These PF Chang’s–inspired lettuce wraps bring together savory ground chicken, crisp water chestnuts, and a flavorful sauce in fresh butter lettuce leaves. They’re light, satisfying, and perfect as an appetizer or a quick dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes just like the restaurant version
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
- Low-carb and gluten-free adaptable
- Fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor
- Great for meal prep or party appetizers

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Sauce
¼ cup hoisin sauce
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sriracha
1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Lettuce Wraps
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 pound ground chicken
¼ cup finely diced onion
2 teaspoons freshly minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
8 ounces water chestnuts, drained and diced (1 can)
¼ cup thinly sliced green onions
1 head butter lettuce, for serving
Directions
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sriracha, and cornstarch. Set aside, whisking again before use if needed.
- Cook the chicken: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add aromatics: Stir in diced onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until onions soften.
- Add sauce: Pour the sauce into the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken. Cook for 1 minute, adding up to ¼ cup water if it thickens too quickly.
- Finish the filling: Stir in water chestnuts and green onions. Remove from heat.
- Assemble: Spoon the chicken mixture into butter lettuce leaves and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy: Increase sriracha or add red pepper flakes.
- Protein swap: Use ground turkey, pork, or beef.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu.
- Crunch boost: Top with shredded carrots or bean sprouts.
Storage/Reheating
- Store filling separately from lettuce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat filling in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- Not recommended to freeze, as lettuce will wilt.

FAQs
1. Can I use iceberg lettuce instead of butter lettuce?
Yes, iceberg works well for extra crunch.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and gluten-free hoisin sauce.
3. How do I keep lettuce crisp?
Wash and dry thoroughly, then store wrapped in paper towels in the fridge until serving.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet to avoid overcrowding.
5. What can I serve with lettuce wraps?
Fried rice, Asian slaw, or steamed edamame are great options.
6. Can I prep the filling ahead of time?
Yes, make the filling up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving.
7. Do water chestnuts add flavor?
They add mild flavor but mostly give a nice crunch.
8. Can I skip the sriracha?
Yes, but it adds a subtle heat—replace with chili paste if desired.
9. What’s the best lettuce for wraps?
Butter lettuce for tenderness or iceberg for crunch.
10. Can I use pre-minced garlic and ginger?
Yes, but fresh gives the best flavor.
Conclusion
These PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps are fresh, flavorful, and easy to make at home. Perfect as a light dinner or appetizer, they’re endlessly adaptable and sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Print
PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
PF Chang’s–style lettuce wraps made with savory ground chicken, crisp water chestnuts, and a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce, served in fresh butter lettuce leaves for a light, satisfying meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sriracha
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1 pound ground chicken
1/4 cup finely diced onion
2 teaspoons freshly minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
8 ounces water chestnuts, drained and diced (1 can)
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 head butter lettuce, for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sriracha, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in diced onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 3–4 minutes until onions soften.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken. Cook for 1 minute, adding up to 1/4 cup water if it thickens too quickly.
- Stir in water chestnuts and green onions. Remove from heat.
- Spoon chicken mixture into butter lettuce leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Iceberg lettuce can be substituted for butter lettuce for extra crunch.
- Prep the filling ahead and reheat before serving for quick meals.
- Increase sriracha or add red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg