Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps from PF Chang's feature tender minced chicken sauteed with water chestnuts, green onions, and garlic, nestled in crisp iceberg lettuce cups, offering a flavorful and refreshing handheld appetizer.
Equipments
- Wok or large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Serving platter or plate
- Salad spinner or colander (for drying lettuce)
- Spoon (for serving mixture into lettuce cups)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and minced
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 head iceberg lettuce
Using fresh iceberg lettuce is essential for crisp, sturdy cups that hold the savory chicken mixture without wilting. Mince the water chestnuts finely to ensure a balanced texture that complements the tender ground chicken. When selecting sauces like hoisin, oyster, and soy sauce, choose quality brands to deepen the flavor profile of your wraps. Adjust the amount of garlic and ginger based on your preference for heat and aroma. Your Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps from PF Chang's copycat menu will deliver the perfect combination of flavors and textures for an authentic appetizer experience.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Rinse and dry iceberg lettuce, then separate leaves into cups; set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spoon; cook until no longer pink.
- Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add water chestnuts and green onions; sauté for 2 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper.
- Pour sauce mixture into skillet; toss to coat evenly and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Transfer chicken mixture to a serving platter.
- Serve alongside chilled lettuce cups.
- Spoon chicken mixture into lettuce leaves to eat.
Substitution
Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps from PF Chang's copycat menu deliver authentic flavors with ground chicken, water chestnuts, and a savory sauce blend served in crisp iceberg lettuce cups. If iceberg lettuce is unavailable, you can substitute with butter lettuce or romaine hearts for a similar crunch and shape. Use chicken thighs instead of ground chicken for a juicier, more flavorful filling. When preparing the filling, gently saute the garlic and ginger to avoid burning and maintain their aromatic qualities. Your choice of hoisin or oyster sauce may vary in saltiness, so adjust seasoning accordingly to suit your taste.
Tips
Ensure the iceberg lettuce leaves are thoroughly rinsed and fully dried using a salad spinner or clean towel to prevent sogginess when serving the wraps. When cooking ground chicken, break it apart evenly with a wooden spoon to ensure uniform browning and thorough cooking, avoiding any pink spots. Whisk the sauce ingredients separately before adding to the skillet to guarantee an even blend of flavors coating the chicken mixture. Your careful attention to timing during sauteing garlic and ginger will maximize their aroma without burning, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Nutritions
Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps provide a lean source of protein from ground chicken, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety. Water chestnuts add dietary fiber and antioxidants, promoting digestive health and reducing inflammation. The dish is low in carbohydrates and packed with vitamins from green onions, garlic, and fresh ginger, which contribute to immune support and metabolism. Using crisp iceberg lettuce for wrapping enhances the meal with hydration and fewer calories, making it a nutritious and flavorful choice for your diet.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Keep the lettuce cups separate in a plastic container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture and preserve their crispness. When ready to serve, gently reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat and serve with the chilled lettuce for the best taste experience.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork to adjust the flavor profile while maintaining tenderness. You can replace iceberg lettuce with butter lettuce or romaine for a different texture and taste. Swap hoisin sauce with a mix of plum sauce and a dash of chili garlic sauce if you prefer a sweeter or spicier note. Your cooking process can include stirring in chopped mushrooms or water chestnut alternatives like jicama for added crunch and an earthy flavor.
Allergies
Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps contain common allergens such as soy from soy sauce and hoisin sauce, and shellfish from oyster sauce, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The presence of sesame oil also poses a risk for those with sesame seed allergies. Your careful attention to these ingredients is essential if you have food sensitivities or allergy concerns.
Why this recipe?
Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps menu at PF Chang's restaurant is beloved for its flavorful blend of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory Asian-inspired sauces wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves. The dish offers a perfect balance of textures and bold flavors that appeal to a wide range of taste preferences. Making a copycat version at home lets you customize seasoning and ingredients to your liking while recreating that iconic dining experience. Your homemade wraps can capture the essence of PF Chang's signature appetizer, making it worth trying for both comfort and culinary creativity.