These PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a total game-changer when you’re craving something savory, satisfying, and a little bit spicy without feeling heavy. Inspired by the popular restaurant dish, these wraps are packed with flavor and come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impressive party starters.
Juicy ground chicken is sautéed with garlic, ginger, and green onions, then tossed in a sweet-savory sauce with hints of hoisin, soy, and sesame. Served in crisp lettuce cups and garnished with crunchy water chestnuts and fresh scallions, every bite delivers crunch and umami with a hint of heat.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Getting that PF Chang’s texture and taste at home is all about using the right tools:
- Large Nonstick Skillet or Wok: This ensures even cooking and a quick sear on the ground chicken, locking in flavor.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for breaking up the meat into small crumbles as it browns.
- Mixing Bowls: Needed for prepping the sauce and tossing everything together smoothly.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: Essential for finely dicing the green onions, garlic, and water chestnuts.
- Lettuce Separator or Salad Spinner: Crisp, dry lettuce is key for a sturdy wrap that won’t fall apart.
Using quality tools not only speeds up your prep but also keeps the ingredients at their freshest and tastiest.

Ingredients for the PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Every component in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering that signature flavor:
- Ground Chicken: The protein base that absorbs the sauce beautifully and offers a tender texture.
- Garlic & Ginger: These aromatics give the dish its deep, warm flavor and authentic Asian profile.
- Soy Sauce: Brings saltiness and umami to round out the sweetness of hoisin.
- Hoisin Sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce that adds richness and body.
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle adds incredible depth and nuttiness.
- Green Onions: Adds freshness and a sharp bite to cut through the savory elements.
- Water Chestnuts: Delivers crunch and a refreshing contrast to the meat.
- Romaine or Butter Lettuce: These leaves are sturdy enough to hold the filling yet tender for an easy bite.
- Rice Vinegar & Sriracha (optional): For added brightness and heat, if desired.
How To Make the PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and cook the ground chicken, breaking it into crumbles, until fully cooked and golden.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Stir in minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of sriracha (if using). Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture and stir to coat.
Step 4: Mix in Crunch
Add diced water chestnuts and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Spoon the warm filling into the lettuce leaves and top with the green parts of the onions. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Serving and Storing PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Serve these chicken lettuce wraps while the filling is still warm and the lettuce is crisp. They’re perfect for family-style dinners or appetizers at gatherings—just place the filling in a bowl alongside a plate of separated lettuce leaves so everyone can build their own.
To store, keep the cooked filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the lettuce separately to maintain freshness. Reheat the filling in a skillet or microwave before serving again. These also make excellent meal-prep options when kept in separate compartments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make this vegetarian?
Swap the ground chicken with finely chopped mushrooms or plant-based crumbles. The sauce remains the same and still packs a flavorful punch.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and still absorbs the sauce well while offering a leaner option.
What kind of lettuce works best?
Butter lettuce and romaine both work great. Butter lettuce offers a soft, foldable wrap, while romaine gives a crisp bite and holds more filling.
Is it spicy?
The base recipe isn’t too spicy, but you can increase the heat with more sriracha or even a dash of chili flakes.
Can I freeze the filling?
Yes! Let it cool completely and store it in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Are these gluten-free?
They can be! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and double-check your hoisin sauce to make sure it’s gluten-free.
Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?
If you loved these PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps, here are more flavorful meals you’ll want to try next:
- Longhorn Parmesan Chicken is comfort food at its finest.
- Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for an easy, set-it-and-forget-it dinner.
- One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese combines creamy pasta with crispy chicken.
- Smothered Chicken and Rice is a hearty Southern-inspired favorite.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini delivers a pasta night win with every bite.
Save This Recipe for Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you tweak the sauce? Add extra crunch? Swap the protein?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.
Looking for daily cooking inspiration? You can find even more of my recipes here on Pinterest @Life With Olivia.

PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fast, flavorful weeknight favorite packed with savory ground chicken, crisp water chestnuts, and a sweet-savory Asian-inspired sauce. Served in fresh lettuce cups and ready in under 30 minutes, these are perfect for easy dinners or party appetizers that feel restaurant-quality.
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
1/2 cup water chestnuts, diced
4 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
1 head romaine or butter lettuce, leaves separated and cleaned
1 tablespoon neutral oil (for cooking)
Instructions
1. Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil and cook the ground chicken, breaking it into small crumbles, until browned and fully cooked.
2. Add minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Pour this sauce over the chicken and stir well to coat.
4. Add the diced water chestnuts and cook for 2-3 more minutes until everything is combined and heated through. Remove from heat.
5. Spoon the mixture into individual lettuce leaves and garnish with green onion tops. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Make sure the lettuce is fully dry before serving so it stays crisp and doesn’t fall apart.
For extra crunch, toss in some chopped peanuts or cashews before serving.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an extra minute or two before removing from heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chicken Lettuce Wraps, PF Chang’s copycat, healthy dinner

