Copycat PF Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Skip the takeout! Make crave-worthy PF Chang lettuce wraps at home. This easy recipe is packed with flavour & crunch. Your weeknight dinner just got an upgrade!

Alright, buckle up buttercups! we're diving headfirst into a weeknight winner. ever get that craving for something kinda fancy but also super easy? then you know the one i'm talking about: pf chang lettuce wraps .

Craving Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Honestly, who hasn't had a hankering for those flavour-packed Asian Chicken Wraps ? Those P.F. Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps have a hold on us all, right? I wanted a dinner which felt fresh, but was also incredibly tasty!

A Flashback to Culinary Origins

These asian chicken lettuce wraps aren't exactly a traditional dish, you know? they're a super smart, kinda americanized take on asian flavours.

They take about 35 minutes to make, serves four and honestly, they feel restaurant quality, but come from your own kitchen.

Why This Recipe Rocks

So, why bother making these at home? well, for starters, you control the ingredients! i love that i can use lean ground chicken for a healthier twist.

Plus, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a fun dinner party appetizer. this recipe is special because you can tweak it, make it spicier, make it sweeter.

Time to Gather Your Gear (and Grub)

Now that you're totally drooling, let's talk ingredients. Before you know it, you’ll be whipping up these ridiculously tasty Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps !

Quick Note: Don't skip the crispy rice noodles. Seriously, they are key.

The Secret Weapon: Lettuce Wrap Sauce

The real magic is in the sauce, obviously! Soy, hoisin, a little rice vinegar, and sesame oil… Oh my gosh, it’s heavenly!

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make these banging pf chang lettuce wraps ! honestly, prepping the ingredients is half the battle.

Once that's done, it's smooth sailing to flavour town.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!

First things first, let's gather our bits and bobs. don't worry if you don't have everything spot on. a little substitution never hurt anyone, right? we're aiming for a home run, not perfection.

Main Ingredients: The Starters

• Ground Chicken: You will need 1 pound (that's about 450g ) of the good stuff. Go for lean ground chicken; you don't want a soggy wrap. Quality matters here. If the chicken smells fresh and looks pink, you're on the right track.
• Aromatics: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) of chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Fresh is best, but garlic powder in a pinch? I won't tell.
• Water Chestnuts: 1/2 cup ( 60g ) of the chopped kind. These add a lovely crunch.
• Carrots: You'll need 1/4 cup ( 30g ) shredded carrots.
• Lettuce: 1 head of butter lettuce (about 16 leaves ). This needs to be washed and dried. This is what holds the Asian Chicken Wraps .

Seasoning Notes: The Flavour Boost

These seasoning notes are for creating that perfect Lettuce Wrap Sauce. Trust me, getting this right is the key to amazing Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps .

• Soy Sauce: Use 2 tablespoons . Low-sodium is your friend here.
• Hoisin Sauce: Another 2 tablespoons . This adds sweetness and depth.
• Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon for that essential tang.
• Sesame Oil: Just 1 teaspoon . This adds a nutty aroma.
• Ginger: 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger. Freshly grated ginger would be amazing here, if you have it.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon ...or more, if you're feeling brave!
• Oyster sauce 1 tablespoon is optional for that extra umami, like that pf changs chicken lettuce wraps .

For that lovely garnish, you need 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions, plus 2 tablespoons of chopped peanuts (optional, if you're not allergic, obviously!).

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

You don't need fancy gear to make these Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe .

• A decent skillet or wok: For cooking the chicken.
• A mixing bowl: For the sauce.
• Chopping board and knife: Self-explanatory, really.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Because eyeballing it can be a bit hit or miss.

Honestly, you could probably get away with using a frying pan instead of a wok. and if you don't have measuring spoons, just use regular spoons and wing it! you know? the beauty of chicken wrap recipes is their adaptability.

These are just some lettuce wrap recipes to get you going, and you can always add to your ground chicken recipes .

Right then, let's get this show on the road! we're diving headfirst into the wonderful world of copycat pf chang lettuce wraps .

Honestly, who needs takeout when you can whip up something even better at home? a friend told me he never goes to chang's chicken lettuce wraps anymore after i gave him this recipe! he just makes these and calls them asian chicken wraps .

Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Magic

First things first, essential mise en place! it sounds fancy, but it just means getting everything prepped before you even think about turning on the hob.

Chop your onion, mince your garlic. measure out your sauces. it's a game changer. believe me, you do not want to be scrambling around for soy sauce with a pan of browning chicken! i’ve been there, done that, got the slightly burnt t-shirt.

From Pan to Plate: Step-by-Step to Lettuce Wrap Nirvana

Alright, time to roll up your sleeves. Here's how we make these amazing Pf Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps :

1. Gently separate and wash your butter lettuce leaves. Pat them dry. This is your lettuce wrap recipes base.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in your trusty wok or large skillet. Medium-high heat is your friend. Add that chopped onion and cook for about 3- 5 minutes , until it's softened and translucent. Then, toss in your minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add 1 pound of ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through. Don't overcook it – nobody wants dry chicken. Drain any excess grease (trust me on this one).
4. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped water chestnuts and 1/4 cup of shredded carrots. Cook for 2- 3 minutes until they're slightly softened. The water chestnuts give it that lovely crunch. You know what I mean?
5. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (if you're feeling fancy), 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
6. Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture and stir well. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 5- 7 minutes , or until the sauce thickens slightly. This is where the magic happens – the flavours all meld together beautifully.
7. Spoon the chicken mixture into your prepared lettuce cups. Top with 1/2 cup crispy rice noodles, chopped green onions, and peanuts. Serve immediately with extra hoisin sauce for dipping. Voila!

Pro Tips for Next-Level Lettuce Wraps

• Don't be shy with the hoisin! That lettuce wrap sauce adds such a depth of flavour.
• Crispy rice noodles are non-negotiable. They add the best texture. Seriously, don't skip them!
• If you’re looking for some ground chicken recipes , remember to not overcook. Overcooked chicken is the enemy of deliciousness.

Honestly, making these asian chicken lettuce wraps is easier than ordering takeaway. they’re fresh, tasty, and you know exactly what's going into them.

Give them a go - you won't regret it! you might even ditch your usual chicken wrap recipes and lettuce wrap recipes for this one.

So go on then! Get cooking!

Alright, let's talk about some extra bits for our copycat pf chang's chicken lettuce wraps . i always think these little extras can really elevate a dish.

Honestly, they're the things that take it from "okay, i made dinner" to "oh my gosh, this is amazing!"

Recipe Notes for Epic Changs Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Serving It Up Right: Plating & Pairings

Think about how you want to present these beauties! asian chicken wraps are all about that fresh, vibrant feel. i like to arrange the lettuce cups on a platter.

A sprinkle of extra green onions never hurts. for a complete meal, try serving them with a light cucumber salad.

Also, iced green tea is the perfect refreshing drink to go with it. honestly, it's a match made in heaven.

You know?

Storage Secrets: Keep 'Em Fresh!

So, you've got leftovers? no worries! the chicken lettuce wraps recipe filling will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Just pop it in an airtight container. important! don't assemble the lettuce wrap recipes until you're ready to eat, otherwise the lettuce gets soggy.

I'm not a huge fan of freezing the filling, as the texture can change. but you could do it. if you're reheating the filling, a quick zap in the microwave or a gentle simmer on the stove will do the trick.

Remix Time: Variations Galore

Want to mix it up? i get it! these pf chang lettuce wraps are super adaptable. for a vegetarian version, try using crumbled tofu instead of ground chicken.

Works a charm! for a bit of seasonal twist, add some shredded cabbage to the filling in the winter. it adds a lovely crunch.

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness Inside

Let's be real, we all want to know what we're putting in our bodies. these asian chicken lettuce wraps are relatively healthy.

Ground chicken is a good source of protein. the water chestnuts add fibre. and serving them in lettuce? well, that's a lot better than a bun, right? each serving is about 350 calories with about 30g of protein.

And sodium sits near 700mg. remember, this is just an estimate.

These notes should help you to master the chicken wrap recipes and even get some ground chicken recipes inspiration! so, go on, give these pf changs chicken lettuce wraps a whirl.

You’ll nail the lettuce wrap sauce , have fun, and create something delicious! i promise!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to separate butter lettuce leaves for PF Chang lettuce wraps without tearing them?

The key is gentle handling! Carefully peel the leaves off the head of lettuce, starting from the outside. Wash each leaf individually under cool water, then pat them completely dry with paper towels or a salad spinner. Dry lettuce is essential for the filling to adhere properly. Think of it like trying to apply wallpaper on a damp wall - it just won't stick!

Can I make PF Chang lettuce wraps vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, swap the ground chicken with crumbled firm tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute like Quorn. Ensure you press the tofu well to remove excess water. For a vegan version, double-check that your hoisin sauce and oyster sauce (if using) are plant-based, or substitute with a vegan alternative. You might need to add a little more umami flavour with something like shiitake mushrooms.

How do I store leftover PF Chang lettuce wraps filling? Will the lettuce stay fresh?

It's best to store the filling and lettuce separately. Allow the chicken filling to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 3-4 days. Unfortunately, assembled lettuce wraps don't store well because the lettuce will wilt. Just prep fresh lettuce when you're ready to eat the leftovers. Think of it as having a perfectly good cuppa but stale biscuits; nobody wants a soggy biscuit!

My sauce for the PF Chang's lettuce wraps is too salty! How can I fix it?

Oops, a bit heavy-handed with the soy sauce, were we? Don't worry, it happens! Add a little sweetness to balance it out. A teaspoon of brown sugar or honey can help. You could also add a squeeze of lime juice or a splash of rice vinegar to add acidity and brightness, which will cut through the saltiness. Taste as you go until you reach the right balance. It's like trying to balance the sugar and spice in a proper Victoria Sponge!

Where can I find crispy rice noodles for these PF Chang lettuce wraps?

Crispy rice noodles are a crucial element for that signature crunch! You can usually find them in the Asian foods aisle of most well-stocked grocery stores. Alternatively, check out your local Asian supermarket; they're practically guaranteed to have them. If you're really in a pinch, you could try crushing up some plain rice crackers, but the texture won't be quite the same. Think of it as substituting clotted cream with whipped cream on your scones... it's just not quite right!

Can I make the filling for PF Chang's chicken lettuce wraps ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making the filling ahead of time is a great way to save time during the week. The flavors actually meld together and improve over time, so it can be even better the next day. Just cook the filling completely, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Then, simply reheat it and assemble the lettuce wraps when you're ready to eat. It’s a proper "Blue Peter" moment - get prepared!

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