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If you love vibrant textures and bold Asian-inspired flavors, then the PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is a must-try in your kitchen. This dish combines juicy ground chicken cooked in a tangy, savory sauce with crisp water chestnuts and fresh shredded carrots, all nestled perfectly within cool, crunchy Bibb lettuce leaves. It’s the ideal harmony of warm, savory filling meeting refreshing greens, delivering that addictive mix of flavors and textures you can’t help but reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is like assembling a dream team: each one plays a vital role in building a captivating balance of taste, texture, and aroma. From the zing of fresh ginger to the lush crunch from water chestnuts and the unmistakable umami kiss of hoisin sauce, these essentials make the wrap truly unforgettable.
- Avocado oil: A healthy oil with a high smoke point to start your sauté with a neutral flavor.
- White onion (½, finely diced): Adds sweetness and a tender base to the filling.
- Garlic cloves (2, finely minced): Offers a fragrant punch to brighten up the dish.
- Fresh ginger (2 teaspoons, minced): Brings a refreshing zing and warmth.
- Ground chicken (1 pound): The lean, flavorful protein star of these wraps.
- Hoisin sauce (¼ cup): Delivers sweet and savory depth.
- Soy sauce or Tamari (2 tablespoons): Adds salty, umami layers with a splash of moisture.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Gives a gentle, tangy brightness that balances richness.
- Chili garlic sauce (2 teaspoons, optional): Introduces a mild heat and tantalizing garlic edge.
- Toasted sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Infuses a nutty aroma to elevate the flavor profile.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential seasonings to taste.
- Shredded carrots (½ cup): Adds crisp sweetness and vibrant color.
- Water chestnuts (1 can, 8-ounce, drained and diced): Provides unforgettable crunch to contrast the tender chicken.
- Peanut oil (½ cup): Ideal for frying vermicelli noodles to crispy perfection.
- Vermicelli rice noodles (2 ounces): Transforms into crispy garnishes for texture.
- Bibb or butter lettuce leaves (16 leaves): The crisp, soft wrap that holds it all together.
- Green onions (3, green parts only, thinly sliced): Fresh garnishes that bring color and mild onion flavor.
How to Make PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced white onion and cook until it turns translucent, about 2-3 minutes—this softens it and releases a subtle sweetness. Then add the minced garlic and fresh ginger, cooking for another minute to awaken their vibrant, fragrant flavors. This aromatic foundation is key to the irresistible taste of the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
Next, push the onion mixture to one side of the skillet and add the ground chicken. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink, around 7-8 minutes. This step builds the hearty protein base, ensuring each bite is filled with tender, savory goodness.
Step 3: Combine the Sauce and Vegetables
While the chicken cooks, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce (if using), toasted sesame oil, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Pour this luscious sauce over the cooked chicken, then add the shredded carrots and diced water chestnuts. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. This creates the perfect blend of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors, with a delightful crunch from the veggies.
Step 4: Make the Crispy Rice Noodles
For that amazing crispy texture, line a plate with paper towels. Pour about an inch of peanut oil into a small pot and heat it over high heat for 3-4 minutes. Test the temperature by dropping in a single vermicelli noodle—it should instantly puff up like a tiny pillow. Fry the vermicelli noodles a few tablespoons at a time for just about 10 seconds per side until they puff and turn crisp. Transfer them onto the paper towels to drain excess oil. These crispy noodles add an irresistible crunch that elevates the dish completely.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Now it’s time to pile the savory chicken mixture into individual Bibb lettuce leaves. Top each wrap with crispy rice noodles and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. For those who love a little heat, drizzle extra chili garlic sauce on top. These wraps are the perfect handheld delight, balancing warm, savory filling with fresh, cool greens and satisfying crunch.
How to Serve PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like thinly sliced green onions really brings an extra burst of color and subtle sharpness that brightens each bite. Plus, a few dollops of extra chili garlic sauce add customizable heat for friends and family who appreciate some spice. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds would also make a lovely, nutty garnish if you want to play around.
Side Dishes
These wraps pair wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a crisp cucumber salad to balance out the savory richness. For a complete meal, lightly sautéed Asian-style vegetables like bok choy or snap peas offer a fresh and healthy complement that doesn’t overshadow the star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, consider serving the filling in a large, shallow bowl surrounded by an artfully arranged platter of lettuce leaves and garnishes so everyone can build their own wraps. Alternatively, put the crispy vermicelli noodles in a separate small bowl for a charming and interactive dining experience. This also lets guests customize their texture and spice levels to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover chicken mixture stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep your lettuce separate and fresh by storing it wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in the fridge. This separation keeps the lettuce crisp and ready when you want to enjoy your leftovers.
Freezing
The cooked chicken filling freezes well if you want to make this recipe in advance or save leftovers for a quick meal. Place the cooled filling in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to two months. Just remember not to freeze the lettuce or crispy noodles, as their textures will degrade.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the chicken mixture in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it until heated evenly. Assemble with fresh lettuce and crispy noodles for the best experience. Avoid reheating the lettuce to keep it crisp and satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you want a leaner protein or just like the flavor. The sauce and veggies will still shine, and the texture will remain just as delightful.
What type of lettuce works best for wraps?
Bibb or butter lettuce leaves are ideal because they’re tender yet sturdy, making them easy to hold and fold without tearing. Iceberg can also be used but isn’t quite as soft or flavorful.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can swap the ground chicken for finely chopped mushrooms, tofu crumbles, or even cooked lentils for a plant-based take. Just keep all the same sauces and seasonings to maintain that signature PF Chang’s taste.
Can I make the sauce less spicy?
Definitely! The chili garlic sauce is optional and can be reduced or omitted altogether if you prefer milder flavors. You can always add it on the side for guests who like some heat.
How do I get the crispy noodles perfectly puffed?
Heat the peanut oil fully so it’s hot enough to instantly puff the noodles—testing with one noodle first helps. Fry small amounts at a time for only about 10 seconds per side to avoid burning. Drain on paper towels to keep them crisp.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy yet comes together so simply, perfect for casual dinners or impressing guests. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite way to enjoy chicken with a crispy crunch and exciting flavors!
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Print
PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe delivers the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors wrapped in fresh, crunchy lettuce leaves. Ground chicken cooked with aromatic garlic, ginger, and a flavorful hoisin-based sauce is served with crispy fried vermicelli noodles for an enjoyable textural contrast. This dish is a light yet satisfying appetizer or main course that is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ white onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or Tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (optional, plus more for serving)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 (8-ounce) can whole water chestnuts, drained and diced
For the Crispy Rice Noodles
- ½ cup peanut oil (or another high smoke point oil)
- 2 ounces vermicelli rice noodles
To Serve
- 16 Bibb or butter lettuce leaves
- 3 green onions (green parts only), thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics and Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced white onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger, cooking for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Cook Ground Chicken: Push the aromatics to one side of the skillet. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, around 7-8 minutes.
- Make the Sauce and Simmer: In a medium bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce or Tamari, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce if using, toasted sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Pour this sauce mixture over the cooked chicken. Add shredded carrots and diced water chestnuts. Stir to combine and cook over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Fry the Vermicelli Noodles for Crispiness: Line a plate with paper towels. In a small pot, pour at least 1 inch of peanut oil and heat over high heat for 3-4 minutes. Test the oil by dropping a single vermicelli noodle in; it should puff up immediately if the oil is hot enough. Fry the vermicelli noodles in small batches (1-2 tablespoons at a time) for no more than 10 seconds until puffed and crispy, flipping to cook both sides. Transfer fried noodles to the paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the chicken mixture into each Bibb or butter lettuce leaf. Top with crispy rice noodles and a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions. Add additional chili garlic sauce if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, savory wraps.
Notes
- Use ground chicken for authentic flavor and texture, but ground turkey or pork can be substituted.
- For gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
- Adjust the chili garlic sauce to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Be careful not to over-fry the vermicelli noodles; they crisp very quickly.
- Serve immediately after assembling to prevent the lettuce leaves from becoming soggy.
