Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Bring the taste of your favorite restaurant home with these copycat Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps. This flavorful, savory, and slightly sweet dish is loaded with ground chicken, crispy water chestnuts, and a tangy sauce—all served in cool, crisp lettuce leaves. Perfect as a light meal or an appetizer, these wraps are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These lettuce wraps are easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. They’re lighter than typical takeout, and you can adjust the spice and ingredients to your liking. The combination of warm, umami-rich filling and fresh lettuce offers a great contrast in taste and texture.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken filling:

• Ground chicken
• Olive oil
• Sesame oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Hoisin sauce
• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sriracha (optional, for heat)
• Canned water chestnuts
• Green onions
• Salt and pepper

For serving:

• Bibb or butter lettuce leaves
• Optional: steamed rice, chopped peanuts, additional green onions

Directions

this recipe

1. Prepare the sauce:
   In a small bowl, mix hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a splash of Sriracha if using. Set aside.
2. Cook the aromatics:
   Heat olive oil and sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and freshly grated ginger; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the chicken:
   Add ground chicken to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned and cooked through.
4. Add the sauce:
   Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked chicken and stir well to coat. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors absorb.
5. Add the crunch:
   Stir in chopped water chestnuts and sliced green onions. Cook for another minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
   Spoon the warm chicken mixture into lettuce leaves and top with additional green onions or chopped peanuts, if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Protein swap: Use ground turkey, beef, or tofu for different variations.
• Add veggies: Try adding shredded carrots, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms for more color and texture.
• Extra crunch: Top with crispy rice noodles or crushed peanuts.
• Sauce swap: Mix in a bit of oyster sauce or a splash of fish sauce for deeper umami flavor.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store the chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep lettuce separate until ready to serve.
• Reheating: Warm the filling in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes before assembling wraps.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of water chestnuts and onions may change upon thawing.

FAQs

What type of lettuce is best for these wraps?

Bibb or butter lettuce is ideal for its soft, cup-shaped leaves. Iceberg lettuce also works for extra crunch.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the filling can be made 1–2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Are these lettuce wraps spicy?

They can be! Add more Sriracha or red pepper flakes if you like heat, or leave them out for a milder version.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

You can, but ground chicken gives the best texture. If using pre-cooked shredded chicken, chop finely and mix with the sauce and aromatics.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and hoisin sauce to make it gluten-free.

What are water chestnuts, and can I skip them?

Water chestnuts are crunchy, mildly sweet vegetables often used in Asian cooking. They add texture but can be omitted if unavailable.

How do I keep lettuce fresh and crisp?

Wash and dry thoroughly, then chill the leaves until ready to use. Store in a sealed container with a paper towel.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. It scales well and is perfect for parties or meal prep.

What can I serve with these wraps?

Serve with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or egg rolls for a more complete meal.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes. Substitute the chicken with finely chopped mushrooms, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative.

Conclusion

Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a fast, flavorful, and healthy dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen. Whether you’re making them as a starter or light dinner, they’re sure to impress with their bold taste and satisfying crunch. Customize them to your liking and enjoy a deliciously easy meal at home.

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