Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat)

Introduction

When I first made Chicken Lettuce Wraps at home, I couldn’t believe how closely they resembled the ones I had at PF Chang’s! The combination of savory chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crispy water chestnuts, all enveloped in fresh lettuce leaves, was simply divine. The addition of a homemade dipping sauce took it to the next level, balancing sweet, salty, and spicy flavors in every bite. My family loved the dish; the kids enjoyed the interactive aspect of assembling their own wraps, and I appreciated how easy and quick it was to make. This recipe has quickly become a favorite in our household, especially since it’s low-carb and full of fresh, healthy ingredients. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these Chicken Lettuce Wraps are always a hit!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat)

Chicken Lettuce Wraps are one of those dishes that are both fun to eat and delicious. Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Healthy and Low-Carb: These wraps are a great low-carb alternative to traditional wraps, as they use lettuce instead of tortillas or bread. Packed with protein from the chicken and fresh vegetables, they make for a nutritious meal.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or when you need something quick to prepare.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of the chicken filling, savory sauce, and fresh lettuce creates a delightful balance of flavors, from sweet and salty to spicy.
• Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning and the sauce to suit your taste, or add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch.
• Interactive and Fun: Assembling the wraps is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. It’s a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling:

• 2 ½ tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 2 ½ teaspoons sesame oil, divided
• 1 pound chicken thighs, finely chopped or ground
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 ounces dried shiitake mushrooms (or 8 oz fresh, chopped)
• 1 (8-oz) can water chestnuts, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 4 green onions, chopped

For the Frying Rice Sticks (Optional):

• 2 inches frying oil (canola, vegetable, etc.)
• 1 (6.75-oz) package maifun rice sticks

For the Sauce (Chicken Filling):

• ¼ cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons aji mirin or rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ¼ cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (e.g., Sambal Oelek)
• ¼–½ teaspoon Chinese hot mustard
• 1–2 teaspoons oyster sauce
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil

To Assemble:

• 2 heads butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken and Mushrooms:
   Partially freeze chicken for easier chopping, then finely dice into small pieces (¼–½ inch).
   Rehydrate dried shiitake mushrooms by soaking them in hot water for 30 minutes. Squeeze out excess water, discard the stems, and chop finely.
2. Prepare Sauce for Filling:
   In a small bowl, mix together the cold water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, aji mirin (or rice vinegar), hoisin sauce, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
3. Fry Rice Sticks (Optional):
   Heat 2 inches of frying oil in a pot to 400°F. Fry small handfuls of rice sticks for 2–3 seconds until puffed. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Cook Chicken Filling:
   Heat 1 ½ tablespoons canola oil and ½ tablespoon sesame oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
   Add the chopped chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until just done (2–3 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
   Add 1 tablespoon canola oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil to the pan. Sauté the mushrooms and water chestnuts for 2–3 minutes, then add garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 more minute.
   Return the chicken to the pan, pour in the prepared sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes. Add most of the green onions, reserving some for garnish. Cook for 1–2 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Prepare Dipping Sauce:
   In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, hot mustard, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Adjust to taste.
6. Assemble Lettuce Wraps:
   Wash and dry the lettuce leaves. Fill each leaf with a scoop of the chicken filling, adding optional fried rice sticks for crunch. Garnish with green onions.
   Serve with the dipping sauce on the side and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes (including optional rice stick frying)

How to Serve

• As an appetizer: Serve these Chicken Lettuce Wraps as a fun appetizer for a dinner party or gathering.
• For dinner: Pair the wraps with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• As a snack: These wraps are a great snack option, offering a healthy, satisfying bite without being too heavy.
• For meal prep: Make the chicken filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the wraps just before serving.
• With different sauces: Try swapping out the chili garlic dipping sauce for peanut sauce or hoisin sauce for a new flavor twist.

Additional Tips

1. Substitute for Chicken Thighs: If you prefer white meat, you can use ground chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option.
2. Make it Spicy: If you love spice, add extra chili garlic sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken filling or dipping sauce.
3. Use Fresh Mushrooms: If you don’t have dried shiitake mushrooms, fresh mushrooms like cremini or button mushrooms will work just as well.
4. Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to your liking by adjusting the sugar or soy sauce levels.
5. Make it Vegetarian: You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version of these wraps.

FAQ

1. Can I use iceberg lettuce instead of butter lettuce? Yes, iceberg lettuce works just as well and provides a nice crunchy texture.
2. Can I make these wraps ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce fresh.
3. How do I store leftovers? Leftover chicken filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lettuce wraps are best served fresh.
4. What if I don’t have sesame oil? If you don’t have sesame oil, you can substitute it with olive oil, though it won’t have the same distinctive nutty flavor.
5. Can I make these wraps with ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground beef for the chicken in this recipe for a slightly different flavor.
6. Is the rice stick frying necessary? It’s optional, but frying the rice sticks gives them a crispy texture and adds an extra crunch to the wraps.
7. Can I freeze the chicken filling? Yes, you can freeze the chicken filling for up to 1 month. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
8. Can I add more vegetables to the filling? Absolutely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or baby corn for added crunch and color.
9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and rice sticks to make this recipe gluten-free.
10. What dipping sauces can I use besides the chili garlic sauce? You can try using peanut sauce, hoisin sauce, or a simple soy sauce-based dip for variety.

Conclusion

Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat) are a delicious, healthy, and fun-to-make dish that everyone in your family will enjoy. The combination of

savory chicken, crunchy vegetables, and aromatic seasonings wrapped in fresh lettuce is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, a party, or as a snack, these wraps will always be a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation.

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