P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Copycat Recipe
If you’ve ever dined at the beloved P.F. Chang’s restaurant, you’ve likely tasted their famous chicken lettuce wraps – a signature dish that has captivated taste buds for years. The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors make these wraps a perennial favorite, and now you can recreate this restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Tender, juicy chicken is paired with a medley of vegetables and a delectable sauce, all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves for a light, satisfying, and utterly craveable meal. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply looking for a quick and healthy dinner option, this P.F. Chang’s copycat recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
These chicken lettuce wraps offer the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The savory, slightly sweet ground chicken filling is balanced by the cool, crunchy lettuce leaves, creating a satisfying contrast in every bite. Plus, the recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Beyond their exceptional taste, these lettuce wraps are also incredibly versatile. They can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs, whether you’re looking for a lower-carb, dairy-free, or higher-protein option. And the make-ahead possibilities make them a great choice for meal prepping or entertaining, as the filling can be prepared in advance and simply reheated before serving.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare “P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps” ❓
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 cup diced water chestnuts
• 1/2 cup diced green onions
• 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
The beauty of this P.F. Chang’s-inspired recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory soy sauce, sweet hoisin, aromatic garlic and ginger, and crunchy water chestnuts creates the authentic Asian-inspired flavor profile that has made these lettuce wraps perennially popular.
📝 How to Make P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the diced water chestnuts and green onions. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Step 5: To serve, spoon the chicken mixture into the lettuce leaves and enjoy!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
Compared to traditional Chinese-style lettuce wraps that can take up to an hour to prepare, this P.F. Chang’s copycat recipe saves you 35% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 980mg
These P.F. Chang’s-inspired chicken lettuce wraps provide approximately 46% of your daily protein requirements and 8% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the hoisin sauce and increase the soy sauce to 3 tablespoons.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use coconut aminos or tamari in place of soy sauce.
• Added protein: Stir in 1/2 cup cooked, shredded chicken or tofu for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or sliced mushrooms to the filling.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the P.F. Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the wraps with a side of steamed or sautéed broccoli, bok choy, or other stir-fried vegetables.
• Complement the dish with a simple side salad or a bowl of miso soup for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
• For a casual gathering, serve the lettuce wraps as part of an appetizer or hors d’oeuvres platter, alongside other finger foods like spring rolls or dumplings.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using too much sauce: The sauce should lightly coat the chicken filling, not drown it. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust to your taste preferences.
• Skipping the water chestnuts: The water chestnuts provide an important crunchy texture contrast, so don’t leave them out. If you can’t find them, consider substituting with diced celery or jicama.
• Overstuffing the lettuce leaves: Fill the lettuce leaves with a reasonable amount of the chicken mixture, leaving enough room to wrap and eat them comfortably.
• Not chilling the lettuce leaves: For the best texture, chill the lettuce leaves in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to ensure they’re nice and crisp.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These P.F. Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the chicken filling as directed, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
• Freezing baked: Assemble the lettuce wraps, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator, then reheat in a skillet or the microwave until warmed through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken filling in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the chicken filling in advance?
Absolutely! The chicken filling can be prepared up to 4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the filling in a skillet or the microwave until warmed through, then assemble the lettuce wraps.
Can I substitute a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, beef, or pork in place of the ground chicken. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but the dish will still be delicious. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the fat content of the meat.
Are these lettuce wraps gluten-free?
With a few simple swaps, this recipe can be made gluten-free. Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce, and make sure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. These substitutions will allow you to enjoy the P.F. Chang’s-inspired flavors without the gluten.
Why are my lettuce wraps soggy?
Soggy lettuce wraps are often the result of overfilling the leaves or not chilling them properly before serving. Be sure to use the recommended amount of filling and chill the lettuce leaves for at least 30 minutes to help them retain their crisp texture.
Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! The chicken filling is very versatile and can be enhanced with the addition of diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, sliced mushrooms, or any other veggie of your choosing. Just be sure not to overstuff the lettuce leaves.
Conclusion
These P.F. Chang’s-inspired chicken lettuce wraps represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a quick and healthy weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, they’re sure to impress with their savory, slightly sweet, and crunchy profile.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these lettuce wraps demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a taste of P.F. Chang’s right in your own home.
Print
P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Copycat Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 cup diced water chestnuts
• 1/2 cup diced green onions
• 1 head of butter or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large skillet or wok, cook the ground chicken over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
• Step 2: Add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the diced water chestnuts and green onions. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Step 5: To serve, spoon the chicken mixture into the lettuce leaves and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Copycat Recipe
