PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

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PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the kind of appetizer that steals the spotlight before the main course even hits the table. Savory ground chicken tossed with garlic, ginger, crisp water chestnuts, and a rich soy-based sauce is tucked into cool, crunchy lettuce cups for that perfect balance of warm and fresh in every bite.

What makes these wraps unforgettable is the contrast of textures and bold Asian-inspired flavors. They’re light enough for a quick lunch, impressive enough for entertaining, and satisfying enough to serve as a weeknight dinner. If you’ve ever craved that restaurant-style experience at home, this copycat version brings it straight to your kitchen.

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What Makes PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps So Irresistible?

The magic lies in the combination of finely chopped chicken, umami-packed sauce, and crisp lettuce leaves. Butter lettuce or iceberg creates a cool, refreshing shell that highlights the savory filling.

Another key element is texture. The diced water chestnuts add crunch, green onions bring brightness, and sesame oil ties everything together with a deep, nutty finish. Every ingredient plays a role in creating that signature flavor.

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Ingredients for PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ground Chicken
The star of the dish. Ground chicken cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully while keeping the filling tender.

Butter Lettuce or Iceberg Lettuce
These leaves act as the wrap. They provide crunch and a refreshing contrast to the warm filling.

Water Chestnuts
Finely chopped for added crunch and subtle sweetness.

Green Onions
They add freshness and a mild bite that balances the savory sauce.

Garlic
Essential for bold flavor and depth.

Fresh Ginger
Adds warmth and a slightly spicy undertone that enhances the Asian-inspired taste.

Soy Sauce
The base of the sauce, delivering salty, umami richness.

Hoisin Sauce
Provides a touch of sweetness and thickness to the filling.

Rice Vinegar
Balances the richness with mild acidity.

Sesame Oil
A finishing ingredient that gives a toasty, aromatic flavor.

Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
Used for sautéing the chicken and aromatics.

Salt and Black Pepper
Enhances and rounds out the overall flavor.

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How To Make the PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Prepare the Lettuce Cups

Carefully separate and wash the lettuce leaves. Pat them dry and set aside. Choose sturdy, cup-shaped leaves for easy filling.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Stir in minced garlic and fresh ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.

Step 4: Mix in the Crunch

Add the finely chopped water chestnuts and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture and stir well. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat and stir in sliced green onions. Spoon the warm chicken mixture into the prepared lettuce cups and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

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Serving and Storing PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Serve these wraps immediately while the filling is warm and the lettuce is crisp. Arrange them on a platter for parties or serve family-style so everyone can build their own.

For storage, keep the chicken filling and lettuce separate. Store the cooked filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet before serving. The lettuce should be washed and dried fresh for best texture.

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

Steamed Jasmine Rice

A simple side that complements the savory filling and turns this into a complete meal.

Fried Rice

Add extra flavor with a side of vegetable or chicken fried rice.

Asian Slaw

A crunchy cabbage slaw with sesame dressing enhances the fresh element of the wraps.

Dumplings or Potstickers

Perfect for entertaining and creating a full restaurant-style spread.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoy these PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps, you might also love:

• Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken for a Southern comfort classic: https://savorqueen.com/crispy-chicken-fried-chicken/
• Hawaiian-Style Huli Huli Chicken for sweet and savory island flavor: https://savorqueen.com/hawaiian-style-huli-huli-chicken/
• White Wine Parmesan Chicken for a creamy, elegant dinner: https://savorqueen.com/white-wine-parmesan-chicken/
• Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Copycat) for a cheesy, bacon-loaded favorite: https://savorqueen.com/alice-springs-chicken-outback-copycat/

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Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to make it again.

Tried adding a little extra spice or swapping in ground turkey? I’d love to hear how you made it your own—share your tips or questions in the comments.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on Savor Queen over on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mydelicioushomerecipes/. Your next favorite recipe might be waiting there.

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