Copycat PF Chang's Lettuce Wraps

These lettuce wraps are one of the most popular appetizers at PF Chang's, and for good reason. Savory, seasoned ground chicken gets stir-fried with an incredible combination of Asian sauces and crunchy water chestnuts, then spooned into crisp butter lettuce cups. They are light, flavorful, and so fun to eat. This homemade version comes together in about 20 minutes flat.

Why You will Love This Recipe

Incredibly savory and packed with umami flavor

Light and fresh thanks to the crispy lettuce cups

Ready in about 20 minutes

Perfect as an appetizer or a light main course

The crunchy water chestnuts add the best texture contrast

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings (about 12 wraps)

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling

1 pound ground chicken

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and diced

3 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)

For the Sauce

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon sugar

For Serving

1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated and washed

Sliced green onions for garnish

Sesame seeds

Extra sriracha or soy sauce

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sugar. Set the sauce aside.

Heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil together in a large skillet or wok over high heat. The pan should be very hot before you add anything.

Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, for about 4 to 5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Make sure to break the meat into small, fine pieces for the best texture in the lettuce cups.

Push the chicken to the sides of the pan and add the garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions to the center. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir everything together.

Add the diced water chestnuts and pour the sauce over the chicken. Toss everything together and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is absorbed and the chicken is glazed and slightly sticky.

Spoon the chicken mixture into crisp butter lettuce cups. Garnish with sliced green onion tops and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with extra sriracha or soy sauce on the side.

Kelvin Tips

Cook the chicken over high heat and do not stir it constantly. Let it sit and develop some color before breaking it up. This gives the meat better flavor and texture instead of steaming it.

Water chestnuts are non-negotiable in this recipe. They add a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken. Do not skip them.

Butter lettuce is the best choice for the cups because the leaves are naturally cup-shaped, sturdy enough to hold the filling, and tender enough to eat easily.

For extra crunch, add a handful of diced jicama or chopped peanuts on top right before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, about 3 wraps)

Calories: 310

Protein: 26g

Fat: 16g

Carbohydrates: 16g

Fiber: 2g

Sodium: 820mg