Name: Easy PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 cup canned water chestnuts, diced; 3 green onions, chopped; 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated and rinsed; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Craving the bold, savory flavor of PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps without leaving your kitchen? This quick and easy dinner idea is the perfect solution. Juicy ground chicken, paired with aromatic garlic, zesty ginger, and savory hoisin sauce, creates an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The addition of crunchy water chestnuts adds the perfect texture, while the cool, crisp butter lettuce serves as an excellent low-carb vessel for all the delicious filling. Whether you seek a healthy snack, food ideas for a gathering, or a light yet satisfying dinner recipe, this Asian-inspired classic delivers.

Imagine being able to whip up a dish that tastes so gourmet yet takes only 25 minutes from preparation to serving. These Chicken Lettuce Wraps are not only a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners, but they’re also crowd-pleasers that are sure to impress your guests. Every bite is packed with flavor and freshness, making them the ideal attribute to your dining table or buffet. Plus, the versatility of this recipe allows for various modifications to suit personal tastes, making it a great addition to your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
Healthy and Low-Carb: A light meal option that fits well in low-carb diets.
Flavor-Packed: Savory ground chicken with aromatic spices creates a mouthwatering filling.
Customizable: Easily modify ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preference.
Perfect for Gatherings: A great appetizer or light meal that’s sure to impress guests.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to prepare your kitchen and workspace to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. You will need a large skillet, a cutting board, and a sharp knife for dicing your vegetables and chicken. Make sure to have measuring spoons handy for accurate ingredient portions. Additionally, consider having a spatula to stir and break up the chicken while cooking.

It’s also wise to separate the leaves of butter lettuce and rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt. Dry them gently using a paper towel or salad spinner to ensure they remain crisp for the wraps. If you want extra crunch, chill the lettuce leaves in the fridge for a short while before using them. This extra step creates a refreshing contrast to the warm filling.

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 cup canned water chestnuts, diced
3 green onions, chopped
1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated and rinsed
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 2-3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. This step enhances the sweetness and flavor base of your dish. Following this, add the minced garlic and fresh ginger; cook for an additional 30 seconds until both ingredients release their fragrant aromas.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Next, carefully add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the chicken apart as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. Cook this for about 5-7 minutes until there’s no pink remaining. Proper cooking ensures that the chicken is flavorful and safe to eat. Remove any excess moisture if necessary, as retaining some moisture is important for the following flavors to meld together nicely.

Step 3: Incorporate the Sauces

When the chicken is cooked through, it’s time to bring flavor into the mix. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix everything well, and let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld together. The hoisin sauce adds sweetness, while the rice vinegar provides a tangy twist that balances the dish.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Elements

Once the filling is nicely combined, add your diced water chestnuts and half of the chopped green onions to the pan. The water chestnuts offer a delightful crunch that elevates the overall texture of the wraps. Cook the mixture for another 1-2 minutes until heated through, enhancing the flavor and retaining the crispness of the water chestnuts.

Step 5: Assemble Your Lettuce Wraps

With the filling ready, it’s time to assemble the wraps. Take an individual butter lettuce leaf and spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling into the center. The leaf acts as a cup, so don’t be shy! Finally, garnish with the remaining chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also enrich the dish with extra flavor.

Variations

Protein: Substitute ground turkey, beef, or tofu for a different twist.
Vegetables: Add shredded carrots, bell peppers, or chopped mushrooms for additional nutrients.
Spices: Integrate chili garlic sauce for heat or switch up the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Notes

For a balanced dish, make sure to chop the water chestnuts and onions finely to create an even filling texture.
If you’re preparing this recipe for meal prep, consider doubling the filling recipe to have leftovers easily ready for the week ahead.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of sesame dipping sauce for extra flavor and fun.
Pair these wraps with steamed jasmine rice or vegetable stir-fry as a complete meal.

Tips

For added flavor, marinate the ground chicken in soy sauce and sesame oil before cooking.
To make it even healthier, use lettuce cups made from romaine or Chinese cabbage instead of butter lettuce.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 290 per serving
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 600mg

FAQs

Can I make these wraps ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat before serving.

What kind of lettuce works best for these wraps?

Butter lettuce is recommended for its sturdy yet tender leaves, but you can also use romaine or green leaf lettuce if preferred.

Can I freeze the filling?

Absolutely! Let the filling cool down completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Reheat thoroughly when ready to use.

How can I personalize the flavor of the wraps?

Feel free to adjust the seasonings, try different proteins, or add extra vegetables based on your taste preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps offer a delectable, healthy, and quick meal option that everyone will love. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, these wraps showcase bold Asian flavors and textures that leave a lasting impression. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and customize them to suit your palate. Your family and friends will be asking for more, and we can assure you, they will be delighted to enjoy every last bit of this delicious dish. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and share your experience in the comments below!