Crispy • Savory • 20-Minute Takeout Fakeout

If you crave the bold, savory flavor of PF Chang’s iconic Chicken Lettuce Wraps, this homemade version delivers everything you love — and honestly, even more. These lettuce wraps are:

✔ Fresh
✔ Crunchy
✔ Savory
✔ Slightly sweet
✔ Beautifully textured
✔ And shockingly FAST

It’s no wonder this is one of the most-ordered appetizers at PF Chang’s. But making it at home gives you a fresher flavor, better ingredients, more customization, and a much lower cost.

What sets this copycat version apart is the perfectly balanced sauce — a combination of soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger — plus the crisp bite from water chestnuts and the cool freshness of butter lettuce. It’s a restaurant-level experience with minimal effort.

Whether you’re hosting friends, prepping lunch for the week, or just craving something flavorful and light, this recipe delivers huge reward for surprisingly little work.

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⭐ Why These Lettuce Wraps Taste EXACTLY Like the Restaurant

PF Chang’s uses a very specific texture and flavor profile. This recipe recreates that by focusing on:

1. The Aromatics

Garlic + ginger + onion build the base, creating that distinctive umami, aromatic depth.

2. The Sweet/Savory Balance

The sauce blends soy, hoisin, rice vinegar, and a touch of sweetness to hit the exact flavor notes.

3. Water Chestnuts

These little cubes add the signature crunch PF Chang’s is known for. Don’t skip them!

4. Sesame Oil

Just a small amount brings authentic Asian flavor.

5. Fresh Butter Lettuce

Soft, cool leaves contrast beautifully with the warm filling.

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🛒 Ingredients (Expanded List + Notes)

Chicken Filling

• 1 lb ground chicken
  Lean but juicy — you can also use turkey or plant-based grounds.
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
  Adds deep flavor.
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained + finely chopped
  Essential for texture.
• 2 green onions, sliced

Signature PF Chang’s–Style Sauce

• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
  Sweet, sticky, essential.
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
  Low-sodium works great.
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional but recommended)
• 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce
  Adjust to your spice preference.
• ½ tsp cornstarch (optional)
  For a thicker restaurant-style glaze.

For Serving

• Butter lettuce cups
  PF Chang’s signature serving style.
• Lime wedges
• Extra green onions
• Sesame seeds (optional)

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🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (Greatly Expanded)

STEP 1 — Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and brown sugar.
Set aside — making the sauce first lets the flavors blend.

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STEP 2 — Cook the Aromatics

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add:

• diced onion
• minced garlic
• minced ginger

Cook 2–3 minutes, or until fragrant.
This is the foundation of the flavor — don’t rush it.

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STEP 3 — Brown the Ground Chicken

Add ground chicken to the aromatics. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until:

• no longer pink
• slightly browned
• moisture has evaporated

A little browning = major flavor.

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STEP 4 — Add Water Chestnuts + Green Onions

Stir in chopped water chestnuts. Cook 1–2 minutes.
Add green onions.

The texture will now resemble PF Chang’s filling.

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STEP 5 — Add the Sauce

Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer:

• 3–5 minutes if you like it saucy
• 5–7 minutes if you want a sticky glaze

If using cornstarch, add it now and simmer until thickened.

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STEP 6 — Assemble the Wraps

Scoop warm chicken mixture into fresh butter lettuce cups.
Top with:

• more green onions
• sesame seeds
• chili oil (optional)
• a squeeze of lime (amazing)

Serve immediately.

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🥗 Variations & Customizations

Make it spicy:

Add chili crisp, red pepper flakes, or extra sriracha.

Make it sweet:

Add pineapple tidbits or a drizzle of honey.

Lower carb version:

This dish is already low-carb — but use monk fruit instead of brown sugar.

Vegetarian version:

Use:

• plant-based ground meat
• or finely diced mushrooms + tofu

Tastes shockingly good with the same sauce.

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🧊 Storage, Meal Prep & Reheating

These wraps make phenomenal meal prep.

Storage

• Filling keeps 4–5 days
• Lettuce kept separately lasts 3–4 days

Reheating

Warm filling in a skillet or microwave until hot.
Do not reheat lettuce — serve cold and fresh.