Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Authentic PF Chang’s Copycat)

There are dozens of copycat PF Chang’s lettuce wraps recipes, but this is the best chicken lettuce wrap recipe out there! Don’t skip the crunchy rice noodles, they’re the secret weapon that takes these wraps from good to crave-worthy. Juicy ground chicken, savory garlic and ginger, and a simple, bold sauce! Yummm!

Years ago, we were all about the lettuce wraps at PF Chang’s and naturally decided we needed to make them at home. Our first go at it was loaded with all kinds of Asian-inspired extras like hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, shredded carrots, mushrooms, and chopped water chestnuts. Delicious? Absolutely. A true copycat? Not even close.

The more we ate them and dug into what PF Chang’s actually uses, the more we realized the magic is in the simplicity. Just a handful of ingredients and no veggies at all. So we stripped things way back, ditched the extras, and landed on a version that’s simple, bold, and much closer to the real deal. Sometimes less really is more, especially when lettuce wraps are involved.

Ingredients for Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

I used to be so intimidated when it came to Asian recipes because the ingredients list can be so long and slightly overwhelming, not to mention hard to find and items you only use once in a blue moon. Well, this is NOT a recipe like that! Here is what you will need:

• Rice Noodles: Don’t skip these. They fry up quickly and add an irresistible crunch to the lettuce wraps that really makes the dish.
• Oil: Vegetable oil or canola oil both work great for cooking the chicken and noodles evenly.
• Ground Chicken: See section below for possible substitutes, but you can keep these lettuce wraps super healthy by using lean ground chicken.
• Vegetable Oil + Sesame Oil: This combo creates the perfect flavor base. Sesame oil is essential for that classic Asian-inspired taste.
• Garlic: Adds bold, savory flavor to the filling.
• Green Onions: Bring freshness and a mild onion bite.
• Soy Sauce: Low sodium is best so you can control the salt level. Feel free to substitute for coconut aminos for a gluten-free option!
• Fresh Ginger: Fresh is strongly recommended for the best flavor, though dried can work in a pinch.
• Iceberg or Butter Lettuce: Both hold up well for wraps and stay crisp without tearing. You could also use romaine hearts though they can be hard to wrap around the filling.

The measurements for all the ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Protein Substitutes

We’ve found that it’s far easier and faster to use ground chicken because you can use your meat chopper and leave it in minced sized pieces versus the hassle of chopping up chicken thighs. However, that being said, chicken thighs do offer more flavor so it’s up to you.

You could also chop up chicken breasts into little bits before cooking or use ground beef, pork, or even tofu as substitutes as well.

How to Make Lettuce Wraps

Ready to bring restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen? This chicken lettuce wraps recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with bold Asian-inspired taste.

1. Fry: Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until hot, then add a small handful of rice noodles. They will puff and fry instantly, so flip once, remove right away, and set aside on a napkin-lined plate.
2. Brown: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable and sesame oils, then add the ground chicken and cook, stirring and crumbling, until nearly cooked through.
3. Flavor: Add the garlic, ginger, green onions, and soy sauce. Stir well and cook just until fragrant, then remove from heat.
4. Assemble: Spoon the chicken mixture into crisp lettuce leaves and top with the fried rice noodles. Add sweet chili sauce or sriracha if you like a little heat, then serve and enjoy.

How to Peel Fresh Ginger

If you’re new to fresh ginger, peeling it is easier than you think. While a paring knife works, it often wastes ginger, so I prefer using a spoon. Simply trim the ends, set it flat on a cutting board, and scrape off the skin using the spoon. It comes right off with minimal loss.

For grating, use a microplane or the finest side of a box grater so the ginger becomes almost paste-like and blends seamlessly into the dish.

What to Eat with This Lettuce Wraps Recipe

This lettuce wraps recipe is great for an appetizer or for a light dinner, but you can also use it as a side dish for a heartier meal. They would go great with Asian sticky ribs, Korean braised short ribs, or shrimp noodles.

You could also treat the lettuce wraps as the main course and accompany them with our delicious Asian cucumber salad, ham fried rice, sticky rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low carb option.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

The chicken filling for this lettuce wraps recipe can be made 2–3 days ahead of time, making them perfect for easy prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. For best results, wait to spoon the filling into the lettuce leaves until just before eating so they stay crisp and fresh.

This recipe also freezes beautifully. Let the cooked chicken filling cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop before serving with fresh lettuce cups.

It’s time to make this delicious chicken lettuce wrap recipe from PF Chang’s right in your own kitchen! These are simple but so bold in flavor!

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Watch How This Recipe Is Made…