without cracking
- Assemble and roll:
- Pile Caesar salad in the center, top with chicken, fold in the sides and roll tight
- Serve immediately:
- Slice in half diagonally and watch the honey sauce drip down just a little bit
Save This has become my go-to Friday night dinner when I want something that feels indulgent but still comes together quickly. Theres something about wrapping up all those contrasting textures and flavors that just works.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I skip the frying entirely and air-fry the chicken at 400 degrees for 12 minutes, shaking halfway through. It changes the texture slightly but honestly, the hot honey makes everything better anyway. You could also use rotisserie chicken if you need this to come together even faster.
Side Dish Ideas
These wraps are surprisingly filling on their own, but some crispy roasted potatoes or a simple cucumber salad really round out the meal. I love pairing them with something cool and creamy to balance the heat.
Storage and Prep
The chicken tastes best fresh but you can fry it up to a day ahead and reheat in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes to recrisp. Just dont toss it in the hot honey until youre ready to eat, or itll lose that perfect crispy-crunchy thing that makes it so good. Store the components separately and assemble right before serving.
- Keep the Caesar salad undressed until the last minute
- Wrap assembled burritos in foil if taking them for lunch
- The hot honey keeps forever in the fridge and is great on pizza too
Save Hope this wraps becomes a staple in your rotation too. Theres something so satisfying about food you can eat with your hands.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep the tortillas from tearing when rolling?
Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 15-20 seconds before assembling. This makes them pliable and less prone to cracking. Don't overfill the wrap—use about ½ cup of Caesar salad and 2-3 hot honey chicken strips per tortilla.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the hot honey sauce and Caesar salad up to 4 hours ahead. Cook the chicken just before assembly for the best texture and crispness. Store components separately and assemble fresh when ready to serve.
- → What's the best way to adjust the spice level?
Control heat by adjusting the hot sauce amount in the honey glaze—start with 1 tablespoon and increase to 1½ tablespoons for more kick. The red pepper flakes add extra heat, so include them gradually. You can also reduce the amount of hot sauce mixed into the honey.
- → Are there healthier cooking alternatives to deep-frying?
Yes! Bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until golden and cooked through, or air-fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. Both methods produce crispy results with significantly less oil while maintaining great flavor and texture.
- → Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead?
Absolutely. Shred rotisserie chicken and toss it with the hot honey sauce for a quicker option. The flavor will be slightly different since rotisserie chicken isn't breaded, but it's still delicious and cuts preparation time down to about 15 minutes.
- → What dressing alternatives work if I don't have Caesar dressing?
Ranch dressing offers a creamy alternative, or try a cilantro-lime dressing for brightness. For a tangier option, mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice and garlic. The key is choosing a creamy dressing that complements the spicy hot honey and crispy chicken.