If you’ve ever had the famous PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps, then you already know how seriously delicious they are.
I’m here to tell you that making these at home is easier than you’d think! This copycat recipe is one of my family’s favorites, especially on busy weeknights when we crave something fun, healthy, and quick.
Everyone love these lettuce wraps because they’re interactive (hello, food that’s fun to eat!), flavorful without being too spicy, and packed with healthy protein and veggies. Many adore them because they come together fast, taste great, and have that satisfying crunch.
Ready to whip up a new family-favorite dinner? Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced small
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve:
- 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, separated into leaves
Tools Required:
- Large skillet or wok
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Grater or microplane (for ginger)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving plates
Pro Tips:
- Prep Everything First: Have all your ingredients chopped, grated, and ready before cooking starts. This dish cooks up quickly!
- Lettuce Tips: Iceberg or butter lettuce works best—crisp and sturdy enough for little hands to hold easily without tearing.
- Kid-Friendly Spice Level: For younger kids, reduce ginger or garlic slightly for a milder taste. You can always add spice at the table for grown-ups.
- Double Up: This recipe is super easy to double (or triple!) for leftovers or meal prep.
- Fun Presentation: Set out all ingredients separately and let everyone make their own wraps. Kids love customizing their meals!
Substitutions & Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap ground chicken for firm tofu, crumbled, or diced mushrooms.
- Sauce Swap: If you don’t have hoisin sauce, barbecue sauce or teriyaki sauce can be used in a pinch.
- Extra Veggies: Add grated carrots, bell peppers, or chopped broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Protein Alternatives: Ground turkey, pork, or even shrimp are delicious substitutions.
Make Ahead Tips:
- Cook the filling in advance (up to a day before). Simply reheat quickly on the stovetop before serving.
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add ground chicken, breaking it up as it cooks until lightly browned (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic, onion, and ginger; cook until fragrant and onion is soft (2–3 minutes).
- Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add chopped water chestnuts and green onions, cooking another minute to combine flavors. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the chicken mixture to a serving bowl.
- Arrange lettuce leaves on a plate.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves, wrap gently, and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
Based on PF Chang’s official nutrition information, one serving of their Chicken Lettuce Wraps contains:
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 15g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Dietary Swaps & Meal Pairing Suggestions:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
- Low-Carb: Perfect as-is; lettuce wraps keep carbs low!
- Serve With: Steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or a simple cucumber salad.
Cooking Time Efficiency Tips:
- Prepare veggies and sauces while chicken is cooking to save time.
- Cooking at high heat ensures quick browning, keeping dinner fast and efficient.
Leftovers and Storage:
- Refrigerate leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply warm it quickly in a pan or microwave.
- Keep lettuce leaves separately, wrapped in paper towels in the fridge to maintain crispness.
FAQs:
Can I freeze the filling?
Yes! Freeze cooked chicken filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat before serving.
My lettuce keeps breaking; what do I do?
Use butter lettuce for softer leaves that hold better. Double-layer lettuce leaves if necessary for extra strength.
What can I do with leftover filling besides wraps?
Use leftovers over rice, as a topping for noodles, or even stuffed into bell peppers!
Final Thoughts
These easy PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a total lifesaver – quick, tasty, and healthy enough that you’ll feel great about serving them. My kids constantly request them (they love building their own wraps), and I’m guessing yours will too.
Give this recipe a try this week, and let me know in the comments how your family liked them, any fun variations you made, or any questions you have. Happy cooking!
