Intro: A Little Bite That Started an Obsession

The very first time I tasted PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps, I remember sitting in the restaurant thinking, How can something so light be this satisfying? Crisp lettuce snapping between my fingers, warm savory chicken piled into the center, that unmistakable umami-rich sauce clinging to every bite—it was love at first wrap.

As a home cook and chef, I immediately went into detective mode. I wanted to recreate that magic in my own kitchen, not just copy it, but truly understand it.

This PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is my lovingly tested, weeknight-friendly version that still delivers all the bold flavor you expect.

It’s fast, it’s fun, and it smells absolutely incredible while cooking—ginger and garlic blooming in the pan, soy sauce caramelizing slightly, chicken sizzling just enough to make you impatient.

If you’ve ever wanted restaurant-quality lettuce wraps without leaving home, you’re in the right place.

What Is PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe?

At its heart, PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe is a savory stir-fry served not on a plate, but cradled in crisp lettuce cups. Ground chicken is cooked with garlic, ginger, green onions, and water chestnuts, then coated in a glossy, slightly sweet, deeply savory sauce.

Each spoonful is tucked into cool butter lettuce, creating that perfect contrast of warm and cold, soft and crunchy.

What makes this dish special is balance. It’s not heavy, yet it’s incredibly satisfying. It’s bold but not overpowering. And while it feels fancy enough for guests, it’s secretly one of the easiest meals you can make at home.

Equipment List

You don’t need anything fancy—just a few trusty kitchen staples:

Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Small bowl (for sauce)
Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

These ingredients are simple, but together they create that signature flavor:

1 pound ground chicken
2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or vegetable)
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 cup water chestnuts, finely chopped
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves, washed and dried

Optional add-ins:

Red chili flakes or chili garlic sauce for heat
Finely diced mushrooms for extra umami
Crushed peanuts or cashews for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, stirring constantly until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Your kitchen should already smell amazing.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the ground chicken to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains and the edges start to brown slightly. That browning is flavor—don’t rush it.

Step 3: Make It Saucy

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 4: Add Crunch and Freshness

Stir in the chopped water chestnuts and green onions. If you like a thicker sauce, sprinkle in cornstarch and simmer for 1–2 minutes until glossy and rich.

Step 5: Get Ready to Wrap

Remove from heat and let the mixture rest for a minute. Spoon warm chicken into cool lettuce cups and get ready to eat immediately.

Savoring Every Bite: Flavor & Texture

This is where the magic really happens. The chicken is juicy and savory, the sauce is slightly sweet with deep umami notes, and the lettuce adds that refreshing crunch that keeps every bite exciting. It’s light, but not lacking—comfort food without the heaviness.

Tips From My Kitchen

Chop everything finely for the best texture.
Don’t overcook the chicken—it should stay tender.
Taste the sauce before adding it all; adjust sweetness or salt to your liking.
Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Fun Ways to Mix It Up

Swap chicken for ground turkey or finely chopped shrimp.
Add diced bell peppers for color and sweetness.
Make it spicy with sriracha or sambal oelek.
Turn it into a rice bowl if lettuce isn’t your thing.

How to Enjoy It: Serving Inspiration

I love serving these lettuce wraps family-style, with a big bowl of chicken in the center and a platter of lettuce leaves on the side. They’re perfect as an appetizer, a light dinner, or even party food—everyone builds their own.

Keeping PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Fresh

Store leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet. Always store lettuce separately so it stays crisp.

Your Questions Answered

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Just reheat the chicken and assemble fresh.

Is this gluten-free? Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin.

What lettuce works best? Butter lettuce is classic, but iceberg works great too.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

This PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe hits that sweet spot between healthy and indulgent. It’s fast, flexible, and full of flavor—and every time I make it, I’m reminded why I fell in love with it in the first place.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you serve it. Did you spice it up? Add your own twist? Share your version and let’s keep the lettuce wrap love going!

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