Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe [2026]

Introduction

If you’re searching for the Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe 2026, you’re in the right kitchen. This copycat version delivers the same bold, savory flavor you love—without the wait, the crowd, or the bill. I still remember the first time I tried Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

» We were on a long family road trip, everyone hungry, everyone cranky. We pulled into Yard House in a hurry—no big expectations. One bite later?

» Silence at the table. That juicy chicken, the crunchy water chestnuts, and that rich, glossy sauce wrapped in crisp lettuce… it just worked.

As a chef, I went home obsessed. I tested, tweaked, and tasted again (my family didn’t complain 😄). This soothing homemade recipe is the result—simple, honest, and incredibly close to the real thing, with a little home-kitchen love added in.

So, let’s dive into the recipe!

👉 What Are Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps?

» Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a popular appetizer made with finely chopped chicken cooked in a rich, savory Asian-inspired sauce. The chicken is mixed with crunchy water chestnuts and aromatic ingredients, then spooned into crisp lettuce cups.

» What makes them special is the balance. You get bold flavor without heaviness, crunch without frying, and a fresh bite that still feels comforting. At Yard House, they’re served as a shareable starter, but many people order them as a light meal because they’re filling without feeling heavy.

» From a chef’s point of view, this dish works because every texture has a role—the juicy chicken, the crisp lettuce, and that glossy sauce that ties everything together. It’s simple, smart cooking that keeps people coming back for more.

👉 Why You’ll Love This Copycat Chicken Lattes Wrap Recipe

✅ Tastes just like Yard House

✅ Ready in under 30 minutes

✅ Naturally low-carb and protein-rich

✅ Made with easy, everyday ingredients

✅ Great for appetizers, lunch, or light dinner

As a chef, I love recipes that feel special but stay simple. This one checks every box.

👉 Kitchen Tools For Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

You don’t need fancy tools—just the basics every home kitchen already has:

» Cutting board – keep prep clean and safe

» Measuring spoons – help balance the sauce perfectly

» Sharp chef’s knife – for finely chopping chicken and veggies

» Salad spinner or kitchen towel – for crisp, dry lettuce leaves

» Large skillet or wok – high heat brings restaurant-style flavor

» Wooden spoon or spatula – gentle mixing without breaking the chicken

Ingredients for Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Before you start cooking, gather everything and measure it out. As a chef, I always say this Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe shines when ingredients are simple, fresh, and prepped ahead. Once the pan gets hot, everything moves fast.

♥ 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, finely chopped

♥ 1 large head of butter lettuce, washed

♥ 1 cup water chestnuts, finely diced

♥ 2 cloves garlic, minced

♥ 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

♥ 3 green onions, finely chopped

🥣 Sauce Ingredients

♥ 2 tablespoons soy sauce

♥ 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

♥ 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

♥ 1 teaspoon sesame oil

♥ 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil

🌶️ Optional Add-Ins

♥ 1–2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha (for heat)

♥ Salt & pepper, to taste

These measured ingredients give you that classic Yard House flavor—savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced for crisp lettuce wraps!

💡 Chef tip:

Wash, dry, and chill the lettuce leaves before serving. Cold lettuce + hot filling = magic.

⭐ Recipes You May Also Like!

» IHOP Stuffed French Toast

» El Pollo Regio Green Sauce

» Golden Corral Meatloaf Recipe

» Yard House Maui Pineapple Chicken

» Saltgrass Steakhouse Brussel Sprouts

How to Make Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Making Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe 2026 at home is easier than it looks. The secret isn’t fancy ingredients—it’s timing, heat, and texture. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll get that restaurant-style flavor every single time.

🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 12 minutes
⏳ Resting Time: 2 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 30 minutes
💰 Estimated Cost: $12–$15 (depending on ingredient used)

👉 Step 1: Prep All Ingredients First

♥ Before turning on the stove, finely chop the chicken, water chestnuts, garlic, ginger, and green onions.

♥ Small, even pieces cook faster and give that authentic Yard House texture where every bite feels balanced.

👉 Step 2: Cook the Chicken Properly

♥ First, you need to heat the oil in a skillet over a high-medium flame.

♥ Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks.

♥ Don’t overcrowd the pan—high heat adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy, not steamed.

👉 Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

♥ Now, take a pan and add garlic, ginger, and green onions.

♥ Now you need to stir constantly for at least 30 seconds until you get the light fragrance from the base.

♥ This step wakes up the aromatics—don’t let them burn, or the flavor turns bitter.

👉 Step 4: Add the Signature Sauce

♥ Pour in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.

♥ Stir well and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thick and glossy.

Tip:

Simmering helps the sauce cling to the chicken, just like at Yard House.

👉 Step 5: Add the Crunch

♥ Fold in the chopped water chestnuts and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.

♥ Water chestnuts go in last so they stay crisp and don’t lose their signature crunch.

👉 Step 6: Assemble, Serve, and Enjoy!

♥ Spoon the hot chicken mixture into cold, crisp lettuce cups and serve immediately.

Serving tip:

♥ Let everyone build their own wraps—it keeps the lettuce fresh and adds to the fun.

This method gives you bold flavor, perfect texture, and that Yard House experience at home—no rush, no waiting, just great food 🍽️✨

The Secret Behind the Authentic Yard House Sauce

This sauce is all about balance:

» Soy sauce → salt and depth

» Hoisin → sweetness

» Sesame oil → aroma

» Oyster sauce → rich umami

🔥 Want heat?

Add chili garlic sauce or sriracha—Yard House style.

» By the way, you should also try some of my favourite copycat and homemade sauce recipes here!

Visual Instruction For Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ingredient Substitutes For Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps

👉 Healthy Ingredient Swaps

Want a lighter or cleaner version? Try these chef-approved swaps:

» Use ground chicken breast for lower fat

» Replace soy sauce with low-sodium tamari

» Skip hoisin and add a touch of honey + garlic

» Cook with avocado oil instead of vegetable oil

» Add finely chopped mushrooms to reduce the amount of meat while keeping its texture

These small changes keep the flavor strong while boosting nutrition.

👉 Recipe Variations You Can Try

Once you master the classic Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe, have fun with these variations:

» Wrap Bowl Style – serve over rice instead of lettuce

» Thai-Inspired Wraps – stir in peanut sauce and lime juice

» Vegetarian Version – swap chicken for mushrooms and tofu

» Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps – add chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper

I’ve tested these in my own kitchen—every one is a hit.

Tips for the Perfect Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

These are the small details chefs swear by:

» Don’t overcook the chicken

» Chop ingredients evenly

» Use small chicken chunks

» Don’t skip water chestnuts

» Don’t Overload the sauce

» Cook on medium-high heat for deeper flavor

» Chop everything small and even for perfect bites

» Let the sauce simmer briefly to thicken naturally

» Taste before serving—adjust salt or sweetness

» Serve chicken hot, lettuce cold

These small steps make a big difference.

👉 Topping & Presentation Tips

Presentation makes it feel restaurant-worthy:

» Sprinkle chopped green onions on top

» Add toasted sesame seeds for aroma

» Serve with lime wedges for brightness

» Use a dark platter to make lettuce pop

» Arrange lettuce cups neatly—Yard House style

Simple touches go a long way.

👉 Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

» Store chicken filling in an airtight container (up to 3 days)

» Reheat gently on the stove or microwave

» Always store lettuce separately

Great for meal prep—just assemble fresh

Serving Options with Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Serve the chicken hot and let everyone build their own wraps:

» Asian slaw

» Light noodle soup

» Asian cucumber salad

» Dumplings or spring rolls

» Fried rice or steamed rice

» Iced tea, lemonade, or citrus mocktails

Perfect for family dinners or entertaining.

Best Alternate Recipes to Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps

If you love this recipe, you’ll also enjoy:

» Teriyaki Chicken Wrap Bowls

» Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Cups

» Asian Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

» Spicy Korean Chicken Lettuce Wraps

» PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps (copycat)

» Rougamo Bread Recipe

» Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe

» Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

» Yard House Chicken Nachos Recipe

» Starbucks Spicy Falafel Pocket Recipe

Great for keeping your menu exciting without starting from scratch.

Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps Nutrition Facts (Approx.)

Nutrition & Health Benefits of Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe 2026!

» High in protein

» Fresh, balanced ingredients

» Easy to make gluten-free

» It’s comfort food that still feels light

» Lower in carbs than traditional appetizers

Values may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

Antonio Morelli

Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe

These Yard House–style chicken lettuce wraps are savory, crunchy, and packed with bold flavor. Juicy chicken, a rich Asian-inspired sauce, and crisp lettuce cups come together for a light yet satisfying restaurant-style dish made at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Resting Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Light Dinner

Cuisine: American Fusion, Asian-Inspired

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb boneless chicken, chopped
• 1 cup water chestnuts, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• Butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Salad spinner or clean towel

Method

 

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped chicken and cook until lightly browned.
3. Stir in garlic, ginger, and green onions; cook until fragrant.
4. Now, add soy sauce, hoisin, oyster sauce, & sesame oil.
5. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until glossy and flavorful.
6. Fold in water chestnuts and remove from heat.
7. Spoon chicken into lettuce cups and serve warm.

Notes

• Butter lettuce gives the closest Yard House texture
• Store chicken filling and lettuce separately

---

• Add chili garlic sauce if you like heat
• Works great with ground chicken too

---

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my lettuce wraps soggy?

Soggy lettuce usually happens when hot filling sits too long in the leaves. Always serve the chicken and lettuce separately, and make sure the lettuce is completely dry before assembling.

What is the healthiest thing to eat at Yard House?

Lettuce wraps are one of the healthier options at Yard House because they’re high in protein, lower in carbs, and lighter than fried appetizers. Choosing grilled proteins and skipping heavy sauces keeps the meal balanced.

Are chicken lettuce wraps healthy for weight loss?

Yard House Chicken lettuce wraps recipe can be weight-loss friendly when made at home. They’re high in protein, low in refined carbs, and filling. Using less sauce and lean chicken keeps calories under control.

What is the crunchy stuff in chicken lettuce wraps?

The crunch usually comes from finely chopped water chestnuts. They don’t have a strong flavor, but they add that fresh, crisp bite that makes chicken lettuce wraps feel light and satisfying instead of soft or mushy.

Can I use ground chicken instead of chopped chicken?

Yes, ground chicken works very well and cooks faster. Choose lean ground chicken and break it up while cooking so the texture stays light and similar to the Yard House version.

What kind of lettuce do you use for chicken lettuce wraps?

Butter lettuce is the best choice because it’s soft, flexible, and slightly sweet. Iceberg lettuce also works well if you prefer extra crunch and a firmer wrap that holds its shape better.

My Final Conclusion

That rushed family stop at Yard House turned into a recipe I now make on repeat. This Yard House Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe 2026 brings back that moment—busy day, hungry family, and food that just hits right.

» From one home chef to another: try it once, make it your own, and enjoy every crunchy, saucy bite. If you loved this, explore more restaurant copycat recipes and bring your favorite flavors home—no reservations needed ❤️

Now, if you have any thoughts or suggestions about this recipe, then write to me in the comment section below. Or you can also find some of my favourite capycat recipes on my blog! Till then..

Happy Cooking!

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