Name: Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat) Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken thighs, chopped into very small pieces; 2 ounces dried shiitake mushrooms; 1 (8-oz) can water chestnuts, chopped; 1 tablespoon garlic, smashed and minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 4 green onions, chopped and divided; 2 heads butter lettuce (or iceberg lettuce); 2 1/2 tablespoons canola oil, divided; 2 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil, divided; Approximately 2 inches frying oil (canola, vegetable, or other neutral oil) for deep frying rice sticks; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for filling sauce); 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (for filling sauce); 2 tablespoons aji mirin (rice wine); 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for filling sauce); 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1/4 cup cold water (for filling sauce); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for dipping sauce); 3 tablespoons soy sauce (for dipping sauce); 4 teaspoons rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (e.g., Sambal Oelek); 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Chinese-style hot mustard; 1 to 2 teaspoons oyster sauce (for dipping sauce); 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (for dipping sauce); 1 (6.75-oz) package maifun rice sticks; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (for seasoning chicken); Black pepper, to season chicken and filling; 1/4 cup warm water (for dipping sauce)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 58 reviews

If you love flavorful, crunchy, and satisfying dishes that come together with a burst of freshness, you are going to adore this Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat) Recipe. It’s a dish that marries tender, juicy chicken with earthy shiitake mushrooms, crunchy water chestnuts, and vibrant aromatics, all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves. Whether you’re craving a light dinner, a fun appetizer, or a crowd-pleasing party snack, these wraps deliver layers of texture and a mouthwatering sauce that tastes just like the famous PF Chang’s classic. Get ready to enjoy every bite of this homemade treasure!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The photo shows a white bowl filled with dark brown and light tan shiitake mushrooms soaking in water. The mushrooms have different sizes with round caps and thick stems, some floating near the top while others are fully submerged below the water's surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface that contrasts with the rich colors of the mushrooms. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Making perfect Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat) Recipe is surprisingly simple with the right ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role—whether it’s the juicy chicken thighs for richness, shiitake mushrooms for their umami punch, or that special blend of sauces creating the authentic taste you’re craving.

Canola oil (2 & 1/2 tablespoons, divided): Neutral oil for frying and sautéing to keep flavors pure.

Sesame oil (2 & 1/2 teaspoons, divided): Adds the iconic nutty aroma that defines Asian dishes.
Chicken thighs (1 pound, chopped into very small pieces): Juicier and more flavorful than breast meat, best for this dish.
Kosher salt (1 & 1/2 teaspoons): Essential for seasoning chicken evenly.

Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to taste.
Dried shiitake mushrooms (2 ounces): Rehydrated for an earthy, meaty texture that complements the chicken.
Hot water: For rehydrating the mushrooms to their perfect softness.
Water chestnuts (1 8-oz can, chopped): Provide satisfying crunch within the filling.

Garlic (1 tablespoon, smashed and minced): Fresh and pungent to awaken the palate.
Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): Adds bright, zesty warmth to the mixture.
Green onions (4, chopped and divided): Freshness and mild onion flavor—some for cooking, some for garnish.

Frying oil (about 2 inches depth): For optionally puffing the rice sticks to add an exciting crunch.
Maifun rice sticks (1 package of 6.75 oz): Transformed into crispy puffs to elevate the texture.
Cold water (1/4 cup): To help blend the filling sauce smoothly.

Soy sauce (several tablespoons, divided): The salty backbone of the sauce.
Oyster sauce (several tablespoons, divided): Adds savory sweetness and umami depth.
Aji mirin (2 tablespoons): This rice wine sweetens and rounds out the flavor beautifully.

Hoisin sauce (3 tablespoons): Brings a rich, slightly sweet complexity key to the filling.
Granulated sugar (several tablespoons, divided): Balances the savory with a touch of sweet.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Thickens the filling sauce for the perfect cling.

Warm water (1/4 cup): For the tangy, spicy dipping sauce.
Rice vinegar (4 teaspoons): Adds brightness and acidity to the dip.
Chili garlic sauce (1 teaspoon, such as Sambal Oelek): Kicks up heat and flavor complexity.

Chinese-Style Hot Mustard (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon): A punchy mustard for boldness.
Butter lettuce (2 heads, or iceberg as an alternative): Crisp and tender leaves that hold everything together.

How to Make Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat) Recipe

The left side shows a silver pot on a stove with clear yellow oil inside. A thermometer is clipped to the pot's edge, partially in the oil. White thin noodles are floating in the hot oil, creating a small mound. On the right side, there is a close-up of a white plate with a tall, airy mound of crispy white thin noodles arranged in a loose pile. The plate is on a white marbled counter with soft natural light in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Mushrooms

Start by ensuring your chicken thighs are partially frozen, making it easier to finely chop. While the chicken is chilling, rehydrate the dried shiitake mushrooms in hot water for about 30 minutes until they soften. Drain, remove tough stems, and finely chop the mushrooms—this will infuse your wraps with deep, earthy umami punch.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Sauce

Drain and chop the crunchy water chestnuts, mince fresh garlic and ginger, and chop the green onions, reserving some for garnish. Combine the filling sauce ingredients in a bowl—soy sauce, oyster sauce, aji mirin, hoisin, sugar, cornstarch, and cold water—to create that iconic blend that makes these wraps irresistible.

Step 3: Chop the Chicken Finely

Once partially thawed, chop the chicken into very small, roughly quarter-inch pieces. This is key for getting the right texture and even cooking. Pat the chicken dry to help it brown nicely later.

Step 4: Optional Puff the Rice Sticks

Heat your frying oil carefully to about 400°F and fry small handfuls of rice sticks until they puff up big and crunchy. These can be a fun addition to the wraps for extra texture, but don’t worry if you skip this step—the dish will shine without them.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken Filling

Heat a skillet or wok on high and add oil. Sauté the chicken quickly until it turns opaque, seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove chicken, then add mushrooms and water chestnuts to sauté until fragrant. Add garlic and ginger for that final flavor boost. Return chicken to the pan, stir in the prepared sauce, lower heat, and cook until the sauce thickens and everything is well coated. Finish by stirring in most of the chopped green onions.

Step 6: Prepare the Dipping Sauce and Lettuce

Mix together warm water, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, hot mustard, oyster sauce, and sesame oil for a balanced, tangy dipping sauce. Carefully separate and rinse butter lettuce leaves, drying gently. These leaves are your natural, crunchy vessels packed full with flavorful filling.

Step 7: Assemble and Enjoy

Spoon a scoop of the warm chicken and mushroom mixture into each lettuce leaf, top with a handful of puffed rice sticks if using, sprinkle with fresh green onions, and serve with the dipping sauce on the side. Each bite is a delicious explosion of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist.

How to Serve Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat) Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh green onions bring a lively, crisp flavor, while puffed rice sticks add an addictive crunch that will make your wraps pop. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or toasted sesame seeds can also elevate the presentation and flavor even more, making every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

Pair your wraps with light, complementary sides like steamed edamame, a simple cucumber salad, or jasmine rice to keep the meal well balanced. These lighter sides won’t overpower the vibrant flavors of the chicken lettuce wraps and add an extra dimension to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the filling in a warm bowl alongside a platter of lettuce leaves so everyone can build their own wraps. Alternatively, line up the leaves with the filling pre-portioned on each and garnish with toppings, making it perfect for parties or family style dining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store the washed and dried lettuce leaves separately to prevent sogginess and preserve crispness for later enjoyment.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked filling in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, but avoid freezing lettuce leaves as they won’t maintain their fresh texture.

Reheating

Reheat your filling gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. To refresh the texture, you might add a splash of soy sauce or water and stir well. Assemble with fresh lettuce for the best tasting wrap experience.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, chicken breast works fine as a leaner alternative. Just be careful not to overcook to keep it tender.

What if I can’t find aji mirin?

You can swap aji mirin with regular mirin or a combination of dry sherry and a pinch of sugar. It adds a subtle sweetness and depth but won’t drastically change the dish.

Are the rice sticks necessary?

Rice sticks are optional but highly recommended. When fried, they add a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender filling and crisp lettuce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the chicken with finely diced tofu or chopped vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers, and be sure to use vegetarian oyster sauce or substitute with soy sauce for the umami flavor.

What type of lettuce works best?

Butter lettuce is ideal for its tender, pliable leaves that hold fillings well. Iceberg lettuce is a crisp alternative but less forgiving, so handle with care when assembling.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own Chicken Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat) Recipe at home, from chopping the chicken just right to savoring the fresh, savory filling nestled in crisp lettuce. It’s a dish that feels both special and comforting — perfect for dinners that want to impress without stress. Give it a try, share with friends and family, and watch this become your new favorite go-to recipe!