Panda’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a tasty treat! They feature seasoned chicken, crunchy veggies, and are wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves. Perfect for a light meal or snack!
These wraps are fun to make and even more fun to eat! I love how each bite is fresh and crunchy. Plus, they make me feel fancy—like I’m dining out, but in my own kitchen! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: Ground chicken is a lean protein and works great here. If you prefer, turkey or even plant-based ground meat can be good alternatives for a different flavor or to make it lighter.
Water Chestnuts: These add a lovely crunch. If you can’t find them, substitute with chopped nuts like cashews or even chopped bell peppers for crunch.
Soy Sauce: A key flavor booster in this recipe. If you’re avoiding gluten, tamari is a fantastic alternative that maintains the same salty flavor.
Hoisin Sauce: This sauce adds sweetness and depth. You could replace it with a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of honey if needed, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
Lettuce: While Bibb or Romaine works best for wraps, you can also use iceberg or even collard greens if you’re looking for something sturdier.
How Do I Ensure My Filling Has the Best Flavor?
A big part of this recipe’s success is ensuring your filling has robust flavor. Start by cooking the onions until they’re soft; this provides a flavorful base that deepens as you add ingredients. Don’t rush through the cooking times—the longer you let the chicken brown, the richer the taste!
- Cook onions until translucent, about 2-3 minutes—this is the time to build that flavor.
- Brown the ground chicken well, breaking it up with a spatula. A little caramelization goes a long way.
- After adding sauces, let everything cook for a couple of minutes. This allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
How to Make P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup water chestnuts, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Wrap:
- 1 head of lettuce (such as Bibb or Romaine)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep and about 10 minutes to cook everything to perfection. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion:
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the finely chopped onion. Cook the onion for about 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent and soft.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Next, add 1 pound of ground chicken to the skillet. Using a spatula, break the chicken apart and cook it until it turns browned. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so it cooks evenly.
3. Add Veggies:
Now it’s time to add the diced water chestnuts, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the veggies to soften a bit.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this sauce over the chicken mixture in the skillet. Stir everything well so the chicken and veggies are fully coated in the sauce.
5. Heat Through:
Let the chicken mixture cook for 1-2 minutes more to make sure it’s heated through and all the flavors meld together. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Prepare the Wraps:
Grab your lettuce head and carefully separate the leaves. To serve, scoop some of the chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf. You can fold them like a wrap or just enjoy them as is. These are best enjoyed fresh!
Enjoy your homemade P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps with family and friends!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will give you a similar texture. Just be aware that it might be a bit leaner than chicken, so you might want to add an extra splash of oil to keep it juicy!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add to the Filling?
Feel free to get creative! You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to chop them finely so they cook evenly with the chicken.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the lettuce fresh, it’s best to store it separately. You can reheat the chicken filling on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Certainly! Replace the ground chicken with a plant-based meat alternative or finely chopped mushrooms and tofu for a delicious vegetarian option. You can adjust seasonings for flavor as needed, and it will still be tasty wrapped in lettuce!
