I absolutely love how this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe comes together — it’s like having a little Asian-fusion party right in your own kitchen! The flavors are perfectly balanced between sweet, savory, and a hint of heat if you add the Sriracha, which makes every bite wonderfully addictive. Whenever I want a light yet satisfying meal that feels special but is super straightforward, this recipe is my go-to.

What makes this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe stand out is how fresh and customizable it is. You’ll find that the crisp lettuce leaves make the perfect vehicle for the juicy, flavorful ground chicken filling infused with garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce. It’s great for a weeknight dinner, a fun lunch, or even when you’re hosting friends and want to impress without fussing over complicated cooking.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of garlic, ginger, and hoisin creates a sauce that’s both aromatic and vibrant.
  • Easy to Make: You can throw it together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy cooks.
  • Customizable Heat Level: Add or skip Sriracha depending on your spice tolerance.
  • Healthy and Light: Using lettuce as a wrap keeps it low-carb and fresh, making it a guilt-free treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture — from the crunchy water chestnuts to the savory soy and hoisin sauce blend. Let me walk you through some tips I’ve learned when gathering these ingredients.

  • Hoisin sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce is key for that signature flavor, so opt for a good-quality brand for the best taste.
  • Low-sodium soy sauce: I prefer low-sodium to control the saltiness, especially since hoisin is already quite salty.
  • Rice wine vinegar: Adds just the right amount of acidity to balance the sweeter flavors.
  • Sriracha: Optional, but trust me—adding this gives the wraps a nice kick. Adjust to your spice comfort level.
  • Sesame oil: Just a splash packs a nutty aroma that elevates the dish.
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: I like using this for cooking the chicken since it’s mild and healthy, but you can also use vegetable oil.
  • Medium onion: Diced finely to soften and add a sweet undertone.
  • Garlic: Fresh and minced, it’s essential for that punch of flavor.
  • Fresh ginger: Grated fresh—it brightens and warms the dish wonderfully.
  • Ground chicken: Lean but juicy, this is the main protein; turkey can be substituted if you want.
  • Canned water chestnuts: These give a crunchy surprise in every bite, so don’t skip them!
  • Green onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, mild onion flavor resting on top.
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Basic but necessary seasoning to taste.
  • Large leafy lettuce: Butter lettuce or Boston lettuce works beautifully as wraps, with leaves wide and sturdy enough to hold the filling.
  • Cooked white rice (optional): I sometimes serve this on the side to make the meal more filling.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Don’t be afraid to tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs — that’s part of the fun!

  • Swap the Protein: I’ve tried ground turkey or even chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version, and both work unexpectedly well while keeping the texture interesting.
  • Spice it Up: When hosting friends who love heat, I add extra Sriracha and even sprinkle some chili flakes on top—always a hit!
  • Nutty Crunch: Tossing in chopped peanuts or cashews adds another dimension of crunch, perfect for when you want to impress.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: If you’re keto or low-carb, just skip the rice and enjoy the wraps as-is; they’re wonderful without anything extra.

How to Make Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Step 1: Whisk together the sauce magic

Start by mixing up the sauce — combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, Sriracha, and sesame oil in a small bowl. I like to whisk this until every drop is perfectly blended because that’s when the flavor really sings. It’s a quick step but sets the foundation for the whole dish.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics so they bloom

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the diced onion. Cook them until they turn soft and a little translucent—about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the garlic and freshly grated ginger, letting them cook just until fragrant, which takes about a minute. Your kitchen will smell incredible at this point, and that’s exactly how you know it’s right.

Step 3: Brown and break up the ground chicken

Now add your ground chicken to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks — you want it to be mostly opaque and just about cooked through. This step usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. Keeping an eye here avoids overcooking or drying out the chicken, which I’ve learned the hard way!

Step 4: Add the sauce and finish cooking

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and stir everything together. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce reduces just a bit and the chicken is fully cooked. The sauce will become sticky and coat the chicken nicely — that’s the moment everything comes together beautifully.

Step 5: Stir in crunchy water chestnuts and fresh green onions

Turn off the heat and fold in the sliced water chestnuts and green onions. The crunch from the chestnuts is what gives these wraps a fun texture, and the green onions brighten the flavors. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste, then you’re ready to serve!

Step 6: Assemble your lettuce wraps and enjoy

Spoon about a quarter cup of the chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf. I love using butter lettuce for this because the leaves are sturdy yet silky. Serve them immediately to keep the leaves crisp and fresh — I promise this step is as fun as eating them!

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Pro Tips for Making Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

  • Fresh Ginger is a Game-Changer: Grating fresh ginger releases much more flavor than pre-ground—don’t skip this!
  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cooking just until opaque keeps it juicy and tender, which is key for texture.
  • Chop Aromatics Uniformly: Finely dicing your onion and evenly slicing green onions helps everything cook evenly and look pretty.
  • Serve Immediately: Waiting too long to serve causes the lettuce to wilt—best enjoyed fresh and crispy!

How to Serve Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Copycat P.F. Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually top the wraps with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch and some extra sliced green onions. Sometimes, if I want to jazz it up, a few fresh cilantro leaves make a beautiful, fresh garnish that brightens the whole plate. And if you like a touch of heat, a drizzle of extra Sriracha on top never hurts!

Side Dishes

Though the wraps can stand alone, I like pairing them with a side of simple steamed white rice or brown rice for a heartier meal. Sometimes steamed or sautéed Asian-style vegetables, like bok choy or snap peas, round out the meal beautifully. For a snack or appetizer vibe, a light cucumber salad on the side is refreshing and complements the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these wraps at a gathering, try placing the chicken mixture in one large bowl surrounded by individual lettuce leaves on a platter. Everyone loves making their own wraps—it’s interactive and fun! For a casual dinner, I’ve even rolled them up like mini tacos and served them with chopsticks for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavor actually deepens a bit overnight, but the lettuce leaves are best fresh, so I keep those separate. When you’re ready to eat, just warm the chicken mix gently before assembling.

Freezing

Freezing works well for the chicken mixture—freeze it in portioned containers or freezer bags without the lettuce. When you want a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge, and it reheats beautifully on the stove or microwave without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

I prefer reheating in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or a lid on to keep the moisture locked in. This prevents drying out the chicken and keeps it tender. Avoid microwaving if possible because uneven heating can change the texture, but it’s fine in a pinch!

FAQs

  1. Can I use turkey or beef instead of chicken for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute and cooks similarly to chicken. Ground beef, while richer, also works but will change the flavor profile slightly. Adjust seasoning and cooking times accordingly.

  2. What’s the best lettuce to use for wrapping?

    Butter lettuce or Boston lettuce leaves are ideal because they’re large, tender, and flexible enough to hold the filling without tearing. Iceberg can also be used if you want extra crunch, but I find butter lettuce gives the best texture.

  3. How spicy is this recipe with Sriracha included?

    Adding 1 tablespoon of Sriracha gives a moderate spicy kick that most people find pleasant. You can reduce or omit it if you prefer mild flavors or increase slightly if you love heat—just taste as you go.

  4. Can I prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time?

    Yes! The chicken filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, which actually lets the flavors meld nicely. Just warm it up before assembling the wraps, and serve the lettuce fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe feels like a secret weapon in my cooking arsenal — it’s quick, fresh, and so satisfying. I love sharing it with friends because it’s approachable but impressive enough to wow. If you’re hunting for a dish that’s bursting with flavor but light enough to enjoy anytime, give this a try! You’ll be turning to it time and again, just like I do.

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Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 147 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian

Description

These Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a flavorful and healthy Asian-inspired appetizer or light meal featuring ground chicken cooked with aromatic garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce, served in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing crunch. Perfect for a quick dinner or entertaining, this recipe balances savory, sweet, and spicy elements with a satisfying texture from water chestnuts and green onions.


Ingredients

Units Scale

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 Mixture

  • 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)
  • Cooked white rice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, Sriracha (if using), and sesame oil until smooth and well combined.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook chicken: Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the chicken is opaque and nearly fully cooked through.
  4. Add sauce and finish cooking: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken mixture and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and the chicken to cook completely. Remove from heat and stir in sliced water chestnuts and green onions. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Serve: Spoon cooked white rice, if using, and a large scoop (about 1/4 cup) of the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Sriracha is optional; adjust the amount to your desired spice level or omit for a milder version.
  • Water chestnuts add crunch, but you can substitute with chopped celery for a similar texture.
  • If you prefer a lower sodium dish, ensure your soy sauce and hoisin sauce are low-sodium versions.
  • This recipe can be adapted using ground turkey or tofu for alternative proteins.
  • Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a more filling meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe with 2 lettuce leaves)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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