If you have ever craved the perfect balance of savory, crunchy, and fresh all in one bite, then you are in for a treat with the PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. This dish takes humble ingredients like ground chicken and crisp lettuce leaves and transforms them into an addictive, flavorful appetizer or light meal that feels just as at home at a casual dinner party as it does a relaxing weekday supper. With its combination of tender chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and that irresistible hoisin-soy glaze, each wrap brings a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make the PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe so irresistible. From the aromatic ginger and garlic to the crisp water chestnuts and vibrant green onions, every element adds its own magic.
- Avocado oil: A mild oil perfect for sautéing with a high smoke point to cook the chicken evenly without burning.
- White onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth after being sautéed to translucent perfection.
- Garlic cloves: Provide a punch of savory warmth to brighten the dish.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a spicy, zesty note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Ground chicken: The lean protein base that soaks up all the wonderful sauces and spices.
- Hoisin sauce: The star of the glaze with its sweet, salty, and slightly tangy character.
- Soy sauce or Tamari: Brings umami richness and a salty kick to balance the sweetness.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that wakes up the palate.
- Chili garlic sauce (optional): For those who like a little heat and extra depth in their wraps.
- Toasted sesame oil: A fragrant finishing oil that adds nutty complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: Seasoning essentials to bring everything together.
- Shredded carrots: Introduce color, crunch, and natural sweetness.
- Whole water chestnuts: Diced for their signature satisfying crunch that contrasts the tender chicken.
- Peanut oil: Used for frying the vermicelli noodles until crispy and puffed.
- Vermicelli rice noodles: Fried to create delightful crispy nests that add texture and a fun twist.
- Bibb or butter lettuce leaves: The perfect sturdy yet tender wrap to hold all the delicious filling.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, oniony garnish that brightens every bite.
How to Make PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Adding the finely diced white onion first allows it to soften and become translucent, releasing its natural sweetness into the pan. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger next — these fragrant ingredients will infuse the oil with a warm, zesty aroma that will set the flavor foundation for the entire dish. Cooking them gently for about a minute prevents burning and keeps their flavors bright and fresh.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Chicken
Push the softened onions to one side of the skillet and add the ground chicken to the empty space. Breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks ensures even browning and prevents clumps, while also mixing the aromatic base with the meat’s savory juices. This process takes about 7 to 8 minutes, during which the ground chicken transforms from pink to a beautifully cooked, lightly caramelized base ready to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Step 3: Combine the Sauce and Veggies
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce (if using), toasted sesame oil, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Pour this flavorful mixture over the browned chicken and stir in the shredded carrots and diced water chestnuts for both sweetness and crunch. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow everything to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and coats every morsel of chicken and veggies.
Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Rice Noodles
This step adds a surprise crunch to the dish. Pour about an inch of peanut oil into a small pot and heat over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Test that the oil is ready by dropping a single vermicelli noodle in — it should puff up almost immediately like a tiny pillow. Working in small batches, fry the rice noodles until they are puffy and golden, flipping them quickly for even cooking. Drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil while keeping their satisfying crunch intact.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Now comes the fun part! Spoon the warm chicken mixture into crisp Bibb or butter lettuce leaves, nestling a few crispy rice noodles on top for texture contrast. Sprinkle generously with thinly sliced green onions and offer extra chili garlic sauce on the side for anyone craving a little extra heat. These wraps are meant to be eaten with your hands, making for a casual but impressive dish everyone can enjoy.
How to Serve PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
A beautiful lettuce wrap is all about the layering, and garnishes elevate the experience. Fresh green onions add a sharp, fresh pop, while extra chili garlic sauce lends an exciting kick for spice lovers. Feel free to sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or even chopped peanuts to add another dimension of texture and flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe pairs wonderfully with light sides that don’t overpower. Think a crisp cucumber salad with a hint of rice vinegar, or a refreshing Asian slaw with shredded cabbage and a zingy dressing. For a more filling meal, steamed jasmine rice or a simple egg drop soup can round out the menu while keeping the meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun gathering, serve the chicken mixture in a large bowl with separate trays of lettuce leaves, crispy noodles, and garnishes, allowing everyone to customize their wraps. Alternatively, tuck a few pre-assembled wraps onto a platter with colorful vegetable sticks or fresh herbs for a visually stunning appetizer that’s as enjoyable to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra chicken filling, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or to finish off as a late snack. Keep the lettuce leaves separately in a crisp, dry container to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
The chicken mixture freezes beautifully if you want to prepare in advance. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer, making it a convenient ready-to-go meal base. Just be sure to freeze the lettuce and crispy noodles separately, as they do not freeze well.
Reheating
Thaw frozen chicken filling overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Avoid overheating so the chicken stays tender and the sauce retains its luscious glaze. Re-fry the rice noodles quickly if they have softened, or toast fresh ones for extra crispness.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey for chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey will work well as a lean alternative and will absorb the sauce flavors just as wonderfully. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as turkey can dry out quicker than chicken.
Is there a vegetarian version of PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the ground chicken with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative. Just be sure to adjust cooking times and seasoning for the best texture and flavor.
What kind of lettuce works best for wraps?
Bibb or butter lettuce leaves are ideal because they are tender, slightly sweet, and have enough structure to hold the filling without tearing. Romaine hearts can also work if you prefer a bit more crunch.
How spicy is the chili garlic sauce in this recipe?
The chili garlic sauce adds a gentle warmth and a bit of tangy heat, but it’s optional and can be adjusted to your taste. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice, and add more at the table for a customizable kick.
Can I make the crispy rice noodles ahead of time?
Since the crispy noodles lose their texture quickly, it’s best to fry them just before serving. However, you can prepare the dry vermicelli noodles ahead of time to speed up the frying process when you’re ready.
Final Thoughts
The PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is a vibrant, flavorful dish that never fails to impress with its combination of tender meat, fresh crunch, and bold seasonings. Whether you’re introducing it to friends, serving it up for a casual dinner, or just craving something a little different, these wraps bring joy to the table every time. Give this recipe a try—you just might find your new favorite go-to meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
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 Fusion
Description
This PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe offers a delicious blend of savory ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful hoisin-ginger sauce wrapped in crisp Bibb lettuce leaves, topped with crunchy fried vermicelli rice noodles for added texture. Perfect for a light yet satisfying appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
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
Crispy Rice Noodles
- ½ cup peanut oil (or another high smoke point oil)
- 2 ounces vermicelli rice noodles
For Serving
- 16 Bibb or butter lettuce leaves
- 3 green onions (green parts only), thinly sliced
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: 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 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Chicken: Push the cooked onion mixture to one side of the skillet. Add the ground chicken to the empty side and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Vegetables: While the chicken cooks, in a medium bowl whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce (if using), toasted sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Pour this sauce over the cooked chicken. Add shredded carrots and diced water chestnuts. Stir to combine, cooking over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
- Prepare Crispy Rice Noodles: Line a plate with paper towels. Pour about 1 inch of peanut oil into a small pot and heat over high heat for 3-4 minutes. Test the oil’s readiness by dropping a single vermicelli noodle in; it should puff up instantly. Carefully add vermicelli noodles 1-2 tablespoons at a time, frying each batch until puffy on one side (about 10 seconds), then flip and fry the other side. Remove and drain on the paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all noodles are fried.
- Assemble and Serve: Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture into each Bibb lettuce leaf. Top with crispy rice noodles and a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions. Serve with additional chili garlic sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or serve extra on the side.
- Use butter or Bibb lettuce for sturdy yet tender leaves to hold the filling without tearing.
- Vermicelli noodles puff quickly, so work in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Substitute ground turkey or tofu to make this recipe with different proteins.
- Adjust soy sauce amounts if using low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
