Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Hoisin Sauce are the ultimate combination of freshness, crunch, and savory-sweet flavor. Inspired by the famous PF Chang’s lettuce wraps, this dish features finely chopped chicken cooked in a flavorful hoisin-garlic sauce, served in crisp lettuce cups for a perfectly balanced bite.

The contrast of warm, saucy filling with cool, crisp lettuce creates a satisfying experience that’s both light and indulgent. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, these wraps are sure to impress with their restaurant-quality taste and quick preparation time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it brings vibrant Asian-inspired flavors to the table with minimal effort. The hoisin sauce provides a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy notes, while garlic, ginger, and sesame oil add irresistible depth.

It’s a healthy, low-carb option that doesn’t compromise on taste — fresh, fragrant, and filling.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try this dish because it’s quick, wholesome, and incredibly delicious. It transforms simple ingredients into a meal that feels gourmet without being complicated.

These lettuce wraps are low in calories, high in protein, and naturally gluten-free (with the right sauce).

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~280 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course / Appetizer
• Cuisine: Asian / Chinese-inspired

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken or finely diced chicken breast
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
• ¼ cup water chestnuts, finely chopped (for crunch)
• 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)

For the Hoisin Sauce Mixture

• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for umami depth)
• 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional for heat)
• 1 tsp brown sugar or honey (to balance flavor)

For Serving

• 1 head of butter lettuce, iceberg, or romaine (leaves separated, washed, and dried)
• Crushed peanuts or sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Extra hoisin or chili sauce (for drizzling)

Cooking Directions (Quick Overview)

1. Cook aromatics — garlic, ginger, onion.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned.
3. Stir in vegetables and sauce mixture.
4. Simmer until thick and glossy.
5. Spoon into lettuce leaves, garnish, and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Lettuce

• Separate the lettuce leaves carefully, rinse them under cold water, and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Keep them in the fridge until ready to serve for extra crispness.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, sriracha, and brown sugar.
• Set aside — this mixture will give the chicken its deliciously sticky, savory flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

• Heat sesame oil and vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add garlic, ginger, and onion; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add ground chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart until no longer pink.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

• Stir in diced bell pepper, mushrooms, and water chestnuts.
• Cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are softened and any moisture has evaporated.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

• Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet.
• Stir well to coat everything evenly, and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Toss in chopped green onions for freshness.

Step 6: Assemble the Wraps

• Spoon the warm chicken mixture into chilled lettuce leaves.
• Garnish with extra green onions, crushed peanuts, or sesame seeds.

How to Serve

Serve the Chicken Lettuce Wraps immediately while warm. Arrange lettuce cups on a platter and place the chicken filling in a bowl or directly into each leaf. Offer sides of hoisin sauce, chili oil, or soy sauce for drizzling. For a fuller meal, pair with steamed jasmine rice, Asian slaw, or miso soup. These wraps also make a great party appetizer — guests can assemble their own.

Recipe Tips

• Crispy lettuce is key: Butter lettuce or iceberg works best for a refreshing crunch.
• Chop ingredients finely: Smaller pieces ensure even cooking and better texture.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: It should stay juicy and tender.
• Adjust sweetness and heat: Taste the sauce and balance with hoisin (for sweetness) or chili paste (for heat).
• For meal prep: Store the filling and lettuce separately to keep the leaves crisp.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Wraps: Add chili flakes or double the sriracha for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or minced mushrooms.
• Teriyaki Chicken Wraps: Swap hoisin sauce for teriyaki and add pineapple chunks.
• Peanut Chicken Wraps: Stir in 1 tbsp peanut butter for a creamy, nutty flavor.
• Thai-Style Wraps: Add lime juice, fish sauce, and fresh cilantro for a zesty twist.
• Asian Chicken Rice Bowls: Serve the filling over rice instead of in lettuce leaves for a heartier meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store the chicken filling (without lettuce) in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked filling for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Always use fresh lettuce when serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Salad spinner (optional, for drying lettuce)

FAQs

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey, beef, or even pork all work well with the same seasoning and sauce.

Q2: Is hoisin sauce gluten-free?
Traditional hoisin sauce contains wheat, but gluten-free versions are available. Always check the label.

Q3: What type of lettuce is best?
Butter lettuce and iceberg are the best choices for sturdy yet tender cups.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — you can cook the filling up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.

Q5: How can I make this recipe lower in sodium?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the oyster sauce for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Hoisin Sauce are the perfect example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can create bold, restaurant-quality flavors. The savory-sweet chicken filling paired with crisp lettuce delivers freshness and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re craving something light for dinner, hosting a party, or meal prepping for the week, this dish fits every occasion. It’s quick to make, customizable, and endlessly delicious — proof that healthy eating can also be deeply flavorful and fun.