Chicken Lettuce Wraps (P.F. Chang's Copycat Recipe) - Kirbie's Cravings (2024)

Jump to Recipe

This is a homemade copycat recipe for P.F. Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps. This recipe only takes about 20 minutes to make and is just as good as the restaurant version.Chicken Lettuce Wraps (P.F. Chang's Copycat Recipe) - Kirbie's Cravings (1)

A few weeks ago, I made lettuce wraps using Lee Kum Kee’s lettuce wrap sauce, which is similar to the lettuce wraps I grew up eating. This then sparked a debate in my house as to which version of lettuce wraps tastes better, the very popular P.F. Chang’s or the more traditional Chinese ones?

So we did a taste test and I have to admit, I think PF Chang’s wins this one. The Chinese lettuce wraps I grew up eating has a sweeter, heavily hoisin-based sauce. It’s also a little more colorful, with the addition of carrots and peas. PF Chang’s version has a more savory sauce, layered with garlic, ginger, vinegar and more. These are flavors I don’t think I would have appreciated as a kid but are ones I really love now.

While I know this isn’t the exact PF Chang’s formula, it is pretty darn similar. I did a few different test runs and compared them against leftover PF Chang’s lettuce wrap sauce. This version I’m sharing is our favorite. It’s mostly the same except for a few small changes. What I like best is that my chicken lettuce wraps are less oily than the restaurant version.

There are two parts – the chicken filling and the sauce. Altogether, this recipe only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps (P.F. Chang's Copycat Recipe) - Kirbie's Cravings (2)

How to Make the Sauce

The first thing I do is make the sauce. That way it’s ready to go once you’ve prepped and cooked the other ingredients for the filling.

All you do is combine the following ingredients in a bowl:

  • Hoisin sauce
  • Low sodium soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Freshly grated ginger
  • Minced garlic cloves
  • Diced shallots

How to Make the Chicken Filling

Once you’ve made the sauce, prep the ingredients for the filling. Here’s what you will need:

  • Sesame oil
  • Ground chicken
  • Diced water chestnuts
  • Diced sh*take mushrooms

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook it, using a spatula to break it up. Once it’s browned, add the water chestnuts and mushrooms.

Adjust the heat to medium and pour the sauce into the skillet. Stir to combine and then cover the skillet with a lid. Cook all of it together for a few minutes.

Remove the lid and give the filling a taste. If needed, add more of the seasonings to adjust to your liking. For example, if you want it a little sweeter add a little more sugar or to increase the saltiness add some more soy sauce.

How to Serve

PF Chang’s serves their lettuce wraps with iceberg lettuce, which I’m not a big fan of so I prefer to use large romaine lettuce leaves instead.

I also like to add sliced scallions as a garnish to add a little color and flavor.

These lettuce wraps are really easy to make at home and I’ll definitely be making them again next time the craving hits.

Chicken Lettuce Wraps (P.F. Chang's Copycat Recipe) - Kirbie's Cravings (3)

More Recipes to Try

  • Instant Pot Pepper Steak
  • Crispy Sesame Tofu
  • Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

Recipe now updated with video! You can also view all my recipe videos on myyoutube channel


Chicken Lettuce Wraps (P.F. Chang's Copycat Recipe) - Kirbie's Cravings (4)

PF Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Chinese

A homemade copycat version of PF Chang's chicken lettuce wraps.

4.80 from 15 votes

PrintPinRate

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and diced
  • 3 oz shiitake mushrooms diced
  • 3 scallions thinly sliced
  • 1 head of romaine lettuce leaves washed and broken or sliced in half horizontally (see note)

For the Sauce

  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp regular soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tsp lightly packed fresh grated ginger
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 shallot diced

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, add all sauce ingredients and whisk together.

  • In a large skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil and bring to medium-high heat. Add in ground chicken and cook and stir until crumbled and browned. Add in water chestnuts and mushrooms.

  • Reduce heat to medium. Pour in sauce and stir into ingredients until ingredients are evenly coated in sauce. Cover skillet with a lid to cook a few minutes and allow ingredients to absorb the sauce. Remove lid, taste and make any adjustments as needed. If you prefer a little sweeter, you can add a little bit of sugar. If you prefer saltier, you can add a little more soy sauce. When finished, remove from heat.

  • Lay out lettuce leaves onto a plate. Spoon on filling. Garnish with scallions. Serve while filling is still warm.

Video

Notes

You want to slice the lettuce leaves so they are not too long. Also, some of the inner leaves may not work well for the wraps, so save those for salads. You can also substitute iceberg lettuce or butter lettuce.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25of recipe, Calories: 298kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 748mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 7g, NET CARBS: 13

The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.

Did you make this recipe?I'd love to see it! Mention @KirbieCravings and tag #kirbiecravings!

Chicken Lettuce Wraps (P.F. Chang's Copycat Recipe) - Kirbie's Cravings (2024)

FAQs

What are PF Chang's lettuce wraps made of? ›

Have you tried the lettuce wrap appetizer at P.F. Chang's? It is famous for a reason! Juicy chicken, shiitake mushrooms, and water chestnuts combined in a killer Chinese sauce, nestled in a lettuce leaf and garnished with fried rice noodles.

Why are PF Chang's lettuce wraps so high in carbs? ›

Excess amounts of sugar are why lettuce wraps are high in carbs at restaurants. So, to ensure this recipe was healthier than other lettuce wraps recipes (including P.F. Chang's), I skipped the added sugar altogether.

What is the best lettuce for lettuce wraps? ›

You can use any type of green leafy lettuce for lettuce wraps, but popular types of lettuce include Boston bib lettuce and romaine hearts. Cabbage leaves or jicima wraps would also work great.

What oil does PF Chang's use? ›

As a bastion of Asian fusion cuisine, PF Chang's offers a tantalizing array of dishes that dance on the palate. However, for those who prioritize health alongside flavor, the widespread use of soybean oil serves as a caveat.

What is chicken lettuce wraps made of? ›

Tips For Making Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Use ground chicken, or mince chicken breasts or thighs for the filling. Round out the filling with some diced mushrooms, water chestnuts, garlic, and ginger. Use Bibb or butter lettuce with small heads and fresh outer leaves.

Are lettuce wraps from PF Chang's healthy? ›

You would probably be surprised at how the calories, carbs and sodium are in the traditional lettuce wraps from P.F. Chang's. There is lots of excess sugar and fat in the restaurant version that you can skip by making these easy lettuce wraps at home!

Are lettuce wraps healthier than bread? ›

Big-leafed greens like lettuce or romaine lettuce are great substitutions for bread or wraps. You can fill these greens with toppings like meat or veggies. The leaf can also be used as a wrap, to hold everything together. Lettuce wraps are extremely fresh and way lower in calories than bread-based wraps.

How do you crisp lettuce for lettuce wraps? ›

Fill a large bowl with very hot tap water (around 120°F) and plunge your wilted greens. Let them soak for 10–30 minutes, then drain. Wrap the leaves in a damp towel and chill before using (or if you need them immediately, cool them down in ice water). They'll be perkier than a Pomeranian with a plushie.

How do you keep lettuce wraps from getting soggy? ›

Airtight food storage containers are the ideal option, as they prevent air and moisture from seeping in and causing the wrap to become soggy or stale. Reusable food containers are also a great choice, as they are eco-friendly and can be used again and again to store wraps and other types of food.

Can you use iceberg for lettuce wraps? ›

Lettuce Wraps: FAQS

This recipe uses iceberg lettuce which makes the best lettuce wraps, but consider using romaine lettuce, green leaf, red leaf or butter lettuce.

Why do my wraps always fall apart? ›

Try to avoid too many wet ingredients, such as an excess of dressing or sauce. If possible, you want to use fewer wet ingredients because moisture can eventually make your wrap soggy and fall apart. If you're not eating it right away, wrap it in foil. Foil is strong enough to help the wrap hold its shape.

Are PF Chang's lettuce wraps healthy? ›

Although the lettuce wraps aren't the best healthy food choice since they're high in calories, carbohydrates, sodium and sugar (and the shrimp version even contains some trans fat), an added bonus is that P.F. Chang's has a Farm to Wok food philosophy.

Is eating lettuce wraps healthy? ›

Looking for a low-carb appetizer or a healthy, light meal? Try a lettuce wrap. Lettuce wraps are like a handheld salad and packed with protein. Whether you crave chicken lettuce wraps or a healthy Asian-inspired lettuce wrap recipe, there's a quick and delicious recipe ahead for you.

What is lettuce wrap sauce made of? ›

Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil and green onions. For a mild sauce add 1 teaspoon of chili garlic sauce. For a medium sauce add 1/2 teaspoon of hot mustard plus 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce. For a hot sauce and 1 teaspoon of hot mustard plus 3 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Annamae Dooley

Last Updated:

Views: 6008

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Annamae Dooley

Birthday: 2001-07-26

Address: 9687 Tambra Meadow, Bradleyhaven, TN 53219

Phone: +9316045904039

Job: Future Coordinator

Hobby: Archery, Couponing, Poi, Kite flying, Knitting, Rappelling, Baseball

Introduction: My name is Annamae Dooley, I am a witty, quaint, lovely, clever, rich, sparkling, powerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.