If you love a fresh, flavorful meal that’s perfect for sharing, then you’re in for a treat with this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe. I absolutely love how it balances savory, tangy, and a little touch of heat, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves that make each bite so satisfying. Whether you want a lighter meal or a fun appetizer to kick off dinner, these wraps always hit the spot for me.
When I first tried making this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe at home, I was amazed at how close it came to the restaurant version. Plus, it’s quick and adaptable, which means it’s a great go-to for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. You’ll find that once you master the sauce and filling, this recipe becomes a favorite in your rotation—trust me, your family and friends will go crazy for it too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: This recipe nails the delicious balance of tangy, sweet, and savory that makes P.F. Chang’s so addicting.
- Quick and Easy: It comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect when you want a fast but impressive meal.
- Fresh and Light: Using crisp lettuce leaves instead of tortillas keeps things light and adds a refreshing crunch.
- Family Favorite: My family can’t get enough of these, and I’m sure yours will love them too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe strike a perfect harmony between bold and bright flavors. Most of them are pantry staples, but the key is fresh aromatics and crisp lettuce for wrapping.
- Hoisin Sauce: This gives the wraps their signature sweet and slightly tangy base flavor, so I always buy a good-quality one.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Using low sodium helps control saltiness, giving you room to adjust seasoning as you cook.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds a subtle acidity that brightens the sauce without overpowering it.
- Sriracha (optional): I add this for a mild kick—feel free to skip or add more depending on your heat tolerance!
- Sesame Oil: Just a splash adds a nutty depth that makes the sauce so flavorful.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Great for sautéing onions and chicken with a mild, fruity touch.
- Onion (medium, diced): Provides a natural sweetness that builds the flavor base.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is a must for that punch of aromatic goodness.
- Freshly Grated Ginger: I love how ginger adds both warmth and zing here—fresh is key!
- Ground Chicken: Lean and tender, it soaks up the sauce perfectly without overpowering the flavors.
- Canned Water Chestnuts (sliced): These bring a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness that contrasts the soft chicken.
- Green Onions (thinly sliced): Stirred in at the end for a fresh, mild onion flavor and pop of color.
- Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To season precisely to your liking.
- Large Leafy Lettuce: Butter lettuce or iceberg works best for sturdy yet tender wraps.
- Cooked White Rice (optional): I sometimes serve these with rice to make it a more filling meal.
Variations
I like to switch things up depending on what’s in my fridge or the occasion. Don’t be shy about making this recipe your own—you’ll discover pretty quickly what works best for your taste buds!
- Protein Swap: I’ve made this with ground turkey or even finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian twist, and it’s still delicious.
- Spice Level: Some days I dial up the Sriracha or add fresh chili flakes for a serious kick; other times I keep it mild for the kids.
- Crunch Factor: Try adding chopped peanuts or cashews for extra texture inside the filling or as a garnish.
- Different Lettuce: Iceberg gives a crunchier wrap, while butter lettuce is silky and tender—both great options depending on your mood.
How to Make Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
Start by mixing hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, Sriracha (if using), and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth. I like to whisk this right away so the flavors have time to marry while I prep the filling. It also helps when it hits the pan with the chicken because everything coats evenly.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the diced onion. Cook until the onions turn soft and translucent—about 5 minutes. This step is key because it builds a flavorful base. Next, stir in your minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking for just about 1 minute until you smell their fragrance. Then, add the ground chicken and break it up with your spoon. Cook until the meat is mostly opaque, about 5-7 minutes — make sure you don’t rush this because properly browned chicken adds a wonderful texture.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Finish Cooking
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and stir everything together. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and the chicken to cook through completely. Now, turn off the heat and fold in the drained, sliced water chestnuts and green onions for that perfect crunch and freshness. Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
To serve, spoon the chicken mixture right into the center of each lettuce leaf. I usually use about a quarter cup of filling per leaf—that’s just enough to enjoy each satisfying bite without overstuffing. If you like, add a scoop of cooked white rice on the side or underneath for a heartier meal. Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Fresh Ginger: I once tried using ginger powder and the flavor was missing—fresh ginger adds that bright zing you want.
- Drain Water Chestnuts Well: I learned the hard way that excess liquid can make the filling soggy, so be sure to drain and slice them right before folding in.
- Use Butter Lettuce for Wrapping: It makes holding the wraps easier with its natural cups, plus the tender texture complements the savory filling beautifully.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be shy about tasting the chicken mixture before serving—add more soy, vinegar, or sriracha if it needs a little boost.
How to Serve Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these wraps with extra sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that little nutty crunch and eye appeal. Sometimes I add chopped fresh cilantro for a bright herbal note, but if you’re not a fan, the green onions alone do the trick beautifully.
Side Dishes
These chicken lettuce wraps pair wonderfully with light, simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or even a crunchy Asian slaw with a citrusy dressing. When I’m feeling indulgent, a little bowl of miso soup or edamame on the side rounds out the meal perfectly without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, I’ve served the filling in a pretty bowl with the lettuce leaves arranged around it for a “build-your-own-wrap” buffet style. You can also try stacking a few mini lettuce cups with filling layers in between and garnishing with shredded carrot and chopped peanuts for an eye-catching appetizer platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate so they stay crisp. When ready to eat, you’ll find the filling just as flavorful, and you can refresh the lettuce as needed.
Freezing
This chicken mixture freezes well if you want to meal prep. Just cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. I label mine with the date and use within 2 months for best taste. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This keeps the chicken moist and the flavors vibrant, unlike microwaving, which can dry it out. Just add a splash of water if it seems dry while reheating.
FAQs
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Can I make Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground chicken for chopped mushrooms, tofu, or even textured vegetable protein. Adjust the seasonings slightly to compensate for the milder flavor. The water chestnuts and sauce will still give you that satisfying texture and taste.
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What type of lettuce is best for the wraps?
Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce are your best bets. Butter lettuce offers tender, cup-shaped leaves that hold filling nicely, while iceberg provides a crisp, refreshing crunch. Just pick lettuce with big, unblemished leaves for easy wrapping.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Keep the lettuce separately to avoid sogginess. Simply reheat the filling before serving and assemble fresh wraps when you’re ready to eat.
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How spicy is this recipe?
The spiciness depends on how much Sriracha you add. Starting with 1 tablespoon provides a mild heat, but you can always add more or leave it out completely for a kid-friendly version.
Final Thoughts
I truly love this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe because it’s such a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that feels both satisfying and light. It’s one of those dishes you make once and then want to keep coming back to, whether for a casual weeknight meal or a fun gathering with friends. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the process as much as the delicious results, and I’m confident it’ll become a staple in your kitchen like it did in mine.
PrintCopycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe offers a deliciously savory and slightly spicy filling made with ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce. Wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, this dish is perfect as a light appetizer or a satisfying main course. Easy to prepare and ideal for a quick meal, it combines sweet, tangy, and umami notes for an irresistible flavor experience.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 3 Tbsp. hoisin sauce
- 2 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. Sriracha (optional)
- 1 tsp. sesame oil
Chicken Filling
- 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1/2 cup canned water chestnuts, drained and sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
To Serve
- Large leafy lettuce (leaves separated), for serving
- Cooked white rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, Sriracha (if using), and sesame oil until fully combined. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then stir in minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it turns opaque and is mostly cooked through, ensuring even cooking and no pink remains.
- Add Sauce and Finish Cooking: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken mixture and stir well. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, until the sauce slightly reduces and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Incorporate Crunchy Elements: Turn off the heat and fold in the sliced water chestnuts and thinly sliced green onions. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, enhancing the balance of flavors.
- Assemble Wraps and Serve: Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Optionally, add cooked white rice to the leaf before the chicken filling for a more substantial bite. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can omit the Sriracha if you prefer less spice or substitute with chili garlic sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Ground turkey or finely chopped mushrooms can be used as alternatives to ground chicken for dietary preferences.
- Water chestnuts add a delightful crunch; if unavailable, diced jicama or celery can be substituted.
- Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce are ideal choices for wrapping because of their crispness and size.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days but are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg