If you have ever wondered how to bring that iconic restaurant flavor right into your own kitchen, look no further than the PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. This dish combines tender ground chicken bursting with savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors, perfectly balanced by the refreshing crunch of fresh lettuce leaves. The contrast of textures—soft chicken filling, crisp lettuce, and crispy vermicelli noodles—makes every bite absolutely irresistible. Preparing this recipe at home couldn’t be simpler, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that elevates weeknight dinners or impresses guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, each playing a vital role in creating the authentic, mouthwatering taste and texture that make this dish so special. They come together seamlessly to balance bold flavors with fresh crunch and a hint of spice.
- Avocado oil: A neutral oil perfect for sautéing the aromatics without overpowering other flavors.
- White onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and forms the flavor base of the filling.
- Garlic cloves: Impart a fragrant, pungent aroma that wakes up your palate.
- Fresh ginger: Offers a warm and zesty bite that brightens the dish.
- Ground chicken: The star protein, tender and adaptable, absorbing all the delicious seasonings.
- Hoisin sauce: Brings a sweet, salty complexity essential to the wrap’s signature flavor.
- Soy sauce or Tamari: Adds umami depth and a salty kick.
- Rice vinegar: Gives a subtle tang to balance the richness.
- Chili garlic sauce (optional): Adds gentle heat and garlic punch, adjustable to taste.
- Toasted sesame oil: Delivers a nutty aroma that rounds out every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance and sharpen flavors.
- Shredded carrots: Provide color, a slight sweetness, and fresh crunch within the filling.
- Water chestnuts: A delightful surprise for texture, offering crispness in every mouthful.
- Peanut oil or high smoke point oil: Used to fry the vermicelli noodles to crispy perfection.
- Vermicelli rice noodles: Transformed into light, crispy toppers for added texture contrast.
- Bibb or butter lettuce leaves: Perfectly pliable yet sturdy, ideal for wrapping the filling comfortably.
- Green onions: Bright, fresh garnish that enhances the presentation and flavor.
How to Make PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Aromatics
Start by heating the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced white onion and cook until it turns translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step unlocks the onion’s natural sweetness and softens it for the filling. Next, stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger, letting their fragrant, bright notes infuse the oil for an additional minute before moving on.
Step 2: Add the Ground Chicken
Push the onion mixture aside and add your ground chicken directly to the hottest part of the skillet. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no pink remains—this usually takes around 7 to 8 minutes. Browning the meat just right is key because it builds a savory foundation that carries the sauce beautifully.
Step 3: Mix and Finish the Meat Filling
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce or Tamari, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce (if using), toasted sesame oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Pour this flavorful mixture over the cooked chicken and stir in shredded carrots and diced water chestnuts. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken the sauce and marry all the flavors perfectly.
Step 4: Make the Crispy Vermicelli Noodles
For the irresistible crunch topping, line a plate with paper towels to soak up excess oil from frying. Heat a generous inch of peanut oil in a small pot over high heat for about 3 to 4 minutes. Test if it’s ready by dropping in one vermicelli noodle—if it puffs almost instantly, you’re good to go. Fry the noodles in small batches for no more than 10 seconds until puffy and golden, flipping halfway through. Drain on paper towels and repeat until all noodles are crisp.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the warm chicken mixture into sturdy Bibb or butter lettuce leaves. Top with a handful of crispy rice noodles and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Offer extra chili garlic sauce on the side for those who love an extra spicy kick. Every bite will be a delightful combination of flavors and crunch that keeps you coming back for more.
How to Serve PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the classic green onion slices and crispy rice noodles, consider adding chopped cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These little touches amplify freshness and add visual appeal, making the wraps even more inviting on your dinner table.
Side Dishes
Complement the wraps with light, vibrant sides such as a crunchy cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or even a simple bowl of miso soup. These options keep the meal balanced, refreshing, and true to the clean, Asian-inspired theme.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken filling in individual small bowls placed alongside a platter of lettuce leaves and garnishes. This “build-your-own” style encourages interactive dining and is perfect for entertaining. Alternatively, use large lettuce cups as edible boats for a neat, bite-sized appetizer presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to prevent them from wilting and crisp them again by rinsing under cold water if needed before serving.
Freezing
This chicken filling freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop. Avoid freezing the lettuce and noodles as they lose their texture once thawed.
Reheating
Warm the chicken mixture in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. To retain moisture, you can add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth. Reheat the crispy noodles separately in a dry pan or quickly in the oven to maintain their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef work well as alternatives, each bringing their own flavor twist. Just keep an eye on cooking times and adjust seasonings if needed to maintain the balance of flavors in the PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe.
Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
Yes! You can swap the ground chicken for finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version. Be sure to adjust the seasoning and add a splash of soy sauce for that signature savory taste.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level is quite mild by default, especially since the chili garlic sauce is optional. You can easily control the spiciness by adding more or less chili sauce, or serving additional sauce on the side for guests to customize.
What type of lettuce is best for the wraps?
Bibb or butter lettuce are ideal thanks to their tender yet sturdy leaves that hold the filling without falling apart. Romaine works as a firmer alternative but avoid iceberg lettuce, which tends to be too crunchy and less flexible.
Why do we fry vermicelli noodles for this dish?
Frying vermicelli noodles creates a wonderfully light and crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and fresh lettuce. They add an unexpected, delightful crunch in each wrap, taking the dish from good to truly memorable.
Final Thoughts
The PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly at home, proving you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or fun when cooking. From the aromatic filling to the crisp lettuce and crunchy noodles, this recipe is a joy to make and devour. I encourage you to try it tonight—you’ll be so happy you did!
Print
PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make PF Chang’s style Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe featuring ground chicken cooked with aromatics, a savory hoisin-based sauce, crunchy water chestnuts, and served with crispy vermicelli rice noodles in fresh Bibb lettuce leaves. Perfect for a light yet satisfying appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Main Filling
- 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 Noodles
- ½ cup peanut oil (or another high smoke point oil)
- 2 ounces vermicelli rice noodles
To Serve
- 16 Bibb or butter lettuce leaves
- 3 green onions (green parts only), thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cook the 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 ginger, cooking for an additional 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Add the ground chicken: Push the onion to one side of the skillet and add the ground chicken. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes, ensuring it’s fully cooked through.
- Finish meat filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce or Tamari, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce if using, toasted sesame oil, salt, and black pepper. Pour this sauce mixture over the cooked chicken. Stir in shredded carrots and diced water chestnuts. Continue cooking over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the filling well.
- Make crispy noodles: Line a plate with paper towels for draining. Pour at least 1 inch of peanut oil into a small pot and heat over high heat for about 3-4 minutes. Test the oil’s readiness by dropping a single vermicelli noodle in; if it puffs up immediately, the oil is hot enough. Working in small batches (1-2 tablespoons of noodles), fry the vermicelli for no more than 10 seconds until puffed and crispy, flipping once. Remove and drain on the paper towels. Repeat until all noodles are fried.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the chicken mixture into each Bibb or butter lettuce leaf. Top with crispy rice noodles and a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onion. Serve immediately with additional chili garlic sauce if desired for an added kick.
Notes
- Use ground chicken for lean protein and authentic taste.
- Adjust chili garlic sauce amount to control spiciness.
- Substitute soy sauce with Tamari for gluten-free option.
- Peanut oil is recommended for frying due to its high smoke point.
- Serve immediately after assembly to keep lettuce leaves crisp.
