I’ve tried many lettuce wraps before, but this is the first wrap recipe I’m publishing on my site. This recipe is amazing, easy to make, and now you can enjoy lettuce wraps that taste just like Yard House at home.
I’ve also created a delicious sauce so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Plus, if you want to make your meal even more flavorful, I’ve included suggestions on what to serve with these lettuce wraps.
I used fresh lettuce in my recipe, and I highly recommend using only fresh lettuce for the best presentation and taste!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- Ground chicken or finely diced chicken breast/thighs
- Water chestnuts, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, minced
- Green onions, chopped
- Carrot, julienned or shredded (optional)
- Sesame oil
For the Sauce:
- Hoisin sauce
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Honey or brown sugar
- Sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Cornstarch mixed with water (optional)
For Serving:
- Butter Lettuce or iceberg lettuce
- Extra hoisin sauce or Sriracha
- Chopped peanuts or sesame seeds
How To Make Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Filling
Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully cooked and slightly browned.
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chopped water chestnuts and carrots (if using), stirring everything together.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), and Sriracha (if using).
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and add it to the sauce.
Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken mixture and stir well.
Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
Step 3: Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
Wash and separate butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
Spoon the chicken mixture into each lettuce cup.
Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and extra hoisin sauce or Sriracha if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Lettuce Wraps
To make the most flavorful and satisfying Yard House copycat lettuce wraps, follow these expert tips:
1. Use Fresh, Crisp Lettuce for the Best Texture
The lettuce acts as the “wrap”, so choosing the right type is crucial.
Butter lettuce is soft and slightly sweet, making it easy to fold and bite into.
Iceberg lettuce is extra crisp and refreshing, but it’s a bit more fragile.
Romaine or green leaf lettuce can also work, but they don’t hold fillings as well.
Wash and pat dry the lettuce before serving to maintain its freshness.
2. Customize the Protein for Variety
While ground chicken is the classic protein choice, you can switch it up:
- Ground turkey
- Shrimp
- Tofu or tempeh
- Ground beef or pork
3. Make it Gluten-Free
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Check that the hoisin sauce you’re using is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat.
What to Serve with Lettuce Wraps
Yard House-style lettuce wraps are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right sides and accompaniments can enhance the meal, making it more tasty.
1. Steamed Rice or Cauliflower Rice
Adding a serving of rice helps make these lettuce wraps feel more like a complete meal.
White Rice or Jasmine Rice – A soft, fluffy side that absorbs the sauce from the wraps, making each bite more flavorful.
Brown Rice – A healthier alternative, brown rice provides extra fiber and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweet filling.
Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb and keto-friendly substitute that mimics the texture of rice while adding extra vegetables to the meal. It’s light, nutritious, and keeps the meal gluten-free.
Serving Tip: Serve rice on the side or spoon the filling over a bowl of rice for a deconstructed lettuce wrap experience.
2. Asian-Inspired Slaw
A refreshing slaw provides a crisp contrast to the warm, savory lettuce wraps.
Classic Cabbage Slaw – Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions, tossed in a light rice vinegar or sesame dressing..
Mango or Pineapple Slaw – If you enjoy a sweet combination, adding mango or pineapple chunks to the slaw introduces a juicy taste.
Spicy Slaw – A mix of cabbage, jalapeños, and a sriracha-lime dressing for a bold, spicy side.
Serving Tip: Top the slaw with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra crunch.
3. Light Soup or Broth
A warm soup on the side makes for a comforting and well-rounded meal.
4. Light options
Storage & Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, storing them properly will keep your lettuce wraps tasting fresh:
1. Store Ingredients Separately
Keep the chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Store lettuce leaves separately in a sealed bag with a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and keep them crisp.
2. Reheat the Filling Properly
Stove Method (Best for Flavor & Texture):
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and stir the chicken filling until warmed through.
Add a splash of water or soy sauce if it looks dry.
Microwave Method (Quick & Easy):
Microwave the filling in a covered dish for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway.
3. Assemble Fresh When Ready to Eat
Avoid storing pre-assembled lettuce wraps, as the lettuce will wilt and lose its crunch.
These Yard House copycat lettuce wraps are a must-try because they’re:
Light, fresh, and packed with flavor
Quick and easy to make at home
Customizable for different diets and preferences
A great low-carb or healthy meal option
Whether you’re making them as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments and let me know how you customized your lettuce wraps!
Yard House Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken or finely diced chicken breast/thighs
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1- inch piece fresh ginger minced
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 small carrot julienned or shredded (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp Sriracha or red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water optional
For Serving:
- 1 head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce
- Extra hoisin sauce or Sriracha
- Chopped peanuts or sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Filling
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully cooked and slightly browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped water chestnuts and carrots (if using), stirring everything together.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), and Sriracha (if using).
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and add it to the sauce.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken mixture and stir well.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
Step 3: Assemble the Lettuce Wraps
- Wash and separate butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into each lettuce cup.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and extra hoisin sauce or Sriracha if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!