Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Better than P.F. Chang’s!)

Quick, flavorful, and way healthier than takeout—these Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps come together in just 25 minutes and taste even better than the restaurant version.

Let me share a little kitchen secret: I spent years trying to recreate the iconic P.F. Chang’s lettuce wraps at home. What started as a craving turned into a mission—and after dozens of trials and tweaks, I finally nailed the recipe. The best part? These homemade Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are not only healthier but also taste better than the original.

They’re bursting with flavor from perfectly seasoned ground chicken, tender-crisp veggies, and a rich, nutty sauce that coats every bite. Wrapped in fresh, crunchy butter lettuce, they make the ultimate appetizer or light dinner—ready in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re feeding a picky eater, looking for a low-carb weeknight meal, or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe checks every box. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free (with tamari) and dairy-free, so everyone can dig in.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground chicken (or use ground turkey, beef, or diced chicken breast)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional if using fattier meat)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 red or green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey (or agave for vegan version)
• 2 tbsp peanut butter (or almond/sunflower seed butter)
• 1 tsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)

For Serving:

• 1–2 heads of butter lettuce, leaves separated and rinsed
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Lime wedges
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Whisk the Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, hoisin, vinegar, honey, peanut butter, and Sriracha. If your nut butter is thick, microwave it briefly so it blends smoothly. Set aside.

2. Finely Dice Your Veggies

For the best texture and flavor, dice all your veggies (especially mushrooms and onions) finely. A food processor works wonders here—just a few pulses and everything is perfectly minced.

3. Sauté the Veggies

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add sesame oil, followed by diced onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

4. Add Garlic & Ginger

Scoot the veggies to one side of the pan and add garlic and ginger. Let them cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic, then stir everything together.

5. Brown the Chicken

Add the ground chicken to the pan. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 6–8 minutes, until browned and cooked through.

6. Add the Sauce

Pour in your sauce and mix well, coating everything evenly. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to thicken and deepen the flavor. Taste and tweak if needed—add more Sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness.

7. Assemble & Serve

Spoon the warm filling into lettuce cups, top with green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4–6 (makes 12–16 wraps)

Nutrition (Per Serving: 3–4 wraps)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g

Note: Nutrition estimates may vary depending on ingredients used.

Why You’ll Love This Lettuce Wrap Recipe

These chicken lettuce wraps hit all the right notes—savory, slightly sweet, with just enough spice. The crisp lettuce balances the rich filling, creating a perfect bite every time.

But what truly makes this recipe a keeper is its flexibility. You can easily switch up the protein, skip the mushrooms, or adjust the sauce to your taste. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, or just plain hungry—this one’s for you.

Plus, it’s a lightning-fast recipe. When dinner needs to be on the table in 30 minutes or less, this wrap recipe comes through, every time.

Cook’s Tips & Easy Variations

• Finely Dice Veggies: The smaller your veggies, the better the flavor and texture.
• Use Other Proteins: Try turkey, beef, or even tofu. (For tofu, press and crisp it first.)
• Make It Nut-Free: Use sunflower butter or tahini.
• Add Crunch: Water chestnuts or chopped cashews give extra texture.
• Spice It Up: Start with less Sriracha and adjust to taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: The filling tastes even better the next day!

What to Serve with Lettuce Wraps

Turn these wraps into a complete meal with one of these fresh and flavorful sides:

• Steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
• Simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing
• Rice noodles for a hearty bowl-style version
• Steamed edamame or miso soup
• Fresh pineapple or mango slices

Hosting a gathering? Set up a DIY lettuce wrap bar and let guests build their own wraps with toppings like chopped peanuts, crispy noodles, shredded carrots, or spicy mayo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What lettuce works best for wraps?
A: Butter lettuce (aka Bibb or Boston) is the best—it’s sturdy yet tender. Romaine hearts work in a pinch, and green leaf lettuce can be used too, though it’s more delicate.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance and reheat on the stovetop. Store lettuce separately.

Q: Is there a hoisin substitute?
A: Mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp rice vinegar, and a pinch of garlic powder as a quick alternative.

Q: Will kids like it?
A: Definitely! It’s flavorful but not too spicy. Omit the Sriracha for little ones.

Q: Can I freeze the filling?
A: Yes. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat with a splash of water or broth.

Q: Best reheating method?
A: Gently warm on the stovetop. Avoid the microwave to keep the texture nice.

Final Thoughts

These better-than-takeout Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a weeknight lifesaver and a crowd-pleaser. They’re quick, easy, healthy, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing dinner guests, this recipe never disappoints.

So grab that skillet and your favorite lettuce—your new go-to recipe awaits.