PF Chang-Inspired Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Looking for a PF Chang-inspired lettuce wraps recipe that actually tastes like the real thing? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re craving that savory, slightly sweet chicken filling wrapped in crisp butter lettuce or you just want a quick weeknight dinner that feels fancy, this copycat PF Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps recipe delivers.

My PF Chang-Inspired Lettuce Wraps Story

So here’s the thing. About three years ago, my husband and I had this tradition. Every Friday night, we’d order PF Chang’s lettuce wraps. Like clockwork. The kids would be at grandma’s, and we’d sit on the couch with those little lettuce cups and just… decompress.

Then the nearest PF Chang’s closed. Just like that. Gone.

I moped around for a week. Dramatic? Maybe. But those wraps meant something to us. So I did what any reasonable person would do. I spent the next month trying to recreate them. Burned through about four pounds of chicken and way too much soy sauce. My kitchen smelled like a wok for weeks.

But I cracked it. And honestly? This version might be better. It’s definitely fresher. And I can make double the amount for half the price.

Why This PF Chang-Inspired Lettuce Wraps Recipe Wins

Let me tell you why these easy homemade lettuce wraps beat ordering out:

• Ready in 25 minutes. Faster than delivery, honestly.
• You control the ingredients. Want it less salty? Done. Need a gluten-free lettuce wraps recipe? Swap the soy sauce for tamari.
• It’s actually healthy. These healthy chicken lettuce wraps pack protein without the heavy carbs.
• Impressive but easy. People think you spent hours. You didn’t.
• Customizable. Kids hate water chestnuts? Leave them out. Nobody’s judging.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything for this best PF Chang lettuce wraps copycat:

For the Chicken Filling

• 1 pound ground chicken – The star. Ground turkey works too if that’s what you’ve got.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Gives that authentic Asian flavor. Don’t skip this.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – For cooking. Neutral flavor lets everything else shine.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is non-negotiable here.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced – Adds brightness. Jarred ginger works in a pinch.
• 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and diced – That signature crunch.
• 4 green onions, chopped – Reserve some green parts for topping.

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce – Or tamari for gluten-free.
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce – Sweet and savory magic.
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar – Cuts through the richness.
• 2 teaspoons sriracha – Adjust to your heat preference.
• 1 teaspoon sugar – Balances everything out.

For Serving

• 1 head butter lettuce – Bibb lettuce works great too. You want cups, not flat leaves.

How I Make PF Chang-Inspired Lettuce Wraps

Here’s my tried-and-true method for these Asian chicken lettuce wraps. Trust me on the order of operations here.

Step 1: Make the Sauce First

Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin, rice wine vinegar, sriracha, and sugar in a small bowl. Set it aside. This takes 30 seconds and means you won’t be scrambling later.

Step 2: Prep Your Lettuce

Carefully separate the lettuce leaves. Rinse them. Pat dry. Cold lettuce is key – it stays crisp against the hot filling. I stick mine in the fridge while I cook.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken. Break it up with your spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Don’t

move it around too much at first – you want some browning.

Step 4: Add the Aromatics

Push the chicken to one side. Add sesame oil to the empty space. Toss in garlic and ginger. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds. Your kitchen is going to smell incredible right now. Mix everything together.

Step 5: Add Water Chestnuts and Sauce

Stir in the water chestnuts. Pour the sauce over everything. Add most of the green onions (save some for garnish). Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats everything and reduces slightly.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the filling into lettuce cups. Top with remaining green onions. Serve immediately while the filling is hot and the lettuce is cold.\

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or wok
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Small bowl for mixing sauce
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons

Tips That Make a Difference

After making this quick PF Chang copycat recipe about a hundred times, here’s what I’ve learned:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. If your skillet isn’t big enough, cook the chicken in batches. Crowding leads to steaming instead of browning.
• Fresh ginger matters. Powdered just isn’t the same. It’s worth the extra minute to mince fresh.
• Get your lettuce cold. Like, really cold. The temperature contrast is half the appeal.
• Taste before serving. Need more heat? Add sriracha. Too salty? A squeeze of lime helps.
• Dice the water chestnuts small. You want crunch in every bite, not big chunks.

Easy Variations for Your PF Chang-Inspired Lettuce Wraps

This recipe is more of a template. Play with it.

Protein Swaps

• Ground pork – Traditional and delicious
• Ground turkey – Leaner option
• Crumbled tofu – For vegetarian version, press it dry first
• Shrimp – Dice it small, cooks in 3 minutes

Add-Ins

• Shiitake mushrooms – Earthy depth
• Bamboo shoots – Extra crunch
• Shredded carrots – Color and sweetness
• Diced bell peppers – More texture

Sauce Tweaks

• Swap sriracha for sambal oelek for different heat
• Add a tablespoon of peanut butter for Thai-inspired flavor
• Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for Whole30

Storage and Reheating

Good news: the filling keeps well. Bad news: the lettuce doesn’t.

Storing: Keep the chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s good for 3-4 days. Store lettuce separately – wrap it in paper towels inside a plastic bag.

Reheating: Warm the filling in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water if it seems dry. Microwave works but you’ll lose some texture. Takes about 2-3 minutes either way.

Meal prep tip: Make a double batch of the filling on Sunday. Use it throughout the week in lettuce wraps, rice bowls, or even tacos.

FAQs About PF Chang-Inspired Lettuce Wraps

What makes PF Chang’s lettuce wraps so good?

The magic is in the balance. Sweet hoisin, savory soy sauce, the heat from sriracha, and that crunch from water chestnuts. Plus the contrast between hot filling and cold lettuce. This copycat PF Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps nails all of that.

Can I make these lettuce wraps ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make the filling up to 3 days ahead. Prep the lettuce a few hours before serving. Just don’t combine them until you’re ready to eat.

How do I make this a gluten-free lettuce wraps recipe?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check your hoisin sauce label. Some brands contain gluten, some don’t. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.

What can I use instead of butter lettuce?

Bibb lettuce is the closest substitute. Iceberg works but it’s less flavorful. Romaine hearts can work in a pinch – use the inner leaves. Some people use cabbage cups or even endive for smaller bites.

How many calories are in these healthy chicken lettuce wraps?

About 180-200 calories per serving (2-3 lettuce cups with filling). It’s a lighter option compared to most takeout. Using lean ground chicken and skipping the rice keeps it reasonable.

Final Note

Look, I get it. Sometimes you just want to order takeout. But this PF Chang-inspired lettuce wraps recipe? It’s one of those dishes that’s actually easier to make at home. Twenty-five minutes, start to finish. Fresh ingredients you can see and taste. And honestly, it’s become our new Friday night tradition. No delivery fees, no waiting, no disappointment when the order gets messed up.

Give this one a shot. Your wallet and your taste buds will thank you.

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