Name: Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken (or finely chopped chicken breasts); 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 5 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 8 ounces diced water chestnuts (about two 5-ounce cans); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon ginger paste; 3 minced garlic cloves; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 head of iceberg lettuce (or butter lettuce)

Jump to Recipe

I can’t tell you how excited I am to share my copycat version of the Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe with all of you! If you’ve ever enjoyed these wraps at Yard House and wondered how to recreate them at home, you’re in for a treat. I fell in love with this dish the first time I tasted it, and I just knew I had to figure out how to make it myself.

When I first tried making them myself, I was a little nervous, but it turned out to be totally worth it. Now, I can make these wraps whenever I want, and trust me, I want them often! There’s something about the juicy chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and that amazing sauce that makes these wraps irresistible.

Lets learn how to make this Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps!

Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps Copycat

Ingredients List

1 pound ground chicken (or finely chopped chicken breasts)
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
5 tablespoons hoisin sauce
8 ounces diced water chestnuts (about two 5-ounce cans)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon ginger paste
3 minced garlic cloves
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 green onions, chopped
1 head of iceberg lettuce (or butter lettuce)

Kitchen Tools Needed

Large skillet or frying pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring spoons
Sharp knife and cutting board
Mixing bowl
Paper towels

Making Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Step 1 | Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped. This makes the cooking process so much smoother. Dice the water chestnuts, mince the garlic, and chop the green onions. Set everything aside in small bowls for easy access.

Step 2 | Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is almost fully cooked. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink.

Step 3 | Add the Flavors

Now comes the fun part! Add the minced garlic, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and ginger paste to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook on medium heat. You want the sauce to thicken up, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4 | Incorporate the Water Chestnuts and Green Onions

Once your sauce has thickened, it’s time to add the diced water chestnuts and chopped green onions. These add a fantastic crunch and freshness to the wraps. Mix everything well and let it cook on medium-low heat for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 5 | Let It Cool Down

Here’s a tip I learned the hard way – let the mixture cool down for about 15-20 minutes before adding it to the lettuce. This prevents the lettuce from getting soggy and ensures a perfect crunch in every bite.

Step 6 | Prepare the Lettuce Wraps

While the chicken mixture is cooling, separate the lettuce leaves and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. You can use either iceberg or butter lettuce, but I love the crispiness of iceberg for this recipe.

Step 7 | Assemble and Serve

Once the chicken mixture has cooled, it’s time to assemble the wraps. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into each lettuce leaf. Arrange them on a serving platter, and they’re ready to go! Dig in and enjoy these delicious Yard House Copycat Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

Tips for the Best Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Let the chicken mixture cool down before adding it to the lettuce to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy.
Use crisp lettuce varieties like iceberg or butter lettuce for the best texture.
Finely dice the water chestnuts and green onions to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the filling.
Adjust the amount of sriracha to your desired level of spiciness.
Serve the lettuce wraps with extra hoisin sauce, sriracha, or crushed peanuts for added flavor and crunch.

What to Serve with Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These wraps are quite versatile and pair well with various side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

Steamed Jasmine Rice: A simple side that complements the flavors of the wraps.
Asian Slaw: Crunchy and refreshing, coleslaw is a great balance to the savory wraps.
Edamame: Lightly salted and steamed, these are a fantastic appetizer.
Miso Soup: A warm and comforting soup that pairs well with the crispiness of the wraps.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, here’s how to store them:

Store the Chicken Mixture Separately: Keep the chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Prepare Lettuce Freshly: Store the lettuce leaves separately and prepare them fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Reheat Gently: When reheating the chicken mixture, do so gently in a skillet over medium heat. This will help maintain the texture and flavor without overcooking it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of lettuce is best for lettuce wraps?

Iceberg or butter lettuce work best for lettuce wraps, as they have sturdy, cup-shaped leaves that can hold the filling without falling apart.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. The flavors will be slightly different, but the dish will still be delicious.

How can I make these wraps spicier?

To increase the heat, simply add more sriracha sauce to the chicken filling. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to your desired spice level.

Can I make these wraps ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to assemble the wraps just before serving to maintain the crispness of the lettuce.