PF Chang’s is famous for its wildly popular Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps. The combination of warm tender minced chicken and vegetables cloaked in a sweet, salty, savory sauce – tucked into cool lettuce – hits all the right notes. If only the sodium and sugar were not sky-high!
I am happy to say dreams do come true: PF Chang’s-style only in crave-worthy taste, these are my healthiest, easiest, restaurant-worthy lettuce wraps ever. The recipe serves four as an appetizer or two to three as a protein-packed entrée.
Dining-in can be such fun!!
MAKES 4 SERVINGS (16 WRAPS)
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons granulated sweetener*
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
1 ¼ teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 pound ground chicken breast
1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and minced
1 ½ cups finely chopped mushrooms
½ cup finely diced red pepper
1 small peeled carrot
4 green onions
1 large head butter lettuce, separated into leaves
Fresh mint, optional
1. To make the sauce, in a small bowl or 1-cup measuring cup whisk ¼ cup of water with the first 6 ingredients (soy sauce through cornstarch). Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and warm for 15 seconds. Add chicken and sauté, using a large fork or spatula to crumble the meat, for 6 to 8 minutes or until chicken is just no longer pink. Add water chestnuts, mushrooms, bell pepper, and green onions, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, tossing frequently, until vegetables are tender.
3. Make a well in the center of the pan, add sauce, and cook it until it thickens and clears, then stir it into the meat. Grate the carrot into the pan and continue to cook, while stirring, until carrot is incorporated and the sauce thoroughly coats the chicken mixture.
4. Spoon the meat onto lettuce leaves, or place in a bowl and serve with lettuce leaves and any garnishes.
Dare to Compare: Ounce for ounce, these revised chicken lettuce wraps deliver double the protein with half as much fat and sodium—and 90% less added sugar than PF Chang’s Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
*If using stevia-based Truvia for Baking use 1 tablespoon.
NUTRITION INFORMATION PER SERVING (4 wraps): Calories 210 | Carbohydrate 16g (Sugars 3g) | Total Fat 6g (Sat Fat 1g) | Protein 25g | Fiber 5g | Sodium 510mg | Food Exchanges 3 Lean Meat, 2 Vegetable, ½ Starch: | Carbohydrate Choices: 1 | Weight Watcher Smart Point Comparison: Green 5, Blue 2, Purple 2
