PF Chang’s Copycat Chicken Lettuce Wraps-Easy Recipe

Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat) are more than just a meal; they’re an experience! Remember that satisfying crunch as you scoop the savory filling into crisp lettuce cups? That delightful combination of tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and refreshing greens is what makes these PF Chang’s copycat chicken lettuce wraps so incredibly addictive. We all love them for their light yet incredibly satisfying nature, perfect for a healthy lunch or a fun appetizer. What truly sets these chicken lettuce wraps apart is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes in the filling, all wrapped up in a cool, crisp vessel. It’s a flavor explosion that feels both indulgent and guilt-free. I’ve spent time perfecting this recipe to capture that authentic restaurant taste right in your own kitchen, and trust me, it’s surprisingly easy to achieve. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these sensational PF Chang’s copycat chicken lettuce wraps!

this Recipe

Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat)

Get ready to recreate a restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen! These Chicken Lettuce Wraps are inspired by the iconic PF Chang’s version, delivering that perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and wonderfully textured filling nestled in crisp lettuce cups. They’re perfect for a light and healthy weeknight meal, a fun appetizer for guests, or even a playful dinner where everyone builds their own perfect wrap. The key to capturing that authentic taste lies in a few simple yet crucial steps, from rehydrating the mushrooms to achieving the perfect texture in the chicken. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Mushrooms and Chicken

The foundation of these delicious wraps starts with properly preparing your key ingredients. The dried shiitake mushrooms are essential for that deep, umami flavor that truly defines this dish. Don’t skip this step!

1. Start by rehydrating your dried shiitake mushrooms. Place the dried mushrooms in a heatproof bowl. Pour enough hot water over them to completely submerge the mushrooms. You’ll want to let them soak for at least 20 to 30 minutes, or until they are fully softened and pliable. Once rehydrated, drain the mushrooms, reserving a tablespoon of the mushroom soaking liquid for later, and then finely chop them. Discard any tough stems.
2. While the mushrooms are rehydrating, prepare your chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure they brown nicely. Chop the chicken thighs into very small, bite-sized pieces. This is crucial for achieving the characteristic texture of the filling. Season the chopped chicken generously with 1 & 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt and a good pinch of black pepper. Toss to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

Cooking the Filling

This is where the magic happens! We’ll be stir-frying everything together to create that irresistible savory mixture.

1. 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 to the hot skillet in a single layer, if possible, to ensure it browns properly. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Add the remaining 1 & 1/2 tablespoons of canola oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic, minced gin extractger, and the chopped rehydrated shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Then, add the chopped water chestnuts and about half of the chopped green onions (save the rest for garnish) to the skillet. Stir-fry for another minute.
3. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and the reserved tablespoon of mushroom soaking liquid. Stir everything together well to combine and allow the flavors to meld. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and coat all the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Preparing the Crispy Rice Sticks

The crispy rice sticks add a delightful textural contrast to the soft filling.

1. While the filling is cooking, prepare your crispy rice sticks. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 (6.75-oz) package of maifun rice sticks with 1/4 cup of cold water. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to soften slightly.
2. In a separate, deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of frying oil (canola oil or vegetable oil) over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. You can test the oil by dropping a single rice stick in; it should sizzle immediately and puff up. Carefully add the softened rice sticks to the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 30-60 seconds, or until they puff up and become crispy. They cook very quickly!
3. Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the crispy rice sticks from the hot oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Drizzle them with the remaining 1 & 1/2 teaspoons of sesame oil.

Assembly and Serving

Now for the fun part – assembling your perfect lettuce wraps!

1. Wash and dry your lettuce leaves. Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce cups work wonderfully for this. Arrange the crispy rice sticks on a serving platter.
2. Spoon the warm chicken and vegetable filling into the lettuce cups.
3. Garnish with the reserved chopped green onions.
4. Serve immediately, encouragin extractg everyone to build their own delicious wraps. Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures!

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to recreate those amazing PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps right in your own kitchen! This recipe is fantastic because it delivers that signature savory, slightly sweet, and wonderfully textured filling that we all love, without needing to leave the house. The combination of tender ground chicken, crisp water chestnuts, and that incredible sauce is truly satisfying and surprisingly simple to achieve. It’s a healthier and more budget-friendly alternative that tastes just as good, if not better! We’ve explored how versatile these wraps are, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer for guests, or even a healthy lunch option. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your serving suggestions – pile on the fresh cilantro, a drizzle of sriracha for a kick, or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness. Plus, think about the variations! You could easily swap the chicken for ground turkey or even finely chopped tofu for a vegetarian version.

So, go ahead and give these PF Chang’s copycat Chicken Lettuce Wraps a try. I’m confident you’ll be delighted with the results and might just find yourself making them a regular part of your meal rotation. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The filling can be prepared a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may need to gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. It’s a great way to save time if you’re planning to serve these as an appetizer for a party.

What kind of lettuce is best for the wraps?

Iceberg lettuce is the classic choice for its sturdy, cup-like leaves that hold the filling well and provide a refreshing crunch. Other options include butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, though they might be slightly less firm. Just ensure your chosen lettuce leaves are washed and dried thoroughly.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Yes, you definitely can! While the classic recipe focuses on the simplicity of the chicken and water chestnuts, feel free to add finely chopped ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some shredded carrots for extra color and nutrients. Just make sure to cook them down with the chicken.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat)

A delicious copycat recipe for PF Chang’s famous chicken lettuce wraps, featuring tender chicken, crisp water chestnuts, and savory shiitake mushrooms, all served in crisp lettuce cups.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
35 Minutes

Servings
4 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
   Place dried shiitake mushrooms in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let rehydrate for 20-30 minutes. Drain, remove stems, and finely chop the mushroom caps.
2. Step 2
   Season the chopped chicken thighs with kosher salt and black pepper. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of canola oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil.
3. Step 3
   Heat 2 inches of frying oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the maifun rice sticks and fry for about 15-30 seconds, until puffed and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
4. Step 4
   In the same wok or skillet, add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of canola oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the wok and set aside.
5. Step 5
   Add the chopped shiitake mushrooms, chopped water chestnuts, minced garlic, minced ginger, and half of the chopped green onions to the wok. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Step 6
   Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Add the soy sauce and 1/4 cup cold water. Stir to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Step 7
   Serve the chicken mixture immediately in crisp lettuce cups, topped with the remaining chopped green onions and crispy maifun rice sticks.

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.