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

Oh, you’re going to love making this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe at home—it’s seriously one of those dishes that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant but with the comfort of your own kitchen. What makes this recipe so special is how it perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a little bit of heat all wrapped up in crisp, refreshing lettuce leaves. I can tell you from experience, it’s a total crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting friends or just craving something beyond your usual weeknight dinner.

Plus, this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe works amazingly well if you want a light yet satisfying meal that’s quick to throw together. You’ll find that the grounded chicken mixed with crunchy water chestnuts and a tangy, umami-rich sauce makes every bite exciting—and it’s a fantastic way to sneak some veggies into the mix without it feeling like a chore.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients for this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe and why they really shine together. You’ll find that simple pantry staples like hoisin and soy sauce bring that unmistakable Asian-inspired flavor, while fresh aromatics like ginger and garlic elevate the dish to something special.

• Hoisin sauce: This adds a sweet and tangy depth that’s key to the authentic flavor.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: It gives a savory umami kick without being overpowering—low-sodium helps control saltiness.
• Rice wine vinegar: Adds just the right touch of acidity to balance the sauce.
• Sriracha (optional): For that little spicy kick—feel free to adjust or leave out if you don’t want heat.
• Sesame oil: A small amount packs big flavor with its nutty aroma.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: This is for sautéing; I like its mild flavor here, but you can use neutral oils too.
• Onion: Diced fresh onion brings sweetness and texture.
• Garlic: Minced for that fragrant punch I never skip.
• Freshly grated ginger: Trust me on this—fresh ginger makes all the difference.
• Ground chicken: Lean and light, it’s the perfect base for the filling.
• Canned water chestnuts: Adds that delightful crunch to each bite.
• Green onions: Fresh slices bring brightness to the finished dish.
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning to your taste.
• Large leafy lettuce: Butter lettuce or iceberg work best—it’s all about sturdy, crisp cups for wrapping.
• Cooked white rice (optional): A great addition if you want to make the meal heartier.

Variations

I love that this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is easy to tweak based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Over time, I’ve played around with different proteins and even added fun mix-ins to make it my own.

• Swap the protein: I’ve made it with ground turkey and even tofu crumbles for a vegetarian twist, and it still turned out delicious.
• Extra crunch: Adding finely chopped peanuts or cashews gives a lovely nutty texture that my family can’t resist.
• Spice it up: If you love heat like I do, feel free to double the Sriracha or toss in some fresh chili flakes.
• Gluten-free version: Use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce, and make sure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free (many brands offer this now).

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

Step 1: Whisk together the tasty sauce

This is where the magic begins! In a small bowl, I like to whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, Sriracha (if using), and sesame oil until it’s well combined. This sauce is packed with layers of flavor and acts as the perfect glaze for the chicken later on. Preparing it ahead saves time once you start cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics and chicken

Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it turns soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger—these little bursts of flavor really wake up the dish. Next, add your ground chicken and cook it, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s no longer pink and mostly cooked through. I find cooking it at a steady medium-high temperature helps keep the meat juicy.

Step 3: Add the sauce and finishing touches

Pour the sauce you made earlier over the chicken and stir well, letting it cook for another 1–2 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and coats the meat beautifully. Turn off the heat, then gently fold in the drained and sliced water chestnuts and thinly sliced green onions. At this point, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste—be sure to give it a quick taste test.

Step 4: Assemble and serve

Now for the fun part—spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture (about 1/4 cup) into the center of each crisp lettuce leaf. If you’re hungry or want a more filling meal, I love adding some cooked white rice underneath for a little extra comfort. Serve these wraps immediately to enjoy that perfect contrast of warm filling and cold, crunchy lettuce.

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

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some extra sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the wraps before serving—they add freshness and a subtle crunch that takes this dish over the top. Sometimes, if I want a little more zing, a few sprigs of cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice work beautifully as well.

Side Dishes

For a full meal, I like pairing these lettuce wraps with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad to complement the flavors without overpowering them. If you want to keep it light, a bowl of miso soup or some edamame make perfect accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the lettuce cups on a large platter surrounded by colorful garnishes—think shredded carrots, sliced radishes, and little dipping bowls with extra sauce. It makes it feel so festive and encourages everyone to dig in family-style, which is always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find the chicken mixture holds up well for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate and crisp by wrapping them in paper towels inside a zip-top bag—this way, nothing gets soggy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the filling, I recommend doing so before adding the water chestnuts and green onions, as they lose their crunch when frozen. Freeze the cooked chicken mixture in a sealed container for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the filling gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can—it sometimes toughens the meat. Add fresh water chestnuts and green onions after reheating for that fresh crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe turns out every time—it’s like bringing a little favorite restaurant into my own kitchen. It strikes that beautiful balance between flavor and freshness that makes you want to take bite after bite. Next time you need a dish that’s quick, fun, and impressively tasty, give this a try—I promise you’ll enjoy the process almost as much as the finished wraps!

Print