PF Chang’s Copycat Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Easy Recipe

Chicken lettuce wraps (PF Chang’s copycat) are a weeknight dinner revelation, and for good reason! These vibrant, flavorful parcels have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many, myself included. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the crisp crunch of the lettuce cup giving way to the savory, umami-rich chicken filling. It’s a dish that feels both incredibly wholesome and deliciously indulgent all at once. What truly sets these chicken lettuce wraps apart is the perfect harmony of textures and tastes: tender, marinated chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and a sweet, salty, and slightly spicy sauce that coats everything beautifully. You get that delightful restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen, making these chicken lettuce wraps a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a go-to for a healthy, yet incredibly satisfying meal.

PF Chang’s Copycat Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Craving those delicious, savory chicken lettuce wraps from PF Chang’s but want to recreate the magic in your own kitchen? You’re in the right place! This recipe is designed to bring that authentic restaurant flavor right to your table. We’re focusing on tender, flavorful chicken, a medley of textures, and that signature umami-rich sauce, all served in crisp lettuce cups. It’s a fantastic appetizer or a light and healthy main course that’s always a crowd-pleaser. The key to these copycat wraps is in the careful preparation of each component, ensuring every bite is a burst of flavor and satisfaction. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions

Prep Work is Key

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s get our ingredients prepped. This will make the actual cooking process smooth and efficient. First, take your dried shiitake mushrooms and place them in a heatproof bowl. Pour enough hot water over them to fully submerge. Let them soak for at least 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender and plump. Once rehydrated, drain the mushrooms, squeeze out any excess water, and finely chop them. Don’t discard the mushroom soaking liquid just yet; we’ll use some of it later for extra flavor! For the chicken, ensure it’s chopped into very small, bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook quickly and evenly, and makes it easier to scoop into the lettuce cups. Season the chicken generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mince your garlic and gin extractger, chop your green onions, and chop your canned water chestnuts. Having everything ready to go in bowls is often referred to as “mise en place,” and it’s a game-changer for stir-fry type dishes like this.

Crispy Rice Sticks

Now, let’s tackle those delightful crispy rice sticks that add such a fun crunch to the wraps. In a medium bowl, combine the maifun rice sticks with the 1/4 cup of cold water. Let them soak for about 5-7 minutes, just until they begin extract to soften. Don’t over-soak them, or they’ll become mushy. While they’re soaking, heat about 2 inches of frying oil (canola or vegetable oil works perfectly) in a wok or a deep pot over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a single piece of rice stick in; it should sizzle and puff up immediately. Carefully add the soaked rice sticks to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. They will puff up and become crispy very quickly, usually within 30-60 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. They should be light, airy, and wonderfully crisp.

Cooking the Savory Chicken Filling

This is where all the magic happens! Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil and 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook, stirring frequently, until they are browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Next, add another tablespoon of canola oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and gin extractger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Now, add the chopped rehydrated shiitake mushrooms and the chopped water chestnuts. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened and fragrant.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the soy sauce and about 2 tablespoons of the reserved mushroom soaking liquid (strain it to remove any sediment). Stir everything together to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Finally, stir in the remaining 1 & 1/2 tablespoons of canola oil and the remaining 2 teaspoons of sesame oil. Add half of the chopped green onions and stir for another minute until the sauce has thickened slightly and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Assembling Your Wraps

Now for the fun part: assembly! Have a bowl of your beautiful, crispy rice sticks ready. Arrange your cleaned lettuce cups (iceberg lettuce leaves are traditional and work perfectly for this) on a platter. Spoon generous portions of the savory chicken mixture into each lettuce cup. Top with a sprinkle of the crispy rice sticks for that essential crunch. Garnish with the remaining fresh green onions. The combination of the warm, savory filling, the crisp lettuce, and the crunchy rice sticks is truly irresistible.

Serving and Enjoying

Serve the chicken lettuce wraps immediately while they are warm and the rice sticks are at their crispiest. Encourage everyone to assemble their own wraps, customizing each bite to their liking. These are perfect for a casual get-together, a fun family dinner, or even as an impressive appetizer. The beauty of this dish is its versatility; you can easily adapt it by adding other vegetables like finely diced carrots or bell peppers to the stir-fry. Enjoy the taste of PF Chang’s right in your own home!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your very own PF Chang’s inspired Chicken Lettuce Wraps, ready to impress! This recipe truly captures the essence of the restaurant favorite, offering a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors with that satisfying crunch from the lettuce. It’s a fantastic weeknight meal that feels special enough for guests, and it’s surprisingly quick and easy to put together, making it a new go-to in my kitchen. I love how versatile these wraps are. You can serve them as a light lunch, a fun appetizer, or a complete dinner when paired with some steamed rice or a side salad. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the filling – feel free to swap out the chicken for ground turkey or even crum extractbled firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. Adding a pinch more chili garlic sauce can amp up the heat if you like it spicy! I sincerely hope you give these Chicken Lettuce Wraps a try; I’m confident you’ll love them as much as I do.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The chicken filling can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. This makes assembly even quicker on busy nights!

What kind of lettuce is best for the wraps?

Iceberg lettuce is traditional and provides that perfect crisp cup for holding the filling. However, butter lettuce or even large romaine leaves also work wonderfully and offer a slightly different texture and flavor.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

The primary adjustment for a gluten-free version is to ensure your soy sauce is a gluten-free variety (like tamari). The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free, making it a simple substitution!

Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat)

A delicious and easy copycat recipe for PF Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps, packed with flavor and fresh ingredients.

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
   Rehydrate the dried shiitake mushrooms by soaking them in hot water for about 20 minutes, or until softened. Drain, remove stems, and chop the mushroom caps finely.
2. Step 2
   In a medium bowl, toss the chopped chicken thighs with kosher salt and black pepper. Set aside.
3. Step 3
   Prepare the rice sticks according to package directions. Typically, this involves soaking them in hot water for a few minutes until softened, then draining.
4. Step 4
   Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
5. Step 5
   Add the remaining 1 & 1/2 tablespoons of canola oil and the frying oil to the same skillet. Add the chopped mushrooms, water chestnuts, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
6. Step 6
   Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the soy sauce and half of the chopped green onions. Stir to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
7. Step 7
   In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup cold water and the remaining 1 & 1/2 teaspoons of sesame oil. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked rice sticks and toss to coat.
8. Step 8
   Serve the chicken mixture with large lettuce leaves (such as iceberg or butter lettuce) and top with the remaining chopped green onions.

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.