Looking for a new family-friendly dinner idea? Look no further than these delicious chicken lettuce wraps! This recipe is inspired by the popular dish from P.F. Chang's, but you can make it at home in no time. Lettuce leaves are the perfect base for this dish, offering a fresh and crunchy contrast to the savory chicken filling.
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This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner, and it's a great option for those looking for a lighter meal. Green onions, butter lettuce, and romaine hearts make this dish a healthy alternative.
These chicken lettuce wraps are easy to make and are great for a casual dinner with the family. Not only are they delicious, but they are also a healthier alternative to traditional restaurant favorites. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself how easy and tasty these wraps can be.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe because it's a healthy and delicious 30-minute version of P.F. Chang's Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Chicken is cooked with seasonings, making it a great choice for a chicken lettuce wrap recipe. The crisp pieces of lettuce provide the perfect contrast to the savory filling. Plus, the recipe is easy to make with a prep time of only 10 minutes. Enjoy a restaurant-worthy dish in the comfort of your own home with these healthy chicken lettuce wraps.
Key Ingredients
The Meat
- 1 pound of chicken thighs or breasts: used to make the juicy chicken filling for the lettuce cups.
- 3 tablespoons of unsweetened peanut butter: used in the marinade for the chicken. It gives the meat a nutty and slightly sweet flavor.
- ¼ cup of rice wine vinegar: added to the marinade and helps to balance out the flavors in the dish.
- 1 teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes: This ingredient adds a touch of heat to the recipe and gives it a slight kick.
- Juice of 1 lime: This ingredient is used to add a touch of acidity to the recipe and helps to balance out the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon of salt: This ingredient is used to season the chicken and bring out its flavors.
- 2 teaspoons of ground ginger: This ingredient is used to add a touch of warmth and depth of flavor to the dish.
The Sauce
- ½ cup of peanut butter: This ingredient is used to make the savory sauce and gives it a creamy and nutty flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil: This ingredient is used to add a touch of Asian flavors to the recipe.
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce: This ingredient is used to add a touch of sodium and umami to the recipe.
- 1 tablespoon of sriracha: This ingredient is used to add a touch of heat to the savory sauce.
- ¼ cup of water: This ingredient is used to thin out the savory sauce and make it easier to drizzle over the chicken lettuce cups.
The Toppings
- 1 head gem, iceberg, or butter lettuce: These are the lettuce cups that are used to hold the chicken and other toppings.
- ½ mango, sliced thinly: This ingredient is used as a topping and adds a touch of sweetness and juiciness to the recipe.
- ½ cucumber, sliced thinly: This ingredient is used as a topping and adds a touch of crunch and freshness to the recipe.
- 1 cup basmati rice, optional: This ingredient is used as a topping and adds a touch of starchiness to the recipe.
- 1 tablespoon peanuts: This ingredient is used as a topping and adds a touch of crunch and nuttiness to the recipe.
- Pickled onions, optional: This ingredient is used as a topping and adds a touch of tanginess to the recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of unsweetened peanut butter, ¼ cup of rice wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes, Juice of 1 lime, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of ground ginger. Mix well.
- Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast and toss to coat the chicken mixture.
Cooking on the stove:
- Heat a large Dutch oven over low heat.
- Add the chicken mixture and cook until fully cooked. About 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking in the crockpot:
- Add the chicken mixture to the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once done, use a fork to shred the chicken.
Peanut Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add ½ cup of peanut butter, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sriracha, ¼ cup of water. Stir until well combined.
Assembly:
- Take a leaf of gem, iceberg, or butter lettuce and add a piece of chicken, a few slices of mango and cucumber, and a spoonful of rice if desired.
- Drizzle with the peanut sauce and top with peanuts and pickled onions for added flavor and texture.
- Serve and enjoy your P.F. Chang's style Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps at home.
Optional Toppings for Lettuce Wraps
- Green onions: adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- Julienned or shredded carrots: adds sweetness and a crunchy texture.
- Crunchy cashews: adds crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Purple cabbage: adds crunch and a mild sweetness.
- Favorite dipping sauce: P.F. Chang's offers a variety of dipping sauces, you can use them as an alternative or make your own sauce.
- Chili flakes: adds heat and a spicy flavor.
- Water chestnuts: Adds a touch of crunch and a mild sweetness.
- Yellow onions: adds sweetness and a mild onion flavor.
- Hoisin sauce: adds sweetness and a savory flavor.
- Additional hoisin sauce or Asian chili garlic sauce, Chinese bbq sauce: Served on the side as a dipping sauce for the chicken filling.
- Garlicky soy sauce: Used as a sauce alternative for a punch of flavor and a garlicky taste.
- These simple sauces can be added to the lettuce cups to make the meal even more flavorful.
These toppings are great to add more flavor and texture to your chicken lettuce wraps. Experiment with different toppings and sauces to find your favorite combination, and enjoy a flavorful meal that's similar to P.F. Chang's Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
What Lettuce Should I Use?
I suggest using gem, iceberg, or butter lettuce for the lettuce cups. Iceberg lettuce is a great option as it is crisp and has a mild flavor. This lettuce will hold the shape of the cup, and it will provide a nice crunchy texture that contrasts well with the savory chicken filling. Butter lettuce is another great option, it has a delicate, buttery flavor and a tender texture. The gem lettuce is also a great option, it has a small head of lettuce with a sweet and nutty taste. These types of lettuce are perfect for holding the chicken filling and are a great vessel for your favorite dipping sauce or chili flakes, they can also add a punch of flavor and depth of flavor. You can also add diced water chestnuts on top, they are a great addition and provide a crunchy texture and a fresh water chestnut taste. Remember that the lettuce cups are important to enhance the flavor and texture of the Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
Expert Tips
- Add layers of flavor: To add depth of flavor to the recipe, try adding additional seasonings or herbs to the marinade, or use a neutral-flavored oil like canola or grapeseed oil in place of the sesame oil.
- Mix colorful vegetables: Add colorful vegetables like red bell pepper or purple cabbage to the lettuce cups to make them more visually appealing and provide a variety of textures.
- Keep vegetables crisp-tender: Make sure to add the vegetables to the lettuce cups just before serving to keep them crisp-tender and fresh.
- Add extra vegetables: If you want to add extra vegetables to the recipe, you can add some julienned carrots, diced water chestnuts, or thinly sliced yellow onions.
- Mix of vegetables: To make the recipe more flavorful, you can use a mixture of vegetables like green onions, julienned carrots, shredded carrots, and purple cabbage. This will add a nice crunch and variety of flavors to the recipe.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cloves garlic: Instead of using ginger, you can use cloves of garlic to add a distinct flavor to the marinade.
- Green onions: If you don't have green onions, you can use diced yellow onions or chives to add a mild onion flavor to the recipe.
- Skinless chicken thighs: If you don't have chicken breasts, you can use skinless chicken thighs to make the Asian chicken lettuce wraps.
- Sodium soy sauce: If you're looking for a lower sodium option, you can use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
- Butter lettuce leaves: If you don't have butter lettuce leaves, you can use romaine hearts or iceberg lettuce leaves to make the lettuce cups.
- Vegetarian option: If you want to make the recipe vegetarian, you can use a plant-based protein option.
- Roasted Vegetables: Instead of using raw vegetables, you can use roasted vegetables to add a touch of smokiness and depth of flavor.
- Water chestnuts: If you don't have water chestnuts, you can use diced jicama or peeled and diced pear as a substitute.
These ingredient substitutions can help you make the recipe more flavorful, lower in sodium or make it a vegetarian option. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make the recipe suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Root vegetables: You can serve the chicken lettuce wraps with a side of roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips for a more filling and balanced meal.
- Protein option: You can serve the chicken lettuce wraps with a side of quinoa, couscous, or brown rice for a more filling and balanced meal.
- Garnish options: You can garnish the chicken lettuce wraps with chopped cilantro, green onions, or chopped peanuts for added flavor and texture.
- Brown mushrooms: You can sauté sliced brown mushrooms and add them to the chicken lettuce wraps for a more filling and balanced meal.
- Crisp option: You can serve the chicken lettuce wraps with a side of crispy wonton strips or fried wonton wrappers as a crunchy garnish. Double check that the brand you use is gluten free.
These serving suggestions will help you make the recipe more filling, flavorful and balanced. You can also experiment with different toppings, sauces, and garnishes to make the recipe suit your taste and preferences.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover chicken lettuce wraps in an airtight container. Add a bit of water to keep the lettuce fresh. Put container in a safe location. Use an air-tight container to keep the lettuce fresh. Add a bit of water. Store in a safe location. To keep leftovers fresh, use an airtight container. Add a bit of water. Store in a safe place.
FAQ
Yes, you can use either chicken breast or thighs for this recipe.
You can use any type of lettuce that you prefer, such as gem, iceberg, or butter lettuce.
Yes, you can make the peanut sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
You can use any type of nut butter you prefer, such as almond or cashew butter.
Yes, you can make these wraps gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring that any other ingredients used are also gluten-free.
Gluten Free Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened peanut butter
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
Peanut Sauce
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- ¼ cup water
Optional Toppings
- 1 gem lettuce iceberg, or butter lettuce
- Mango
- Cucumber
- Pickled carrots
- Shredded carrots
- Basmati rice
- Peanuts
- Cilantro leaves
- Pickled onions
- Fresh avocado
- Chili crunch sauce
Instructions
Preparation:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of unsweetened peanut butter, ¼ cup of rice wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes, Juice of 1 lime, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of ground ginger. Mix well.
- Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast and toss to coat the chicken mixture.
Cooking on the stove:
- Heat a large Dutch oven over low heat.
- Add the chicken mixture and cook until chicken is fully cooked. About 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking in the crockpot:
- Add the chicken mixture to the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once done, use a fork to shred the chicken.
Peanut Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add ½ cup of peanut butter, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sriracha, ¼ cup of water. Stir until well combined.
Assembly:
- Take a leaf of gem, iceberg, or butter lettuce and add a piece of chicken, a few slices of mango and cucumber, and a spoonful of rice if desired.
- Drizzle with the peanut sauce and top with peanuts and pickled onions for added flavor and texture.
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