PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

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There’s something about PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps that makes me crave them on busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The combination of tender ground chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and the bold, savory-sweet sauce wrapped up in cool, crisp lettuce leaves hits every satisfying note. I first tried replicating them at home on a whim, and now they’ve become a weekly favorite—because not only are they delicious, they’re also surprisingly simple to make.

I love the balance this dish offers—light yet filling, indulgent but not heavy, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. It’s also incredibly fun to serve when I have guests over; everyone gets to build their own wraps, and it instantly turns into a lively, interactive meal. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find and the whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Let me show you why these homemade PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps deserve a permanent spot in your rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

This recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen, with a healthier and more budget-friendly twist. The sauce is rich, tangy, and sweet with just a little heat, coating every bite of chicken in flavor. You get texture from the crunchy water chestnuts and green onions, while the fresh lettuce adds a clean, crisp contrast.

Whether you’re cooking for one, meal-prepping lunches, or making appetizers for guests, these wraps deliver. They’re naturally low in carbs, customizable for dietary needs, and taste even better than takeout.

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What Kind of Lettuce Should I Use?

Romaine and butter lettuce are both great choices for these wraps. I personally prefer butter lettuce for its soft, cup-like shape and delicate flavor—it holds the filling well and doesn’t overpower the dish. Romaine is crispier and sturdier, which is great if you like a little crunch. Iceberg works too, but can be a bit more fragile.

Make sure to choose fresh, unblemished leaves and wash them well before serving. Keeping the lettuce chilled until just before assembly adds an extra crisp bite.

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Options for Substitutions

• Protein: Ground turkey or finely chopped tofu work just as well if you’re avoiding chicken.
• Sauce Base: Tamari or coconut aminos are great substitutes for soy sauce if you’re gluten-free.
• Water Chestnuts: Swap with chopped celery or jicama if you need a more accessible crunch.
• Sweetener: Instead of brown sugar, try honey or maple syrup for a natural alternative.
• Heat: Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or omit spice entirely to suit your preference.

With just a few tweaks, this recipe can be adapted for paleo, Whole30, or vegetarian diets—while still keeping its delicious essence.

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Ingredients for This PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

• Ground Chicken: The star of the dish. Choose lean ground chicken for a light yet flavorful base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami and saltiness—opt for low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Hoisin Sauce: Provides sweetness and richness; it’s key to replicating that PF Chang’s flavor profile.
• Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger bring sharpness and warmth to the dish.
• Green Onions: Offer freshness and a mild bite, used both in the filling and as a garnish.
• Water Chestnuts: These add signature crunch and a subtle sweetness that balances the bold sauce.
• Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way—it brings toasty, nutty depth to the filling.
• Rice Vinegar: Introduces a slight tang, rounding out the flavors of the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Balances the savory and acidic notes with a gentle sweetness.
• Sriracha or Red Chili Flakes (Optional): For that hint of heat that lingers just enough.
• Romaine or Butter Lettuce Leaves: Crisp and sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing.
• Cornstarch + Water Slurry: Used to thicken the sauce just enough to coat the chicken perfectly.

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Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and a pinch of sriracha or chili flakes if using. Stir in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water. Set aside—this mixture will bring the dish to life.

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Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no longer pink—about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess liquid if needed.

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Step 3: Add Aromatics

Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

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Step 4: Stir in Sauce and Simmer

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the meat.

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Step 5: Add Crunch

Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped water chestnuts and 2 chopped green onions. Stir to combine and cook for another minute just to heat everything through without losing that crunch.

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Step 6: Assemble the Wraps

Wash and pat dry the lettuce leaves. Spoon the warm chicken mixture into the center of each leaf. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

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Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately while warm. Let everyone build their own wraps—it makes for a fun, hands-on meal.

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How Long to Prepare the PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Prep Time: Most of the ingredients are quick-prep staples. Chopping the water chestnuts, green onions, garlic, and grating the ginger will take about 10-15 minutes. Washing and drying the lettuce leaves can be done while the chicken is cooking, saving time.

Cook Time: The actual cooking process is incredibly fast—about 10-12 minutes total. Cooking the chicken, sautéing the aromatics, and combining the sauce doesn’t require much simmering. Altogether, this dish can be on your table in under 25-30 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Chicken Lettuce Wraps

• Use fresh ginger and garlic for the boldest flavor.
• Don’t overcook the chicken—just until it’s no longer pink.
• Drain excess liquid from the skillet to keep the filling from getting soggy.
• Keep lettuce leaves chilled before serving for extra crunch.
• Taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken and adjust sweetness or saltiness to your preference.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using the wrong lettuce: Iceberg can be too brittle and fall apart easily. Stick with butter or romaine.
• Overloading the lettuce: It’s tempting to pack in the filling, but too much makes them messy and hard to eat.
• Skipping the sauce thickener: Without the cornstarch slurry, the sauce can be too runny and won’t cling properly.
• Not chopping water chestnuts finely: Large chunks disrupt the texture and make wrapping difficult.
• Cooking too far in advance: The filling is best served warm—reheating can dry out the meat.

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

1. Asian Cucumber Salad

A refreshing, tangy cucumber salad with sesame seeds and rice vinegar provides a cooling contrast.

2. Steamed Jasmine Rice

Serve wraps alongside rice to turn this into a heartier, complete meal.

3. Egg Drop Soup

A light, savory soup pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of the wraps.

4. Garlic Edamame

A simple side of sautéed edamame tossed in garlic and sea salt adds protein and crunch.

5. Vegetable Spring Rolls

Crispy, light, and packed with veggies, they complement the wraps without overpowering them.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store the chicken filling separately from the lettuce in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep lettuce in a sealed bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture.

Reheating: Reheat the filling in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts. Stir to keep the texture even.

Freezing: Not recommended—the texture of water chestnuts and lettuce doesn’t hold up well in freezing conditions.

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Estimated Nutrition (per wrap, assuming 6 wraps total)

• Calories: ~190
• Protein: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Sugars: 5g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fiber: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to keep lettuce wraps from falling apart?

Use two stacked leaves for extra support and avoid overfilling. Choose sturdy leaves like romaine or butter lettuce.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Reheat gently before serving.

Are these lettuce wraps gluten-free?

They can be—just use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

Can I use another protein instead of chicken?

Definitely! Ground turkey, pork, or tofu all work great as alternatives.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently. You control the spice level with sriracha or red pepper flakes. Leave them out for a mild version.

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Conclusion

PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps are more than just a quick, healthy dinner—they’re an explosion of texture and flavor that satisfies every craving. With easy-to-find ingredients and under 30 minutes from stove to table, this dish is a go-to for both busy weeknights and fun gatherings. Light yet bold, customizable, and undeniably addictive, it’s no surprise these wraps have become a favorite in my home—and soon, they’ll be one in yours too.

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