This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps are one of those restaurant recipes that people order again and again for good reason. Crisp lettuce cups filled with savory chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, green onions, and a sweet-savory hoisin sauce create the perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite.
The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make at home. This copycat recipe comes together in about 30 minutes using simple grocery store ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving takeout without the extra cost. The chicken filling is packed with the signature flavors you expect from the restaurant version, and the fresh lettuce keeps every bite light, crisp, and satisfying.
If you love restaurant-inspired Asian recipes, be sure to try my Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, Mongolian Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken Bowl, and Honey Walnut Shrimp next.
Before You Begin
✨ Use butter lettuce if possible: Butter lettuce has soft, flexible leaves that closely mimic the lettuce cups served at PF Chang’s. Romaine works in a pinch, but butter lettuce creates the best restaurant-style presentation.
✨ Dice the water chestnuts finely: Small, evenly diced water chestnuts distribute throughout the filling and give every bite that signature crunch without overwhelming the chicken.
✨ Mix the sauce before you start cooking: Once the chicken is cooked, this recipe comes together quickly. Having the sauce ready to pour in makes the process smooth and prevents overcooking.
✨ Serve warm filling with cold lettuce: The contrast between the hot, savory chicken mixture and the crisp, chilled lettuce is one of the things that makes these lettuce wraps so irresistible.
✨ Don’t skip the hoisin sauce: Hoisin provides the sweet-savory flavor that’s essential to recreating PF Chang’s famous lettuce wraps at home.
Ingredients + Key Notes
Ground Chicken: Lean ground chicken creates the closest flavor and texture to PF Chang’s famous lettuce wraps. Ground turkey can be substituted, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Butter Lettuce: Soft, tender butter lettuce leaves make the best lettuce cups and are closest to what you’ll find at the restaurant. Romaine lettuce can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
Hoisin Sauce: This sweet-savory sauce is the foundation of the filling and provides much of the signature PF Chang’s flavor. Don’t skip it or substitute it if possible.
Soy Sauce: Adds salty, umami depth and balances the sweetness of the hoisin sauce. I prefer low-sodium soy sauce so the filling doesn’t become overly salty.
Mirin: A lightly sweet Japanese rice wine that adds complexity and helps create that restaurant-style flavor.
Fresh Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics give the filling its bold flavor. Fresh ginger is especially important here and makes a noticeable difference compared to dried.
Water Chestnuts: Water chestnuts add the classic crunch that makes lettuce wraps so satisfying. Be sure to dice them finely so they distribute evenly throughout the filling.
Green Onions: Some are stirred into the filling while the rest are sprinkled on top for freshness and color.
Sriracha: Just a small amount adds balance and depth without making the filling spicy.
🥣 How to Make PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps
Cook the chicken. Heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Make the sauce. While the chicken cooks, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, ginger, Sriracha, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl until smooth.
Finish the filling. Stir the diced water chestnuts and sliced green onions into the skillet. Pour in the sauce mixture and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. The filling should be glossy and flavorful with very little liquid remaining in the pan.
Assemble the lettuce wraps. Arrange the lettuce leaves on a serving platter and spoon the warm chicken mixture into each leaf. Top with the remaining green onions and shredded carrots, then serve immediately while the lettuce is crisp and the filling is hot.
⭐ Pro Tips
✨ Use fresh butter lettuce whenever possible: Butter lettuce creates the most authentic PF Chang’s-style lettuce cups because the leaves are tender, flexible, and naturally cup-shaped.
✨ Finely dice the water chestnuts: Smaller pieces distribute throughout the filling more evenly, giving you that signature crunch in every bite.
✨ Don’t rush the sauce: Let the filling simmer for a few minutes after adding the sauce so it thickens and coats the chicken instead of pooling in the bottom of the pan.
✨ Serve the lettuce cold: Chilled lettuce creates the perfect contrast to the warm, savory chicken filling and helps keep the wraps crisp.
✨ Set out extra hoisin sauce: A small bowl of hoisin sauce on the side lets everyone customize their wraps and adds even more of that restaurant-style flavor.
✨ Assemble just before serving: For the best texture, keep the filling and lettuce separate until you’re ready to eat. This prevents the lettuce from becoming soggy.
Storing + Reheating + Freezing + Make-Ahead
Storing: Store leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate so they stay crisp and fresh.
Reheating: Warm the filling in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much in the refrigerator, add a splash of water while reheating.
Freezing: The filling freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves separately, then assemble the wraps just before serving for the best texture.
If you love restaurant-inspired Asian recipes, be sure to try my Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, Mongolian Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken Bowl, and Honey Walnut Shrimp next.
What to Serve with PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps
Thai Peanut Noodles – Creamy peanut sauce and tender noodles make a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with these savory lettuce wraps.
Dragon Noodles – Sweet, savory, and packed with bold flavor, these easy noodles make a perfect takeout-inspired side dish.
Beef Chow Mein – Tender beef, vegetables, and noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce create a hearty companion to these lighter lettuce wraps.
Asian Green Beans – Crisp-tender green beans with plenty of garlic and Asian-inspired flavor make an easy vegetable side.
Shrimp Lo Mein – Loaded with shrimp, vegetables, and tender noodles, this restaurant-style favorite turns dinner into a complete feast.
Frequently Asked Questions
◆ What is in PF Chang’s lettuce wraps?
PF Chang’s lettuce wraps are made with ground chicken, water chestnuts, green onions, and a savory sauce served in crisp lettuce cups. This copycat version recreates those signature flavors using hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of Sriracha.
◆ What kind of lettuce is best for lettuce wraps?
Butter lettuce is the best choice because the leaves are naturally soft, flexible, and cup-shaped. Bibb lettuce is another excellent option. Romaine lettuce can work in a pinch, though the leaves are less delicate.
◆ Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works very well in this recipe and absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully. The flavor will be slightly different from the restaurant version, but still delicious.
◆ Can I make PF Chang’s lettuce wraps ahead of time?
Yes. The filling can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat the filling before serving and keep the lettuce separate until you’re ready to assemble the wraps.
◆ Are PF Chang’s lettuce wraps spicy?
Not really. The small amount of Sriracha adds flavor and balance more than heat. If you’d like a spicier version, add extra Sriracha or serve with chili garlic sauce on the side.
◆ Can I freeze the filling?
Yes. Let the filling cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Still have questions? Drop them in the comments—I love helping you cook with confidence! 💗
More Asian-Inspired Favorites
Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken – Tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory sauce come together in one easy sheet pan dinner.
Empress Chicken – Crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce that’s perfect for takeout cravings at home.
Szechuan Beef – Bold flavors and a little heat make this restaurant-inspired beef dish a family favorite.
Hibachi Chicken – Simple ingredients and classic Japanese steakhouse flavors make this an easy weeknight dinner.
Ground Turkey Stir Fry – Loaded with vegetables and a savory sauce, this lighter stir fry is perfect for busy nights.
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how your PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps turned out! Leave a comment and a star rating below to let me know what you think.
Did you stick with the classic chicken version, or try it with turkey? Did you serve it with extra hoisin sauce on the side? I always enjoy hearing how you make these recipes your own.
And if you haven’t already, subscribe to my newsletter for more easy family-friendly dinners, comfort food favorites, and copycat recipes delivered straight to your inbox.
If you snapped a photo, be sure to tag me on Instagram @gonna_want_seconds so I can see your delicious creation. Seeing your recipes come to life in your kitchens absolutely makes my day!
Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today—happy cooking, friends! ❤️ Kathleen
PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 8 ounces water chestnuts drained and diced
Lettuce and Toppings:
- 6 green onions thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine
Instructions
- In a 12-inch skillet, add vegetable oil (1 tablespoons), sesame oil (1 tablespoons), and saute the onion (1 cup) and garlic (4 cloves) until they begin to soften. Add chicken (1 pound) and cook, crumbling as it cooks, until it's browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the water chestnuts (8 ounces) and green onions (4 sliced) to the skillet. In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce (1/4 cup), soy sauce (2 tablespoons), rice vinegar (1 tablespoon), mirin (1 tablespoon), grated ginger (1 tablespoon), Sriracha (1 teaspoon), cornstarch (1 teaspoon), and water (1 tablespoon). Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- When ready to serve, spoon about 1/4 cup of filling into the center of each lettuce leaf. Garnish with the remaining green onions (4 sliced) and shredded carrots (1/2 cup).
Fans Also Made:
Notes
- The Meat: Ground chicken is my first choice to use in this recipe. I love the way it tastes in the filling. Fortunately, it’s become relatively easy to find at most supermarkets. If for some reason it’s not available in your area, you can always grind your own or chop very finely chop it.
- Try using turkey as a substitute if you want to mix it up. Turkey lettuce wraps will taste significantly different, but really delicious, in another way.
- In my ever so humble opinion, chicken and turkey are really the only acceptable meats for this dish. They’re both types of meat that are light and mild—they’ll absorb the flavor of the sauce nicely. Other meats are just too rich to blend in well.
- Truthfully, in this recipe, the chicken is really just a method for consuming the amazing sauce. It’s like a delivery truck for delicious. So don’t worry too much about prepping the chicken “just right.” You don’t need to make it fancy or use crazy spices. Just make up solid ground chicken (or turkey), and let the sauce do the rest.
- Use fresh butter lettuce whenever possible: Butter lettuce creates the most authentic PF Chang's-style lettuce cups because the leaves are tender, flexible, and naturally cup-shaped.
- Finely dice the water chestnuts: Smaller pieces distribute throughout the filling more evenly, giving you that signature crunch in every bite.
- Don't rush the sauce: Let the filling simmer for a few minutes after adding the sauce so it thickens and coats the chicken instead of pooling in the bottom of the pan.
- Serve the lettuce cold: Chilled lettuce creates the perfect contrast to the warm, savory chicken filling and helps keep the wraps crisp.
- Set out extra hoisin sauce: A small bowl of hoisin sauce on the side lets everyone customize their wraps and adds even more of that restaurant-style flavor.
- Assemble just before serving: For the best texture, keep the filling and lettuce separate until you're ready to eat. This prevents the lettuce from becoming soggy.
Nutrition
Leave a Reply