Chicken Lettuce Wraps PF Changs (Copycat Recipe)
If you’ve ever been to PF Chang’s, you know their chicken lettuce wraps are legendary — a perfect mix of savory, sweet, and crunchy. This homemade version brings that same restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen! Whether you’re craving a light dinner, a fun appetizer, or a low-carb meal, these PF Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps are sure to satisfy.
This recipe is quick, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients — perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Restaurant flavor at home: Tastes just like PF Chang’s — maybe even better!
- Healthy and light: High in protein, low in carbs, and loaded with veggies.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level, or swap chicken for turkey or tofu.
- Meal-prep friendly: Make the filling ahead of time for a grab-and-go lunch.
What Are PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps?
PF Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps are one of the most popular appetizers at the restaurant chain. They feature minced chicken cooked with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, hoisin, and water chestnuts — all served in crisp lettuce leaves. It’s a balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors wrapped in a fresh crunch.
The best part? You can recreate them at home with everyday pantry ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make these PF Chang’s-inspired chicken lettuce wraps:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken – lean or regular, your choice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – for that signature Asian flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – adds depth and aroma
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated – bright and slightly spicy
- 1 small onion, finely diced – adds sweetness as it cooks
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce – the sweet-salty star of the sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – for savory balance
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – adds tang and freshness
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili paste (optional) – for a little heat
- 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped – for crunch
- 2 green onions, sliced – for garnish and extra flavor
For Serving:
- 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce – crisp, cool, and perfect for wrapping
- Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, or extra green onions
How to Make PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Step 1: Prepare the Lettuce
Wash the lettuce leaves and gently pat them dry. Separate the leaves carefully so they stay whole — these will be your “wraps.” Store them in the fridge until ready to serve to keep them crisp.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess liquid if necessary.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Add garlic, ginger, and onion to the cooked chicken. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Pour this sauce mixture into the pan and stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 5: Add Water Chestnuts and Green Onions
Stir in the chopped water chestnuts and cook for another 2–3 minutes. They’ll add a satisfying crunch to every bite. Finally, toss in the sliced green onions.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the chicken mixture into crisp lettuce leaves. Garnish with peanuts or sesame seeds if you like, then roll them up and enjoy your PF Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps right away!
Tips for the Best PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Keep it tender and juicy by cooking just until browned.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic: These ingredients make a huge difference in flavor.
- Chill your lettuce: Cold, crisp lettuce balances the warm, savory filling beautifully.
- Make it spicy: Add extra sriracha, crushed red pepper, or diced jalapeños.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with finely chopped mushrooms or crumbled tofu.
Sauce Ideas for Dipping
While the filling is delicious on its own, adding a dipping sauce takes it up a notch! Try one of these easy sauce ideas:
1. Spicy Soy Sauce
Mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and a pinch of chili flakes.
2. Sweet Chili Sauce
Store-bought sweet chili sauce adds a nice balance of sweetness and spice.
3. Peanut Dipping Sauce
Combine 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon honey, and a splash of water for a creamy, nutty sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Use ground turkey, beef, pork, or tofu.
- Hoisin sauce: Substitute with teriyaki sauce plus a drizzle of honey.
- Lettuce: Butter lettuce works best, but romaine or iceberg are great alternatives.
- Soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Water chestnuts: Try finely diced celery for similar crunch.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
To Store:
Keep the chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store lettuce separately to keep it crisp.
To Reheat:
Reheat the filling in a skillet or microwave until warm. Spoon into fresh lettuce leaves when ready to serve.
To Freeze:
Freeze the chicken mixture (not the lettuce) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
These PF Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps are a great option if you’re following a low-carb, high-protein, or balanced meal plan.
Variations to Try
1. Thai-Style Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Add a splash of lime juice, fish sauce, and chopped cilantro for a tangy Thai twist.
2. Korean-Inspired Lettuce Wraps
Swap hoisin for gochujang (Korean chili paste) and add kimchi for spice and crunch.
3. Sweet and Spicy Wraps
Mix honey and sriracha in equal parts for a perfect balance of sweet and heat.
4. Asian Veggie Lettuce Wraps
Replace chicken with chopped mushrooms, carrots, and bell peppers for a vegetarian version full of flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with Asian cucumber salad, miso soup, or edamame for a restaurant-style dinner at home.
- Make it part of a party spread — these wraps are always a crowd favorite at gatherings!
Why This Copycat Recipe Works
This recipe captures the same savory-sweet flavor balance that makes PF Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps so addictive. The hoisin sauce brings depth, the water chestnuts provide crunch, and the fresh lettuce delivers a refreshing contrast.
It’s simple, clean, and bursting with flavor — everything you love about PF Chang’s, without the takeout price or wait time.
Final Thoughts
These chicken lettuce wraps PF Chang’s style are the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and freshness. They’re healthy, satisfying, and easy to make any night of the week. Once you try them, you’ll never need to order takeout again!
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or entertaining friends, these PF Chang’s copycat chicken lettuce wraps are a guaranteed hit.
