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If you’ve ever craved a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, textures that make your taste buds dance, and a fun way to enjoy a light meal or appetizer, then you’re in for a treat with the P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. This beloved recipe captures the perfect balance of savory ground chicken mingling with fragrant garlic and ginger, all wrapped in crisp romaine leaves for a fresh crunch. It’s quick to whip up, wonderfully satisfying, and sure to become a go-to in your kitchen whenever you want something that feels both restaurant-quality and homestyle cozy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe plays a crucial role, combining simple pantry staples with fresh herbs to create depth of flavor and the perfect balance of spices and aromas. Together, they build layers of savory, sweet, and tangy notes that make every bite irresistible.
- 1 lb ground chicken: Tender and mild, it serves as the delicious protein base for the wraps.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté aromatics and add a subtle richness to the dish.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a natural sweetness and a bit of texture contrast.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the filling an aromatic punch you can’t resist.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger: Brings a fresh, zesty warmth helping to elevate the entire flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Infuses savory umami and saltiness to the chicken mixture.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A tangy note that brightens and balances the richness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon chili paste: Introduces a gentle heat and complexity that wakes up your palate.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A fragrant finishing touch that adds a subtle nutty aroma.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Fresh and crisp, they provide a punch of color and mild onion flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Herbaceous and bright, adding fresh, lively notes to each bite.
- Romaine lettuce leaves: Crisp, sturdy, and cool, perfect for wrapping up all that flavorful goodness.
How to Make P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds a savory foundation for the filling.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until their aromas fill the kitchen. This enhances the dish’s signature flavor complexity that you love in the P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Chicken
Next, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with your spatula as it cooks, letting it brown evenly. This ensures each morsel soaks up that amazing flavor later.
Step 4: Mix in Sauces and Seasonings
Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat the meat evenly, then cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This mix layers in savory, tangy, and spicy notes that define this recipe’s irresistible flavor profile.
Step 5: Stir in Fresh Herbs
Remove the skillet from heat, then fold in the chopped green onions and cilantro. These fresh ingredients add vibrant color, crunch, and brightness, perfectly balancing the rich chicken filling.
Step 6: Assemble Your Wraps
Carefully spoon the warm chicken mixture into clean, crisp romaine leaves. Wrap them up gently but securely, then serve immediately to enjoy the wonderful contrast of warm filling and crunchy lettuce.
How to Serve P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
To bring your P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe to the next level, consider sprinkling with extra chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a squeeze of fresh lime. These little touches add texture and a burst of freshness that makes your wraps feel vibrant and festive.
Side Dishes
Pair your wraps with a simple cucumber salad for cooling contrast, steamed jasmine rice to add heartiness, or even a light Asian slaw for extra crunch. These sides complement the flavors and keep the meal balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your serving experience unforgettable by presenting the wraps on a wooden platter with dipping sauces like hoisin, extra soy sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo. You can also place the wraps in individual cups or mini bowls for a party-style presentation that invites everyone to dig in and customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover chicken mixture, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves fresh and crisp by wrapping them loosely in a damp paper towel and placing them in a plastic bag or container.
Freezing
The cooked chicken filling freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to preserve its texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken mixture gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Avoid reheating the lettuce leaves as they lose their crispness; add fresh leaves when serving.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute that will keep the wraps light and flavorful. The cooking times and preparation remain the same, and the seasoning blends just as beautifully.
What lettuce is best for the wraps?
Romaine is ideal because of its sturdy texture and mild flavor, but butter lettuce or iceberg also work well if you want a softer or crunchier bite.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe has a gentle heat from the chili paste, but you can always adjust it up or down depending on your preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less chili paste and add more gradually.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground chicken for finely chopped mushrooms, crumbled tofu, or textured vegetable protein and follow the same steps. The flavor-packed sauce still shines with these alternatives.
Do I need special kitchen tools to make this?
No special tools are required! A good nonstick skillet and basic kitchen utensils are all you need to create this delicious and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
Giving this P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe a try is like inviting a burst of bold, fresh flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort. It’s such a joyful dish to make and eat — perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever you want a flavorful meal that feels a little special. I can’t recommend making it enough because once you do, you’ll have a new favorite on your recipe roster that your friends and family will be asking for again and again.
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Print
P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Delicious and flavorful P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps featuring seasoned ground chicken cooked with aromatic garlic, ginger, and green onions, served in crisp romaine lettuce leaves for a fresh and healthy appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
To Serve
- Romaine lettuce leaves, for wrapping
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant to enhance the flavor base.
- Cook the chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned all over, ensuring it is cooked through completely.
- Season the mixture: Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and sesame oil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to evenly coat the chicken and allow flavors to meld.
- Add fresh herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped green onions and cilantro, which add freshness and brightness to the wrap filling.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the flavorful chicken mixture into fresh romaine lettuce leaves, wrap them up, and serve immediately for a crisp and tasty dish.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili paste or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork for variation.
- To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal.
- Leftover chicken mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
