Craving the famous P.F. Chang’s lettuce wraps but don’t have time to dine out? You’re in luck! This Easy Lettuce Wraps P.F. Chang’s Recipe for Busy Days! brings that iconic Asian-inspired flavor straight to your kitchen—ready in 20 minutes or less.
These lettuce wraps are savory, slightly sweet, and full of satisfying crunch. Made with simple ingredients like ground chicken, garlic, soy sauce, and hoisin, they’re a quick weeknight favorite that feels indulgent but is secretly healthy.
Let’s get started with this crowd-pleasing copycat recipe!
🥢 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Lettuce Wraps P.F. Chang’s Recipe for Busy Days! is:
Quick & easy: Dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Healthy: Packed with lean protein and crisp lettuce.
Budget-friendly: Costs far less than takeout.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters love them!
Meal-prep friendly: Perfect for lunches or light dinners.
These wraps taste exactly like the restaurant version — maybe even better!
🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for your homemade P.F. Chang’s lettuce wraps:
For the Filling:
1 lb (450g) ground chicken (or ground turkey, beef, or tofu)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil)
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
For Serving:
1 head of butter lettuce, iceberg lettuce, or romaine hearts (washed and separated into cups)
Optional toppings: shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, lime wedges, or extra sriracha
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, sesame oil, and honey. Set aside.
This tangy-sweet sauce is what makes P.F. Chang’s wraps so addictive!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Cook for 5–6 minutes until no longer pink.
Drain any excess liquid if needed.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Stir in onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and soft.
This step builds that signature Asian-inspired depth of flavor.
Step 4: Add Water Chestnuts & Sauce
Add the chopped water chestnuts and the prepared sauce to the pan. Stir until everything is well-coated.
Cook for another 3–5 minutes until heated through and slightly caramelized.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add a splash more soy sauce for salt, or honey for sweetness.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Spoon the warm chicken mixture into individual lettuce cups. Top with green onions, carrots, peanuts, or a drizzle of sriracha.
Roll or fold like a taco and enjoy immediately!
🥬 Best Lettuce to Use
The key to great lettuce wraps is picking leaves that are fresh, crisp, and sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Here are your best options:
Butter lettuce (Boston or Bibb): Soft, slightly sweet, and easy to wrap.
Iceberg lettuce: Crunchy and refreshing, with a perfect crisp bite.
Romaine hearts: Long and firm—ideal for holding more filling.
Pro tip: Chill the lettuce before serving for an extra refreshing crunch!
🌶️ Optional Add-Ins & Variations
Make this Easy Lettuce Wraps P.F. Chang’s Recipe for Busy Days! your own with these fun variations:
1. Protein Swaps
Use ground turkey, beef, or pork instead of chicken.
Try tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Use shrimp for a lighter, seafood twist.
2. Extra Veggies
Sneak in some extra nutrition with:
Diced bell peppers
Grated carrots
Mushrooms
Cabbage or coleslaw mix
3. Sauce Variations
Customize your flavor:
Add peanut butter for a Thai-inspired taste.
Mix in oyster sauce for deeper umami flavor.
Add lime juice for a zesty finish.
4. Spicy Version
Double the sriracha or add chili flakes for heat lovers!
🍱 How to Store and Reheat
These lettuce wraps are perfect for meal prep or leftovers!
To Store:
Store the cooked chicken mixture separately from the lettuce leaves.
Keep in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
Warm the chicken filling in a skillet or microwave until hot, then spoon into fresh lettuce cups before serving.
Avoid reheating the lettuce—it’s best served cold and crisp!
🕒 Time-Saving Tips for Busy Days
If you’re short on time, these tricks will make this recipe even faster:
Use pre-minced garlic and ginger to save chopping time.
Make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Cook the filling in bulk and freeze portions for quick meals later.
With these shortcuts, dinner can be ready in under 20 minutes—faster than takeout!
💪 Health Benefits of Lettuce Wraps
Not only are these wraps delicious, but they’re also a smart choice for a healthy lifestyle.
Here’s why:
Low-carb & gluten-free (with tamari)
High-protein from lean ground chicken
Packed with veggies for fiber and nutrients
Lower in calories than traditional Asian takeout
Each wrap is light but filling, making it perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, or even a healthy dinner party appetizer.
🍽️ What to Serve with Lettuce Wraps
Pair your P.F. Chang’s lettuce wraps with these easy sides for a complete meal:
Steamed jasmine or brown rice
Asian cucumber salad
Vegetable fried rice
Miso soup or egg drop soup
Fresh fruit or edamame on the side
These simple additions turn this quick recipe into a satisfying meal.
🧂 Pro Tips for Perfect Lettuce Wraps
Don’t overfill the lettuce cups — a few spoonfuls per wrap is plenty.
Use high heat when sautéing the chicken to keep it flavorful and slightly caramelized.
Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
For extra shine and flavor, drizzle a touch of sesame oil before serving.
🥢 Copycat P.F. Chang’s Flavor Secrets
Wondering what gives this recipe that authentic restaurant-style taste? Here’s the secret combo:
Hoisin sauce for that deep, sweet-salty flavor.
Ginger & garlic for warmth and aroma.
Water chestnuts for crunch.
Soy sauce & sesame oil for the umami base.
Together, these ingredients create that iconic P.F. Chang’s lettuce wrap flavor we all crave!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken filling up to 3 days in advance. Reheat and serve with fresh lettuce when ready.
Can I freeze the filling?
Absolutely! Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
Mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, and 1 teaspoon honey as a quick homemade alternative.
🥗 Final Thoughts: Quick, Tasty, and Totally Addictive!
This Easy Lettuce Wraps P.F. Chang’s Recipe for Busy Days! proves that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring—or time-consuming.
With bold flavors, crisp lettuce, and tender chicken, this dish is the perfect mix of comfort and freshness. It’s light enough for lunch yet satisfying enough for dinner—and guaranteed to impress your family or guests.
So next time you’re craving takeout, skip the line and make it at home instead. You’ll save time, money, and calories—without sacrificing flavor!