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

If you’re craving an easy, flavor-packed dinner that feels just as satisfying as your favorite takeout (but way more fresh!), these Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps are bound to steal your heart. With juicy ground chicken tossed in a sweet-salty-tangy sauce and snappy veggies tucked inside crisp lettuce leaves, every bite bursts with irresistible texture and bold, crave-worthy flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to amazing Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps is using simple ingredients that create layers of flavor and satisfying crunch. Each one truly plays its part, so don’t skip—these touches make all the difference!

• Ground chicken: The star of the show! Juicy but lean, it loves to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Peanut oil: Adds subtle nutty flavor and helps everything cook up golden—if you don’t have it, olive or avocado oil work too!
• Onion: Finely diced onion brings savory depth and melts right into the chicken for sweet complexity.
• Minced garlic: Essential for that fragrant, crave-worthy aroma and punchy flavor in every bite.
• Red or green bell pepper: Finely diced for lovely color, a hint of sweetness, and crunchy texture.
• Water chestnuts: Add irresistible crunch and delightful contrast to the warm filling—don’t skip these!
• Soy sauce: Savory and salty—opt for low sodium or gluten-free if needed.
• Hoisin sauce: Sweet, tangy, and a touch earthy, this brings that classic restaurant-style flavor.
• Sesame oil: A small amount infuses deep, toasted flavor—don’t overdo it, a little goes a long way.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to brighten up the sauce and balance the sweetness.
• Peanut butter: Yes, really! This gives gorgeous creaminess and heft to the sauce, making it stick to every morsel.
• Honey: For gentle sweetness and a glossy finish to your sauce.
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds a fun, gentle heat and touch of sweetness all at once.
• Garlic powder & powdered ginger: Extra savory depth and warmth—layering flavors is what makes this so good.
• Crushed peanuts & sliced green onions: For topping—bring on the crunch and those pretty green pops!
• Lettuce of your choice (or Asian salad): Butter or Bibb lettuce makes classic wraps, but don’t be shy about spinach or shredded cabbage if you love extra crunch!

Variations

One of the best things about Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps is how endlessly customizable they are! Don’t hesitate to make swaps based on your pantry, dietary preferences, or simply what you’re craving tonight.

• Swap the protein: Use finely diced chicken breast, ground turkey, pork, shrimp—or even tofu for a vegetarian spin.
• Go nut-free or gluten-free: Almond or sunflower butter subs in for peanut butter, and coconut aminos or tamari works if you need to skip soy or gluten.
• Mix up the veggies: Add shredded carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra color and crunch.
• Serve differently: Top rice, noodles, or even a crunchy Asian-style salad with the filling for a complete meal.

How to Make Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce

Start by mixing all of your sauce ingredients in a bowl—soy sauce, hoisin, peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sweet chili sauce, and those magical pinches of garlic powder and ginger. If your peanut butter’s a little thick, pop the bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds to help everything blend together silky-smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken, Onion, and Garlic

Heat your peanut oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, diced onion, and minced garlic. Let it all brown together, breaking up the chicken as it cooks, until the meat is juicy and golden and the onion is beautifully soft and fragrant—about 5–10 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Veggies

Next, stir in your finely diced bell pepper and water chestnuts. Let them cook for another 5 minutes, just long enough so the peppers are barely tender yet still bright and crisp, and the water chestnuts keep their lovely crunch.

Step 4: Coat Everything in Sauce

Pour that alluring sauce all over your chicken and veggies. Reduce the heat and simmer a few minutes, stirring to coat every bit with flavor. The sauce will thicken slightly and become glossy, clinging to every morsel—it’s pure magic!

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Arrange fresh lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon in that irresistible chicken mixture, then top with sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts. Let everyone tuck, wrap, and enjoy—messy hands and big smiles totally encouraged!

How to Serve Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

To make your Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps extra special, finish with a flurry of sliced green onions, crushed peanuts, and maybe a few sprigs of fresh cilantro or mint for brightness. A little sesame seed sprinkle adds that final touch of restaurant-style flair.

Side Dishes

These wraps work beautifully as a stand-alone meal, but for a larger spread, serve with steamed jasmine rice, simple stir-fried vegetables, or even a light miso soup. A chilled cucumber salad alongside is super refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Set up a DIY lettuce wrap bar so guests can build their own, or plate each wrap with an edible flower for a wow-worthy appetizer. Try serving the filling over rice noodles with lettuce on the side for an Asian-inspired noodle bowl twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps filling (separately from the lettuce) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep the lettuce leaves fresh by wrapping them in a paper towel and sealing in a zip-top bag.

Freezing

The chicken filling freezes like a dream! Cool completely, then freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving with fresh lettuce.

Reheating

To warm up your Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps filling, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring often. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce, and serve with crisp, cold lettuce for that signature contrast.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to up your dinner game with something delicious, light, and fun, you absolutely must try these Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. They’re perfect for sharing—though you may want to sneak a few extras for yourself! I can’t wait to hear how you make them your own.

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