If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances savory, crunchy, and fresh flavors all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves, then the PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. This iconic dish offers a delightful combination of ground chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and earthy shiitake mushrooms, tossed in a luscious hoisin-soy sauce blend. Every bite delivers a burst of texture and flavor that makes this recipe a go-to for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Let me walk you through how easy and satisfying it is to make this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the key to nailing the PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. Each item plays a special role in delivering that signature flavor and texture contrast that makes these wraps so addictive.
- Ground chicken: The lean protein base that cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Water chestnuts: These add a refreshing crunch that contrasts the tender chicken perfectly.
- Shiitake mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they deepen the flavor and add umami complexity.
- Scallions: Thinly sliced, they bring a fresh, mildly pungent finish when sprinkled on top.
- Romaine lettuce: Crisp and sturdy, perfect for wrapping up all that tasty filling without falling apart.
- Sesame oil: Used in and out of the sauce for its rich, nutty aroma that elevates every bite.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet-savory punch that ties the ingredients together beautifully.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings salty depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Regular soy sauce: Balances the flavor with its richer, saltier profile.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity to brighten the sauce and prevent it from getting too heavy.
- Fresh grated ginger: Provides a gentle heat and aromatic freshness that wakes up the palate.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for a punch of savory sharpness that infuses the filling.
- Shallot: Adds mild sweetness and complexity when mixed in the filling.
How to Make PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
Start by crafting the magic sauce that makes these wraps irresistible. In a small bowl, whisk hoisin sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, regular soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined. This sauce will coat the filling with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until it’s evenly browned and cooked through. This step builds a savory foundation for the wraps, and browning the meat helps add depth to the overall flavor.
Step 3: Add Water Chestnuts and Shiitake Mushrooms
Stir in the diced water chestnuts and shiitake mushrooms to the browned chicken. These bring texture and earthiness, providing a delightful contrast to the softness of the cooked meat. Mix everything well to combine the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Pour and Coat with Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken mixture and stir until every bite is evenly coated. Let it cook for a few minutes on medium heat so the flavors can blend beautifully together, creating that memorable taste and aroma that makes the PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe a family favorite.
Step 5: Prepare to Serve
Wash and separate the romaine lettuce leaves, creating perfect little cups to hold your flavorful filling. These leaves act as nature’s own wraps and provide the refreshing crunch that makes the dish so unique.
How to Serve PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
To truly elevate your presentation and flavor, sprinkle thinly sliced scallions on top of the chicken mixture just before serving. They add a lovely pop of color and a fresh bite that balances the savory filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these wraps with light, complementary sides like steamed jasmine rice or a simple cucumber salad. The rice helps soak up any extra sauce, while the salad adds a crisp, cooling element that enhances the whole meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make things a bit more festive, serve the filling in a nice bowl surrounded by a platter of lettuce cups. This encourages everyone to assemble their own wraps, making it an interactive and fun dining affair. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of sriracha mayo for an extra kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the cooked chicken mixture separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the lettuce leaves fresh in another container or wrapped tightly with a paper towel to maintain their crispness.
Freezing
The filling freezes well in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. However, it’s best to freeze the chicken mixture alone, as lettuce leaves do not freeze well and will lose their crisp texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken filling gently in a skillet over medium-low heat stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving directly on high to maintain the textures and flavors. Then simply assemble with fresh lettuce leaves for a delicious quick meal.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a lean substitute and will absorb the flavors of the sauce nicely. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid if needed.
What lettuce is best for these wraps?
Romaine lettuce is ideal because of its sturdy leaves that hold the filling without tearing. Butter lettuce is another great option since it’s soft but still forms a nice cup.
Is there a vegetarian version of PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe?
Yes, you can swap the ground chicken for finely diced tofu or lentils and add extra mushrooms or chopped vegetables. Use the same flavorful sauce to keep the essence of the dish.
How spicy is this recipe?
This particular PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is mild and approachable, but you can easily add a bit of heat by mixing in some chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce if you prefer more spice.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely! The chicken mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.
Final Thoughts
Once you try making the PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe at home, I promise you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved crowd-pleaser. It’s an easy, flavorful, and fun dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen rotation. So grab those ingredients and start wrapping—your taste buds will thank you!
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PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A quick and flavorful recipe for PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps, featuring ground chicken sautéed with water chestnuts, shiitake mushrooms, and a savory hoisin-soy sauce mixture, all served in crisp romaine lettuce leaves for a light and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Wrap Filling
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and diced
- 3 oz shiitake mushrooms, diced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, diced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp regular soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp lightly packed fresh grated ginger
To Serve
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, leaves washed
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, regular soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the diced water chestnuts, shiitake mushrooms, minced garlic, and diced shallot. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Combine with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken mixture in the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the sauce, and cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Spoon the warm chicken filling into the washed romaine lettuce leaves. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions. Serve immediately as wraps.
Notes
- Use ground chicken breast for a leaner option.
- Shiitake mushrooms can be substituted with cremini or button mushrooms.
- For added heat, include a small amount of chili garlic sauce into the sauce mix.
- Best served immediately to keep the lettuce leaves crisp.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but keep lettuce separate.
