Craving the vibrant flavors of your favorite restaurant dish? Our PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps copycat recipe brings that iconic taste right into your kitchen! You can now recreate this beloved appetizer with ease, offering a healthier and more budget-friendly option. Get ready to enjoy a quick, flavorful, and customizable meal that perfectly captures the essence of those classic chicken lettuce wraps.
Why You’ll Love These PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
You will adore this homemade version of PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps for many reasons. This recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make, ready in just about 20 minutes from start to finish. It tastes even better than takeout, using fresh ingredients for an unparalleled homemade flavor. These chicken lettuce wraps are also a fantastic healthy and low-carb meal option, letting you indulge guilt-free. Plus, it is incredibly budget-friendly, providing more servings for a fraction of the restaurant cost. The filling is versatile and freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these delicious PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps requires a handful of fresh ingredients. You will start with olive oil for sautéing the base. Ground chicken forms the lean protein core of the filling. Freshly minced garlic and diced onion add essential aromatic depth. Research highlights the numerous health benefits of combining ginger and garlic in your diet. For the signature sauce, you’ll combine hoisin sauce, reduced sodium soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar. Freshly grated ginger provides a zesty kick. Add Sriracha if you enjoy a touch of spice. Diced whole water chestnuts offer a delightful crunch, while thinly sliced green onions enhance both flavor and garnish. Season your chicken lettuce wraps with kosher salt & black pepper to taste. Finally, use butter lettuce or a similar sturdy variety for your crisp wrappers.
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe to suit your preferences. For the protein, feel free to use ground turkey, pork, or extra-lean beef. Diced chicken breast or thighs also make excellent substitutes. If you’re short on time, use pre-minced garlic or ginger puree for the aromatics. Any yellow, sweet, or white onion will work well. To make this recipe gluten-free, swap hoisin sauce for a certified gluten-free hoisin. Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure your rice wine vinegar is also gluten-free, like Marukan brand. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha, or use chili garlic paste. Omit it entirely for a mild version. For extra crunch, substitute water chestnuts with bamboo shoots, jicama, or finely diced bell peppers. Bibb, butter, or Romaine lettuce are ideal choices for sturdy, crisp wraps.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized gear to whip up these fantastic PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps. A large cast iron skillet or a large non-stick skillet will be perfect for cooking the filling. You will also need a reliable cutting board and a sharp knife for preparing your ingredients. Finally, have your standard measuring cups and spoons ready to ensure precise ingredient amounts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own irresistible PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
- Brown the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground chicken, using a spoon or spatula to break it apart and crumble it evenly. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly browned throughout. Be sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet before moving to the next step.
- Sauté aromatics & sauce: Reduce the heat slightly to medium. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 diced onion into the browned chicken. Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Next, add ¼ cup hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon Sriracha (if you like a little heat). Mix these ingredients well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the savory sauce. Continue cooking for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add crunch & freshness: Now, incorporate 1 (8-ounce) can of drained and diced whole water chestnuts and 2 thinly sliced green onions into the skillet. Stir these ingredients into the chicken mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes more, just until the water chestnuts are heated through and remain tender-crisp. This preserves their delightful texture. Season the entire mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting until the flavor is perfect for your PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
- Assemble and serve: To serve your delicious PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps, spoon several tablespoons of the warm chicken mixture into the center of individual butter lettuce leaves. Arrange them taco-style for easy handling. Serve immediately while the filling is warm and the lettuce is crisp. You can offer additional Sriracha or your favorite dipping sauce on the side for those who wish to customize their wraps further.
Pro Tips for the Best PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Elevate your homemade PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps with these helpful pro tips. For a clever meal prep hack, consider making a double batch of the chicken filling; it stores wonderfully for future meals. To achieve that perfect crispy texture when browning the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to allow for even browning. Always use fresh ginger and garlic for optimal flavor; they make a noticeable difference in these chicken lettuce wraps. Prevent soggy lettuce by washing and thoroughly drying your lettuce leaves before serving. A salad spinner works wonders for this. Always taste the chicken filling before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or Sriracha to achieve your ideal flavor balance. Finally, ensure your onion and water chestnuts are diced uniformly for a consistent and pleasant texture in every bite.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
These PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps are incredibly versatile, perfect for various meal scenarios.
Serving Ideas
Serve your chicken lettuce wraps with steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a more complete meal. They also pair wonderfully with a refreshing side of Asian cucumber salad or crispy spring rolls. Offer extra hoisin sauce, peanut sauce, or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Storage Instructions
Store the cooled chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate in a sealed bag or container to maintain their crispness and prevent wilting.
Reheating Tips
To reheat the filling, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems dry. Alternatively, microwave it briefly until heated through, stirring occasionally for even warmth.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Substitute ground chicken with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or finely chopped mushrooms for a plant-based option.
- Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding finely diced carrots, bell peppers, shredded cabbage, or snow peas to the filling.
- Spice Level: Easily increase the Sriracha or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat in your PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
- Sweetness: A dash of honey or brown sugar can enhance the sweetness if you prefer a slightly richer sauce profile.
- Nutty Flavor: Garnish your wraps with chopped peanuts or cashews for a delightful crunch and nutty taste.
Nutrition Information
Making your own PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps allows for a healthier, controlled meal. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health offers insights into the potential benefits of low-carbohydrate diets for health and weight management. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 25g |
Nutrition Information: Nutritional information should be considered estimates, as they are not calculated by a registered dietician. Values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What kind of lettuce is best for lettuce wraps?
- The best choices include Bibb, butter, or Romaine lettuce. They offer sturdiness and crispness, perfect for holding the delicious filling of PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
- Is this recipe spicy?
- The Sriracha adds a mild amount of heat. You can easily adjust the quantity or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
- How can I make these gluten-free?
- To ensure your chicken lettuce wraps are gluten-free, use certified gluten-free hoisin sauce, tamari (or coconut aminos) instead of soy sauce, and a certified gluten-free rice wine vinegar.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Store the cooked filling separately in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Can I freeze the chicken mixture?
- Yes, absolutely! Cool the filling completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. You can freeze it for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight and reheat gently.
- How can I make the meal more filling?
- To make your PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps more substantial, serve them with a side of steamed rice (white, brown, or fried), quinoa, or a bowl of edamame.
Conclusion
You now have all the tools to recreate the magic of PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps right in your own kitchen! This copycat recipe is incredibly easy, remarkably quick, and undeniably delicious, delivering restaurant-quality flavor every time. Enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade meal that is both healthier and more economical. We encourage you to try making these fantastic chicken lettuce wraps tonight. Share your culinary creations with us and be sure to leave a rating to let us know how much you loved them!
PF Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, cook until browned (3-5 minutes), crumbling as it cooks, then drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, onion, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ginger, and Sriracha, cooking for 1-2 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Add diced water chestnuts and sliced green onions, cooking for 1-2 minutes until tender, then season with salt and pepper.
- To serve, spoon the chicken mixture into the center of a butter lettuce leaf.