P.F. Chang’s Copycat Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

The first time I ordered chicken lettuce wraps at P.F. Chang’s, I was amazed by how something so simple could be so incredibly flavorful and addictive. The combination of textures – that satisfying crunch of fresh lettuce against the warm, savory filling – creates a dining experience that’s both healthy and indulgent. These wraps have become a staple in Asian-American cuisine, transforming the traditional concept of lettuce wraps into something accessible and crave-worthy for home cooks.

What makes this P.F. Chang’s Copycat Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe special is its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory elements. The dish celebrates the beauty of fresh ingredients while delivering complex flavors that develop quickly in one pan. Unlike heavy appetizers that leave you feeling sluggish, these lettuce wraps provide protein-rich satisfaction while keeping things light and refreshing – making them perfect for entertaining or weeknight dinners when you want something special without the fuss.

Ingredients List

For the Chicken Filling:

• 1 pound ground chicken (or finely chopped chicken breast)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and diced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving:

• 1 large head butter lettuce, leaves separated and washed
• Additional green onions for garnish
• Sesame seeds for sprinkling
• Lime wedges

Substitution Options: Ground turkey or pork work beautifully in place of chicken. For vegetarian versions, try crumbled firm tofu or finely chopped mushrooms. Coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for those avoiding soy, and maple syrup makes an excellent brown sugar substitute.

Timing

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

This recipe moves quickly once you start cooking, so having all ingredients prepped and ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable. The sauce can be whisked together up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also wash and dry your lettuce leaves in advance, storing them between paper towels in the fridge to maintain their crispness. For efficient workflow, prepare your vegetables while the chicken browns, and have your sauce ready to pour when needed.

How to Make It

1. Prepare the Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until smooth. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce and create that glossy finish that coats the chicken perfectly. Set this aside – you’ll add it during the final stages of cooking.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown for about 4-5 minutes without stirring too much – this develops deeper flavor. The chicken should be mostly cooked through and starting to get golden edges.

3. Add Aromatics

Push chicken to one side of the pan and add diced onion to the empty space. Cook for 2 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and ginger. Stir everything together and cook for another minute until fragrant. The smell of ginger and garlic hitting the hot pan is your cue that magic is happening.

4. Incorporate Water Chestnuts

Add diced water chestnuts to the pan and stir to combine. These little gems provide the signature crunch that makes lettuce wraps so texturally interesting. Cook for 2 minutes to warm them through while maintaining their crisp texture.

5. Finish with Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. The sauce will bubble and thicken within 1-2 minutes. Add rice wine vinegar and half the sliced green onions, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Serve Immediately

Transfer the warm chicken mixture to a serving bowl and garnish with remaining green onions and sesame seeds. Arrange clean, dry lettuce cups on a platter alongside lime wedges. Let everyone assemble their own wraps for an interactive dining experience.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of P.F. Chang’s Copycat Chicken Lettuce Wraps (approximately 3-4 wraps) contains roughly 220 calories, 28 grams of protein, 8 grams of carbohydrates, and 8 grams of fat. The lettuce provides vitamin K, folate, and vitamin A, while the chicken delivers complete protein and B vitamins. Water chestnuts contribute fiber and potassium, making these wraps a nutritionally balanced choice.

The dish is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it suitable for various dietary approaches. The fresh lettuce base means you’re getting plenty of water content and fiber, which helps with satiety and digestion. Keep in mind that nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce other salty condiments accordingly. For a lighter version, substitute ground chicken breast for regular ground chicken, or try 93/7 ground turkey. You can slash calories further by using cooking spray instead of oil and increasing the vegetable content with diced bell peppers or shredded carrots.

For gluten-free needs, ensure your soy sauce is tamari and check that oyster sauce is gluten-free certified. Vegan cooks can use crumbled extra-firm tofu or finely chopped mushrooms with vegetarian oyster sauce. To cut sugar, omit the brown sugar and rely on the natural sweetness from hoisin sauce and onions.

Serving Suggestions

Present these P.F. Chang’s Copycat Chicken Lettuce Wraps family-style with the warm filling in a central bowl surrounded by pristine lettuce cups. Provide small spoons for easy scooping and napkins for tidy eating. The wraps pair beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, vegetable spring rolls, or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar.

For beverages, consider jasmine tea, sparkling water with lime, or light Asian beers. The fresh, clean flavors also complement white wines like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. Plan for 3-4 wraps per person as an appetizer, or 5-6 wraps as a light main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and lose its tender texture. Ground chicken cooks quickly, so watch it carefully and remove from heat as soon as it’s cooked through. Avoid making the filling too wet by adding sauce gradually and letting excess moisture evaporate.

Another common error is using wilted or wet lettuce leaves. Choose the freshest, crispest leaves possible and dry them thoroughly after washing. Store them properly in the refrigerator until serving time. Also, resist the urge to add the sauce too early – it should go in during the final minutes to prevent the filling from becoming soggy.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store leftover chicken filling in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The filling actually tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Fresh lettuce leaves should be stored separately, wrapped in paper towels and placed in a sealed container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay crisp for 2-3 days this way. The filling doesn’t freeze well due to the water chestnuts, but you can prepare and freeze the seasoned chicken base without the vegetables for up to 1 month.

Conclusion

This P.F. Chang’s Copycat Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe proves that restaurant favorites can be recreated at home with simple techniques and fresh ingredients. The combination of savory chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and crisp lettuce creates a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious. The interactive nature of lettuce wraps makes them perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and quick preparation time. Once you master the basic technique, you can easily customize the flavors to suit your preferences or dietary needs. So grab your ingredients, heat up that skillet, and get ready to enjoy restaurant-quality lettuce wraps that might just become your new favorite homemade dish.

FAQs

Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet before serving, and add a splash of water if the mixture seems dry.

What’s the best lettuce to use for wraps?
Butter lettuce (Boston or Bibb lettuce) works best due to its tender leaves and natural cup shape. Iceberg lettuce is also good for extra crunch, while romaine hearts provide a sturdy option for heartier fillings.

Can I substitute the water chestnuts?
If you can’t find water chestnuts, try diced jicama, celery, or even chopped almonds for crunch. Each will provide a slightly different texture and flavor, but all work well in this recipe.

How do I prevent the lettuce from wilting?
Keep lettuce cups chilled until serving time, and make sure they’re completely dry after washing. Serve the warm filling immediately and encourage guests to assemble their wraps quickly.

Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe as written is mild with just a hint of heat from optional red pepper flakes. You can increase spiciness by adding more red pepper flakes, sriracha, or fresh minced jalapeños to taste.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily. Use a large skillet or cook in batches to ensure even cooking. The filling stays warm in a slow cooker on low heat for serving at parties.

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