Name: PF Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado); 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 4 green onions, thinly sliced, divided; 1 can (8 ounces) water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey; 2 tablespoons water; 1–2 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce or sriracha (optional, to taste); 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1–2 heads butter lettuce (about 16–20 leaves), washed and dried; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

If you crave that sweet, savory, crunchy PF Chang’s chicken lettuce wrap but don’t always want to head out to the restaurant, this copycat version is your new weeknight hero. Juicy ground chicken, a glossy garlic–ginger sauce, and crisp-tender water chestnuts are tucked into cool lettuce cups for a fresh, light meal that still feels totally indulgent.

These lettuce wraps are perfect when you want something fast but exciting. The filling comes together in one skillet, the lettuce acts as your “tortilla,” and everyone can build their own at the table. It’s an easy way to serve a takeout-style dinner at home that tastes just as good (maybe better!) than the real thing.

Why You’ll Love These PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

You get all the flavor and texture of the restaurant favorite with simple grocery-store ingredients. No hard-to-find sauces, no deep fryer—just a quick stir-fry in a hot pan and you’re done. The sauce is balanced with salty soy, sweet hoisin, rice vinegar, and a little chili for gentle heat.

They’re also naturally lighter than a lot of takeout options. Swapping tortillas or buns for crisp lettuce cuts the carbs while keeping every bite satisfying. Serve these as a fun appetizer for a party, a build-your-own family dinner, or meal-prep lunches you can reheat and scoop into fresh leaves.

What Kind of Lettuce Works Best for PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Butter lettuce (also called Boston or Bibb lettuce) is the classic pick because the leaves are soft, cup-shaped, and just the right size for handheld wraps. They’re tender but sturdy enough to hold a hearty scoop of chicken filling without tearing.

If you can’t find butter lettuce, romaine hearts or little gem lettuce also work nicely. Look for leaves that are wide, not too crunchy at the base, and easy to separate. Wash and dry them well so the filling doesn’t slide around—dry leaves help the sauce cling and keep your wraps from getting soggy.

Ingredients for the PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Before you start cooking, it helps to understand what each ingredient brings to the party. That way, if you need to swap something, you’ll know what not to skip.

Ground chicken – The star of the filling. It cooks quickly, soaks up the sauce, and keeps the wraps lean but satisfying.

Neutral oil – A little canola, vegetable, or avocado oil keeps the chicken from sticking and helps the aromatics bloom.

Garlic & fresh ginger – These are the backbone of that PF Chang’s flavor. They add warmth, spice, and depth to the sauce and filling.

Green onions – Used both in the pan and for garnish, they bring a mild onion flavor and a pop of freshness in every bite.

Diced onion – Adds sweetness and body to the filling as it softens and caramelizes.

Water chestnuts – Essential for crunch. They stay crisp even after cooking and give the wraps their signature texture.

Soy sauce – Provides salty, umami depth. Use low-sodium if you like more control over the saltiness.

Hoisin sauce – This thick, sweet-savory sauce is what makes the filling taste like restaurant-style lettuce wraps.

Rice vinegar – Brightens the sauce and keeps it from tasting too heavy.

Brown sugar or honey – Just a touch balances the salty and tangy flavors.

Sesame oil – A drizzle at the end adds nutty aroma and a finishing layer of flavor.

Chili-garlic sauce or sriracha – Optional but delicious if you like a little gentle heat.

Butter lettuce leaves – The crunchy, cool “shell” for serving.

Toasted sesame seeds (optional) – For garnish and extra nuttiness.

How To Make the PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

This recipe comes together quickly, so it’s helpful to have everything chopped and measured before you turn on the stove. Once the pan is hot, dinner is only about 15 minutes away.

Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar or honey, a spoonful of chili-garlic sauce if using, and a splash of water. This makes it easy to pour everything into the pan at once so the chicken doesn’t overcook while you measure.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens and turns lightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This short cook time keeps them from burning and turning bitter.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Let it sit for a minute or two between stirs so it can develop some browned bits; those caramelized edges add big flavor. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.

Step 4: Add the Crunch and the Sauce

Stir in the chopped water chestnuts and most of the sliced green onions, saving a little for garnish. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken mixture and toss to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and taste to see if you’d like a bit more chili sauce or soy.

Step 5: Assemble the Lettuce Wraps

Arrange clean, dry lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon warm chicken filling into each leaf, piling it toward the center. Garnish with remaining green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve right away so the lettuce stays crisp and refreshing.

Serving and Storing PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These lettuce wraps are best served hot, with the filling steaming and the lettuce ice-cold and crisp. Set the skillet of chicken on the table along with a big platter of lettuce leaves and let everyone build their own. Kids love the hands-on factor, and adults appreciate that it feels like restaurant-style DIY dining.

As written, this recipe comfortably feeds about 4 people as a light dinner (around 3 wraps each) or 6 as an appetizer. If you’re serving hearty eaters or want leftovers for lunch, you can easily double the filling and offer extra lettuce.

Leftover chicken filling keeps well. Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water if it looks dry. Store washed lettuce leaves separately, wrapped in paper towels inside a container or zip-top bag, so they stay crisp and ready for scooping.

What to Serve With PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

Steamed Jasmine or Brown Rice

A simple bowl of fluffy rice turns these lettuce wraps into a more filling meal and catches any extra sauce that drips off.

Easy Asian Slaw

A crunchy slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy sesame dressing adds color and freshness next to the warm chicken filling.

Garlic Fried Rice or Noodles

Toss leftover rice or cooked noodles with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a quick, cozy side that feels like takeout.

Roasted or Air-Fried Veggies

Broccoli, green beans, or snap peas roasted or air-fried with a little oil, garlic, and salt make a great crunchy companion.

Egg Drop Soup or Miso Soup

A light, brothy soup rounds out the meal without making it too heavy, especially on chilly evenings.

Crispy Spring Rolls or Potstickers

If you’re having guests, pair the lettuce wraps with store-bought or homemade dumplings or spring rolls for a fun appetizer spread.

Cucumber Salad

Thinly sliced cucumbers tossed with rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and sesame seeds add cooling contrast to the savory filling.

Want More Asian-Inspired Dinner Ideas?

If these PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a hit at your table, you’ll love trying more bold, flavor-packed recipes next:

Easy Asian Slaw for a crunchy, tangy side that pairs perfectly with lettuce wraps.
Air Fryer Taquitos when you’re craving something crispy and dippable on taco night.
Taco Ranch Bites – A Flavor-Packed Mini Delight for party-friendly finger food with a zesty kick.
Garlic Ritz Snacks when you want an ultra-easy, buttery snack to serve alongside.
Spicy Korean Cauliflower Wings for a fun, plant-based twist that still brings the heat.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe to your Pinterest dinner or appetizer board so you can find it anytime a takeout craving hits.

If you make it, come back and share how it turned out. Did you add extra chili-garlic sauce for more heat? Swap in ground turkey or tofu? I love hearing how you tweak recipes to fit your family.

Questions are always welcome—drop them in the comments so we can all cook smarter together.

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