Copycat PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a dish that truly captures the essence of fresh, flavorful, and fun dining, and our PF Chang’s copycat version is here to bring that vibrant experience right into your kitchen. Have you ever craved that satisfying crunch of crisp lettuce enveloping a savory, perfectly seasoned filling? That’s the magic of these iconic Chicken Lettuce Wraps, a dish beloved for its light yet incredibly satisfying nature, making it a perfect appetizer or a healthy main course. What sets these apart, beyond their undeniable deliciousness, is the delightful build-your-own aspect. We’ll guide you through creating that signature sweet and savory filling, bursting with ingredients like tender chicken, water chestnuts for texture, and a sauce that hits all the right notes. Get ready to impress yourself and your guests with these remarkably authentic Chicken Lettuce Wraps!

Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about PF Chang’s famous chicken lettuce wraps. The combination of savory, tender chicken, crisp lettuce cups, and a vibrant sauce is a flavor explosion that never gets old. Recreating this restaurant favorite at home might seem daunting, but it’s surprisingly achievable and so rewarding. This recipe aims to get you as close as possible to that iconic taste and texture, using readily available ingredients. We’ll break down each step to ensure your homemade version is a smashing success, perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing guests.

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mushrooms and Chicken:

The first crucial step is to rehydrate your dried shiitake mushrooms. Place the dried mushrooms in a heatproof bowl and pour enough hot water over them to completely submerge. Let them soak for at least 20-30 minutes, or until they are plump and pliable. Once rehydrated, drain them thoroughly, squeeze out any excess water, and finely chop them. Discard the tough stems if they are still attached. While the mushrooms are rehydrating, prepare your chicken. Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs is key for tenderness and flavor. Chop them into very small, bite-sized pieces. We want these pieces to be small enough to cook quickly and evenly within the filling. Season the chopped chicken generously with kosher salt and black pepper. This initial seasoning will deeply flavor the chicken as it cooks.

2. Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables:

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and gin extractger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Next, add the chopped rehydrated shiitake mushrooms and the chopped water chestnuts to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to release some of their earthy flavor and the water chestnuts to warm through. Now, add about half of your chopped green onions (save the rest for garnish). Stir everything together for another minute.

3. Cook the Chicken Filling:

Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1 & 1/2 tablespoons of canola oil to the empty side of the pan. Add your seasoned chopped chicken to the hot oil. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a minute or two to get a nice sear, then break it up with your spatula and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and no longer pink. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. Once the chicken is cooked, combine it with the vegetable mixture in the skillet.

4. Create the Savory Sauce:

Now it’s time to bring all those delicious flavors together with a simple yet impactful sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, the remaining 1 & 1/2 teaspoons of sesame oil, and the 1/4 cup of cold water. Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetable filling in the skillet. Stir everything well to coat evenly. Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – you might want a pinch more salt or pepper.

5. Prepare the Crispy Rice Noodles:

This step adds that signature crunch and visual appeal. You’ll need a deep skillet or a small pot for frying. Add about 2 inches of frying oil (canola or vegetable oil will work perfectly) to your pan and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches about 375°F (190°C). You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a single strand of the maifun rice sticks in; it should puff up almost immediately. Carefully add a small handful of the dry maifun rice sticks to the hot oil. They will puff up and expand very quickly, usually within seconds. Fry them for just a few seconds until they are white and crispy, then immediately remove them with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, or the noodles will become greasy instead of crispy. Repeat this process until all your rice sticks are fried.

6. Assemble and Serve:

To assemble your PF Chang’s copycat chicken lettuce wraps, wash and separate your large lettuce leaves. Iceberg lettuce is traditional and provides a great crisp cup, but butter lettuce or romaine hearts also work well. Spoon a generous portion of the savory chicken and vegetable filling into each lettuce cup. Garnish with the reserved chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish and a sprinkle of your crispy fried maifun noodles for that delightful textural contrast. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!

Conclusion:

There you have it – your guide to recreating that irresistible PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wrap experience right in your own kitchen! This recipe truly shines because it delivers that signature sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor profile that we all know and love, all while being surprisingly accessible for home cooks. The delightful combination of tender chicken, crisp water chestnuts, and aromatic vegetables, all enveloped in fresh lettuce cups, makes for a satisfying and healthy meal. I encourage you to give these Chicken Lettuce Wraps a try; they are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer for guests, or even a lighter lunch option.

Serving these wraps is versatile. They are fantastic on their own, but consider pairing them with a side of steamed rice or a light cucumber salad for a more complete meal. For variations, feel free to experiment with different ground meats like turkey or beef, or even opt for a vegetarian version using crum extractbled tofu or finely chopped mushrooms. Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less Sriracha. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make them your own!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The chicken filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

What kind of lettuce is best for lettuce wraps?

Iceberg lettuce is the classic choice due to its sturdy, cup-like leaves that hold the filling well. Butter lettuce or even large romaine leaves can also work, offering a slightly different texture and flavor.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To increase the heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings, increase the amount of Sriracha sauce, or even add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the finished filling.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat)

A copycat recipe for the popular PF Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps, featuring savory ground chicken and a flavorful sauce served in crisp lettuce cups.

Prep Time
25 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
40 Minutes

Servings
4-6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 & 1/2 tablespoons canola oil (divided)
• 2 & 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil (divided)
• 1 pound chicken thighs (chopped into very small pieces)
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (for seasoning chicken)
• black pepper (to season chicken)
• 2 ounces DRIED shiitake mushrooms*
• hot water (for rehydrating mushrooms)
• 1 (8-oz) can water chestnuts (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon garlic (smashed and minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
• 4 green onions (chopped and divided)
• 2 inches frying oil (canola oil, vegetable, etc)
• 1 (6.75-oz) package maifun rice sticks
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Rehydrate dried shiitake mushrooms by soaking them in hot water for about 20-30 minutes until softened. Drain and finely chop.
2. Step 2
   Season the chopped chicken thighs with kosher salt and black pepper. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3
   Add the remaining 1 & 1/2 tablespoons canola oil and 1 & 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4
   Add the chopped rehydrated mushrooms, chopped water chestnuts, and half of the chopped green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
5. Step 5
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the soy sauce and stir to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the ingredients.
6. Step 6
   Prepare the maifun rice sticks according to package directions. Typically, this involves soaking them in hot water for a few minutes until softened, then draining. If using frying oil, you can deep-fry the prepared rice sticks for a crispy texture until golden brown, then drain on paper towels. Alternatively, serve the softened rice sticks as is.
7. Step 7
   Serve the chicken mixture in lettuce cups (such as iceberg or butter lettuce). Garnish with the remaining chopped green onions and serve with the prepared rice sticks on the side.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.