Experience the magic of your favorite restaurant dish right in your own kitchen! These P. F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delightful copycat recipe, featuring perfectly seasoned ground chicken cooked in a rich, savory Asian hoisin sauce, all nestled in crisp lettuce cups. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredibly popular, easy-to-make, and utterly delicious meal.
Craving the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine but want to skip the takeout lines and delivery fees? Look no further! This recipe for P. F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps offers a fantastic solution, bringing the beloved restaurant experience directly to your dinner table. It’s a quick, fresh, and remarkably simple dish, much like mastering our Skinny Orange Chicken or Sweet and Sour Chicken – perfect for any busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal.
Over the years, recreating beloved restaurant dishes has become a true passion, leading to a treasured collection of copycat recipes that frequently grace our weekly menu. Among these culinary treasures, the P. F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps stand out as a consistent crowd-pleaser. What makes this dish so special is its incredible simplicity and adaptability. It’s an ideal choice for a healthy, protein-packed meal that can be customized to suit any preference. While this recipe focuses on succulent ground chicken, infused with a delectable blend of Asian-inspired sauces and spices, the beauty of lettuce wraps lies in their versatility. You can experiment with various fillings and types of lettuce to create your own unique culinary masterpieces.
Why You’ll Love This P.F. Chang’s Copycat Recipe
There are countless reasons why these homemade chicken lettuce wraps have become a staple in many kitchens. Here’s why we think you’ll fall in love with them too:
- Effortless & Quick: Say goodbye to long cooking times. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a fast, satisfying meal.
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Capture the authentic taste and experience of P.F. Chang’s without leaving your house. Our copycat recipe meticulously replicates the iconic flavors you know and love.
- Healthy & Fresh: Loaded with lean protein and crisp vegetables, these wraps are a fantastic low-carb and light meal option. They’re packed with fresh flavors and textures.
- Highly Customizable: While ground chicken is fantastic, the filling can be adapted with other meats or even plant-based alternatives. Adjust the spice level or add extra veggies to make it uniquely yours.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore these wraps. The interactive nature of assembling your own lettuce cups makes dinner fun for everyone.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The filling can be cooked in advance, making it super easy to assemble fresh wraps throughout the week.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Flavor
Crafting the perfect P.F. Chang’s style chicken lettuce wraps starts with a carefully selected array of ingredients that balance savory, sweet, and umami notes, with a hint of spice and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Ground Chicken: The star of our filling. Opt for lean ground chicken for a lighter meal. If you don’t have ground chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be quickly pulsed in a food processor for a similar texture.
- Olive Oil & Sesame Oil: A combination of these oils provides a great base for cooking. Olive oil handles higher heat, while sesame oil infuses that distinct, nutty Asian aroma.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Yellow Onion & Garlic: Aromatic staples that form the flavor foundation, providing sweetness and pungency to the stir-fry.
- Water Chestnuts: Crucial for that signature crunchy texture in every bite. Drained and finely chopped, they add a delightful contrast to the soft chicken.
- Hoisin Sauce: This is the backbone of the sauce, offering a sweet, salty, and tangy profile that is characteristic of many Chinese dishes.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides savory depth and umami without making the dish overly salty. Using low-sodium allows for better control of seasoning.
- Apple Cider Vinegar or Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to brighten the sauce and balance the sweetness of the hoisin. Rice vinegar offers a slightly milder flavor.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Introduces a pleasant sweetness with a mild kick, complementing the other sauce components.
- Ground Ginger: Offers a warm, slightly pungent spice that is essential in Asian cooking, adding complexity to the overall flavor. Freshly grated ginger can also be used for an even more vibrant taste.
- Butter Lettuce: The ideal vessel for these wraps. Its broad, pliable leaves and delicate, buttery texture make it perfect for holding the flavorful filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Homemade Lettuce Wraps
Making these sensational chicken lettuce wraps is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result:
- Prepare Your Skillet: Begin by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add both the olive oil and a portion of the sesame oil (as specified in the recipe card below). The combination provides a wonderful aromatic base.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the hot skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir frequently until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the filling light.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the cooked chicken. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Whisk the Sauce: While the aromatics are cooking, prepare your flavorful sauce. In a small mixing bowl or a measuring cup, combine the hoisin sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, the remaining sesame oil, apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar), sweet chili sauce, and ground ginger. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the whisked sauce mixture over the cooked chicken and onion in the skillet. Stir everything well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Add Crunch: Stir in the drained and finely chopped water chestnuts. These will add a fantastic crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken. Cook for another minute, just to heat through, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve with Fresh Lettuce: Carefully separate the leaves of your butter lettuce. Spoon about ¼ cup of the warm chicken filling onto each individual lettuce leaf. Serve immediately as an appetizer or a light main course.
Customizing Your Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Variations and Substitutions
One of the best aspects of this P.F. Chang’s copycat recipe is its incredible flexibility. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or dietary needs:
Can I use other ground meat to make this dish?
Absolutely! If you don’t prefer chicken, or simply have other options on hand, this recipe is highly adaptable. Ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative that will yield a similar texture and absorb the flavors beautifully. For a richer flavor profile, lean ground beef can also be used. No matter which meat you choose, ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and any excess fat is drained before adding the sauce.
For those looking for plant-based options, crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a meatless ground substitute can also work wonderfully. Just ensure to press excess water out of tofu/tempeh before cooking to achieve the best texture.
What is the best type of lettuce for lettuce wraps?
The best lettuce for wraps is one that is sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing, yet pliable enough to form a cup, and has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the filling. Typically, you’ll find lettuce cup recipes, including P.F. Chang’s, call for butter lettuce. This category includes popular varieties like Boston and Bibb lettuce, known for their large, soft, and slightly sweet leaves that form perfect cups.
However, you have other excellent choices:
- Romaine Lettuce: While the leaves are stronger and more elongated, making them resemble “boats” rather than traditional cups, Romaine offers a satisfying crunch and can certainly hold the filling.
- Iceberg Lettuce: For maximum crunch, iceberg lettuce is a fantastic option. Its crisp, refreshing leaves are very sturdy, though they might be a bit harder to shape into perfect cups.
- Green Leaf or Red Leaf Lettuce: These varieties offer a good balance of crispness and flexibility, and their slightly ruffled edges can add visual appeal.
No matter your choice, ensure the lettuce is fresh, thoroughly washed, and dried before serving to prevent sogginess.
Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Lettuce Wraps
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Brown your ground chicken thoroughly to develop flavor, but be careful not to overcook it, as this can make it dry. Drain excess fat for a lighter wrap.
- Finely Chop Ingredients: Ensure your onion, garlic, and water chestnuts are finely chopped. This creates a cohesive filling that is easy to eat in lettuce cups and ensures an even distribution of flavor and texture.
- Taste and Adjust Sauce: Before adding the sauce to the chicken, give it a quick taste. You might want to adjust the sweetness (more hoisin or sweet chili sauce), saltiness (more soy sauce), or tanginess (more vinegar) to your personal preference.
- Don’t Skip Water Chestnuts: These canned gems are often overlooked, but they are crucial for providing that signature crisp, watery crunch that makes lettuce wraps so satisfying.
- Serve Warm: The filling is best served warm, creating a delightful contrast with the cool, crisp lettuce.
- Garnish for Freshness: Enhance your wraps with fresh garnishes like chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha for a little extra heat.
Serving Suggestions and Meal Prep
These chicken lettuce wraps are incredibly versatile. They shine as a light and refreshing main course, but also make an excellent appetizer or party snack. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them alongside:
- Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
- Quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- A side of stir-fried vegetables
- A simple cucumber salad with an Asian dressing
Make Ahead & Storage:
The chicken filling can be prepared 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. Keep the lettuce separate and wash it right before serving to maintain its crispness. This makes these wraps an excellent option for meal prepping healthy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
More Asian-Inspired Dinner Recipes to Explore
If you loved these P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps, you’re in for a treat! Our kitchen is a hub for quick, easy, and flavorful Asian-inspired dishes that bring the takeout experience home without the fuss. Dive into these other popular recipes:
- For a comprehensive guide, check out our roundup of favorite Quick and Easy Asian Takeout Recipes!
- Quick Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls: A perfect balance of sweet and savory, ready in minutes.
- Speedy Cashew Chicken: A classic dish with tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a rich sauce.
- Authentic Korean Chicken: Explore bold and spicy flavors with this fantastic recipe.
- Flavorful Chicken Yakisoba: A delightful noodle dish packed with vegetables and savory chicken.
- Classic Chicken Chow Mein: Recreate the ultimate comfort food with tender noodles and a delicious stir-fry.
For even more culinary inspiration and a wider array of delicious dishes, feel free to browse our dedicated Asian Category, where you’ll discover many more recipes to satisfy your cravings.
Share Your Culinary Creations!
If you’ve tried this incredible recipe and fallen in love with it, we’d be thrilled to see your culinary masterpiece! Snap a gorgeous photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Don’t forget to tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can admire your creation and leave a comment! We love seeing how you bring our recipes to life.
P. F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Anna
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
15 minutes
25 minutes
Main Course
Asian
4
people
328
kcal
Ingredients
-
1
tablespoon
vegetable oil -
2
teaspoon
sesame oil -
1
lb
ground chicken -
½
teaspoon
salt -
¼
teaspoon
black pepper -
1
small yellow onion -
2
cloves
garlic -
8
oz.
can water chestnuts
drained, chopped -
¼
cup
hoisin sauce -
3
tablespoons
low-sodium soy sauce -
1
tablespoon
apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar -
1
teaspoon
sesame oil -
2
tablespoons
sweet chili sauce -
1
teaspoon
ground ginger -
8
leaves
of butter lettuce
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 small chopped yellow onion and 2 cloves minced garlic to the cooked chicken. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- In a small mixing bowl or measuring cup, whisk together ¼ cup hoisin sauce, 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar), 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, and 1 teaspoon ground ginger until well combined.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken and onion in the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat all the chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to deepen.
- Stir in 8 oz. drained and chopped water chestnuts. Cook for another minute to heat through, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Spoon approximately ¼ cup of the chicken mixture into each fresh butter lettuce leaf. Serve immediately, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh green onions or sesame seeds for garnish.
Notes
- If ground chicken isn’t readily available, you can easily make your own. Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into smaller pieces, partially freeze them for 20 to 30 minutes (this makes them easier to process), then pulse in a food processor until you achieve your desired ground texture.
- For dietary variations, this recipe works exceptionally well with other ground meats like ground turkey or lean ground beef. For a vegetarian option, consider using crumbled extra-firm tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- Please note that the nutritional values provided are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and products used. We always recommend using a calorie counter or nutrition tracker you are familiar with for the most accurate information.
Nutrition
Calories:
328
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
24
g
|
Protein:
22
g
|
Fat:
16
g
|
Saturated Fat:
6
g
|
Cholesterol:
98
mg
|
Sodium:
1129
mg
|
Potassium:
812
mg
|
Fiber:
2
g
|
Sugar:
11
g
|
Vitamin A:
995
IU
|
Vitamin C:
4.4
mg
|
Calcium:
32
mg
|
Iron:
2.4
mg
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This recipe was originally published on June 22nd, 2018 and updated on November 1st, 2019.