Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps

This recipe captures the essence of Chang's iconic chicken lettuce wraps, a fan-favorite appetizer beloved since the early 1990s. By combining ground chicken with a flavorful sauce and crunchy water chestnuts, it recreates that perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh textures that make this dish so addictive. Whether you are craving a light meal or an impressive appetizer, these wraps deliver savory satisfaction with every bite.

I first made these when trying to impress dinner guests and was surprised how often everyone asked for leftovers. It has become a staple in my recipe rotation.

Ingredients

• Hoisin sauce: adds a sweet, tangy depth essential to that signature flavor look for a high-quality brand for best taste
• Low-sodium soy sauce: balances saltiness without overpowering the dish
• Rice wine vinegar: brings acidity that brightens the richness of the sauce
• Sriracha: provides a spicy kick but can be adjusted or omitted based on your heat tolerance
• Sesame oil: contributes a nutty aroma that lifts the whole recipe
• Extra-virgin olive oil for sautéing: adds a mild fruity backdrop
• Medium onion and garlic: build the savory foundation choose firm onions with tight skins
• Fresh ginger: adds warmth and zest look for plump roots free of wrinkles
• Ground chicken: provides lean protein and absorbs the sauce beautifully
• Canned water chestnuts: offer crispness and contrast make sure to drain them well for the best texture
• Green onions: give bursts of freshness and color that brighten the dish
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: season to taste
• Large leafy lettuce with thick ribs: works best to hold the filling without tearing—Boston or butter lettuce are ideal choices
• Cooked white rice: is optional but makes for a more filling meal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Sauce:

Whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, Sriracha, and sesame oil in a small bowl until fully combined. This sauce forms the core flavor, balancing sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy notes.

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent which takes about five minutes. Add minced garlic and freshly grated ginger and cook for another minute until you can smell their fragrant aroma.

Cook the Chicken:

Add ground chicken to the skillet breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat turns opaque and is nearly done, making sure to stir often so it browns evenly.

Add Sauce and Finish Cooking:

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken mixture. Let it cook for one to two minutes while stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to finish cooking completely.

Incorporate Crunch and Season:

Turn off the heat and fold in the sliced water chestnuts and thinly sliced green onions. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, adjusting for your preference.

Assemble the Wraps:

Gently separate the lettuce leaves and spoon about a quarter cup of the chicken filling into the center of each leaf. Top with cooked white rice if you like, then serve immediately for maximum freshness.

Bookmark

Storage Tips

Store any leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Avoid refrigerating the lettuce leaves with the filling to prevent sogginess. If you want to save portions for later, freeze the chicken mixture in meal-sized containers and thaw overnight before reheating gently on the stove.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find ground chicken, lean ground turkey or pork will work just as well. Water chestnuts can be swapped for diced celery or finely chopped red bell pepper if you prefer different crunch and flavor. You can replace rice wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar as a common kitchen alternative, though it changes the brightness slightly.

Serving Suggestions

These lettuce wraps pair beautifully with a side of steamed jasmine rice or noodles to make a fuller meal. For a fresh accompaniment, serve with pickled cucumber or shredded carrot salad. You can also offer dipping sauces such as extra hoisin or soy sauce mixed with a splash of chili oil for added layers of flavor.

Cultural Context

Chang's chicken lettuce wraps originated as a modern take inspired by Chinese-American flavors popularized in the San Francisco Bay Area. The dish showcases how traditional Chinese ingredients can be adapted with American tastes, creating a beloved mainstream recipe that honors its roots while embracing new culinary creativity.

Pro Tips

• Toast your ground chicken beforehand for extra depth but do not overcook as it will dry out the filling
• Allow the chicken mixture to cool slightly before spooning onto lettuce to help preserve the crispness of the leaves
• Don’t skip the water chestnuts their crunch is crucial to balancing the tender chicken texture and making the dish truly enjoyable

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of lettuce works best for wraps?

Choose lettuce with thick ribs and wide, sturdy leaves like iceberg or butter lettuce to hold fillings without wilting.

→ Can I substitute water chestnuts with other vegetables?

Yes, diced celery or red bell pepper provide a similar crunch and fresh texture if you prefer to avoid water chestnuts.

→ How should the chicken filling be seasoned?

The chicken is flavored with a blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, Sriracha, and sesame oil for a balanced sweet, savory, and spicy profile.

→ Is it better to cool the filling before assembling wraps?

Allowing the filling to cool slightly helps prevent the lettuce from wilting quickly, maintaining a crisp bite when served.

→ How long can the filling be stored?

Store the cooked filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days to retain freshness.

→ What toppings add extra texture to these wraps?

Roasted peanuts, chopped wonton strips, or chow mein noodles enhance crunch and complement the savory filling.