P.F. Chang’s Copycat Chicken Lettuce Wraps

P.F. Chang’s Copycat Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish you can make right at home. With tender ground chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, savory aromatics, and a sweet-savory sauce, these wraps deliver restaurant-quality flavor in minutes. They’re light, crisp, and perfect for weeknights, entertaining, or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These lettuce wraps taste almost identical to the famous restaurant version but can be made quickly with everyday ingredients. They’re healthy without sacrificing flavor, incredibly customizable, and perfect for those craving something fresh yet hearty. The combination of textures—crunchy lettuce, tender chicken, and savory sauce—keeps every bite exciting.

Nutritional Info

This dish is naturally low-carb and packed with protein. Butter lettuce adds vitamins and fiber while keeping things light. The sauce contains a balance of sweet and savory elements, so portioning keeps it well-balanced. It’s a satisfying option for many dietary needs.

Time Taken

These lettuce wraps take approximately 20 minutes from start to finish, making them an excellent quick meal option for busy days.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 cup diced water chestnuts
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
• Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves for serving

Instructions

Sauté the onion in sesame oil until softened, then add garlic and ginger. Stir in ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Add water chestnuts and green onions. Whisk together hoisin, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, then pour into the skillet. Stir and simmer until thickened and heated through. Spoon into crisp lettuce leaves and serve warm.

You Must Know

Water chestnuts are essential for the signature crunch. The sauce thickens quickly, so watch closely to prevent burning. Butter lettuce gives the softest wrap, while iceberg gives maximum crispness—choose based on your preferred texture.

Storage Tips

Store the chicken filling separately from the lettuce to keep everything fresh. Refrigerate filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Lettuce leaves should be washed and stored dry in the fridge.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use ground turkey or ground pork instead of chicken.
• Coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for gluten-free needs.
• Replace hoisin sauce with teriyaki or a mix of oyster sauce and honey.

Serving Suggestions

• Add a side of steamed rice or cauliflower rice.
• Serve with sliced cucumbers or pickled carrots for added freshness.
• Drizzle extra sriracha or peanut sauce for a flavor boost.

Cultural and Historical Context

Lettuce wraps originate from East and Southeast Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese and Thai cooking, where crisp lettuce is used as a vessel for flavorful sautés or stir-fries. This modern copycat recipe blends those influences with the iconic American-Asian restaurant style made popular by P.F. Chang’s.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer, serve with chilled lettuce for extra crispness. In fall and winter, add mushrooms or carrots for heartiness. Spring versions often include fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for brightness.

Success Stories

Many home cooks love how easy, fast, and customizable this recipe is. It’s often used for healthier meals, party appetizers, and kid-friendly dinners. The flavor is so close to the restaurant classic that it frequently becomes a weekly staple.

Freezer Meal Conversion

The chicken filling freezes beautifully. Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in a skillet. Add fresh lettuce just before serving.

Pro Tips

• Chop water chestnuts finely for perfect texture.
• Brown the chicken well for deeper flavor.
• Add sauce only after most liquid from the chicken has evaporated.

Chef’s Special Tips

A splash of rice vinegar at the end brightens the dish. Adding a small spoon of chili garlic sauce deepens the savory flavor. Toasted sesame seeds make a perfect garnish for extra nuttiness.

Conclusion

P.F. Chang’s Copycat Chicken Lettuce Wraps offer fresh, bold, restaurant-quality flavor in every bite. They’re quick to make, customizable, and ideal for lunches, dinners, or gatherings. Give this recipe a try today and enjoy crisp, savory, irresistible lettuce wraps that taste better than takeout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly and tastes very similar. Ground pork is another great option if you prefer a richer flavor.

What lettuce works best for wraps?
Butter lettuce and iceberg lettuce are the top choices. Butter lettuce is soft and flexible, while iceberg is crisp and sturdy.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely. The filling can be cooked up to 4 days in advance. Reheat and serve with fresh lettuce for best texture.

Are these lettuce wraps gluten-free?
They can be. Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. Serve with naturally gluten-free lettuce leaves.

Can I freeze the filling?
Yes, the chicken filling freezes very well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and thaw before reheating.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely. Mushrooms, shredded carrots, zucchini, or diced bell peppers make excellent additions and blend well with the flavors.

Why is my filling too watery?
This can happen if the chicken releases excess moisture. Let the liquid cook down before adding the sauce, or drain briefly if needed.

How can I make the lettuce wraps spicier?
Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or spicy sesame oil to increase heat.

What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
A mix of soy sauce, honey, and a little oyster sauce can mimic hoisin’s sweet-savory flavor profile.

How do I keep lettuce leaves from tearing?
Choose larger leaves, rinse gently, and pat dry. Butter lettuce is naturally softer, while iceberg stays crisp and strong.