PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wrap Copycat Recipe

PF Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wrap Copycat Recipe is one of my all-time favorites-and I'm bringing it to your kitchen with a healthy twist. Imagine juicy ground chicken infused with ginger, garlic, water chestnuts, and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, scooped into crisp lettuce cups.

Whether it's a quick dinner, a party platter, or meal-prep for the week, these wraps are fun, flavorful, and so good! 🥬✨

Why You'll Love This Copycat Version

• All the bold flavor of PF Chang's in a simple stovetop recipe
• Naturally gluten-free when made with tamari/coconut aminos
• Low in carbs and high in protein
• Ready in 20-30 minutes
• Customizable with veggies, sauces, and toppings
• Perfect for meal prep: make a big batch and freeze leftovers

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Copycat Version
• Recipe Ingredients
• How to Make Copycat PF Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Ingredient Substitutions and Alternatives
• The Best Lettuce for Lettuce Wraps
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Other Copycat Recipes to Try!
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments & Ratings

Recipe Ingredients

• 2 Pounds Ground Chicken
• 1 Can Water Chestnuts chopped
• 1 Sweet Onion chopped
• 6 Green Onions
• ½ Cup Tamari
• ¼ Cup Honey
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Ginger
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic minced
• 1 Tablespoon Sriracha 
• 3-4 Lettuce Cups per person for serving

How to Make Copycat PF Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Work
Chop the onion, green onions, garlic, ginger, and water chestnuts. Rinse and dry your lettuce cups so they're crisp.

Cook the Filling

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil (olive, avocado, or sesame) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground chicken, season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink (~5 min). Drain excess liquid.
3. Stir in onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add water chestnuts and green onions, toss gently.
5. In a small bowl, whisk tamari, honey, & sriracha. Pour into skillet and simmer 2-3 min until sauce thickens and coats everything.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add dash more sriracha for heat, honey for sweetness, or tamari for salt.

Build the Wraps
Serve the filling family-style with lettuce cups. Let everyone assemble their own-wrap taco-style or purse-style, whichever works best!

Ingredient Substitutions and Alternatives

One of the best things about this PF Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wrap Copycat Recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you're cooking with dietary needs in mind or simply working with what you have on hand, there are plenty of easy and delicious swaps to make this dish your own.

Protein Alternatives:
Ground chicken is lean and mild, making it a great base, but you can easily use ground turkey for an even leaner option, or ground pork if you prefer a richer, fattier flavor. Ground beef works too, though it will give the dish a heavier, more savory feel. If you're plant-based or just want a vegetarian version, crumbled tofu, tempeh, or finely chopped mushrooms are excellent substitutes. Mushrooms add an earthy umami that mimics meat surprisingly well.

Water Chestnuts:
These add a subtle crunch and refreshing texture, but if you don't have them or want to try something different, chopped celery, jicama, finely diced carrots, or even chopped raw cauliflower can be used. For a more savory flavor, try sautéed shiitake or button mushrooms.

Sweeteners:
Honey gives the sauce that classic sweet-savory balance. If you're vegan or just out of honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Coconut sugar also adds a deeper, almost caramel-like flavor.

Soy Sauce Substitutes:
Tamari is a great gluten-free option with rich umami flavor. For soy-free diets, coconut aminos are slightly sweeter but still deliver that salty depth. If you're using regular soy sauce, just be mindful of the sodium content-low-sodium versions are often best for balancing the sauce.

Aromatics (Ginger and Garlic):
Fresh is best for bold, vibrant flavor, but you can also use ginger paste, garlic paste, or even powdered versions in a pinch. If using dried garlic or ginger, use about one-third of the amount the recipe calls for.

Spicy Elements:
Sriracha brings just the right level of heat and acidity, but there are many ways to customize the spice. Swap it for chili garlic sauce, sambal oelek, or even a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes. To make it completely mild and kid-friendly, omit the spice altogether and let diners add heat individually.

Onions:
Sweet onions are mellow and caramelize beautifully, but yellow onions or shallots work too. Green onions add freshness and crunch-feel free to use chives or skip them if you're out.

Lettuce Wrap Options:
Of course, the lettuce is the vehicle for all that delicious filling, so keep reading for a deep dive on the best types to use.

The Best Lettuce for Lettuce Wraps

Choosing the right lettuce for wraps can totally change the experience. While it might seem like any leafy green will do, not all lettuces are created equal when it comes to structure, flavor, and wrap-ability. For the perfect PF Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wrap Copycat experience, you want a lettuce that is sturdy enough to hold the warm filling without tearing or wilting, but still soft and flexible enough to wrap or fold easily. It should also have a neutral, slightly sweet flavor that enhances rather than competes with the savory filling.

Butter lettuce (also called Bibb or Boston lettuce) is often the go-to for lettuce wraps. The leaves are tender, cup-shaped, and slightly sweet-perfect for holding a generous spoonful of chicken without breaking apart. They're soft enough to bite into but still hold their shape well, making them both practical and elegant. If you can't find butter lettuce, romaine is a fantastic alternative. The long, boat-like leaves are crisp and refreshing, though not quite as pliable. They're great for people who love crunch and want something a bit more refreshing. Iceberg lettuce is another classic, especially if you prefer a super crisp bite. It's great for hot fillings because it won't wilt easily, but its wide, flat leaves may require a little trimming to create manageable cups. For a more casual or rustic look, you can even use green leaf or red leaf lettuce, though they tend to be floppier and can tear more easily under pressure. Ultimately, the best lettuce comes down to your texture preference and how you plan to serve the wraps-whether you're building them ahead of time or letting guests make their own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this copycat recipe gluten‑free?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos and check for gluten in sauces like suiting fish or chili garlic sauces.

Can I freeze the filling?
Absolutely. Cool it, portion into freezer bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat.

What's the best lettuce for lettuce wraps?
Go with sturdy, wide-leaf types: butter, bibb, Boston, iceberg, or romaine-makes scooping easy.

What sauce is closest to PF Chang's?
A mix of soy/tamari, hoisin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha. Some top cooks add ketchup for umami or a potsticker-style sauce twist.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes-use crumbled tofu, mushrooms, or tempeh. Keep the sauce GF and vegetarian.

Kid-friendly modifications?
Cut back on sriracha, add extra honey, and leave sauce on the side so even pickier eaters can enjoy.

What to pair these wraps with?
Try cauliflower fried rice, cucumber salad, edamame, or Asian slaw for a full meal.

📖 Recipe