Name: Delicious Chicken Larb in Lettuce Cups Ready in 30 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice (or glutinous/sweet rice); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (any neutral oil); 2 medium shallots (or red onions); 1 pound ground chicken (can substitute with pork, beef, lamb, duck, or mushrooms); 1 teaspoon sugar (optional); 3 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian option); 1 large lime (juice only); 2-3 pieces Thai bird chilies (reduce for milder spice); 2 stalks scallions (sliced); 1 bunch cilantro (or parsley); 1 bunch fresh mint (or basil); 1 head butter lettuce, Bibb, or Boston lettuce (other varieties can be used)

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Stepping into the kitchen, I often crave something vibrant and bold, but with a twist of simplicity. Enter Chicken Larb, a delightful meat salad that boasts fresh herbs, spicy chilies, and a zesty dressing — all coming together in less than 30 minutes! This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a winning solution for busy nights, offering a low-carb option when served in crisp lettuce cups. The surprise? You can easily swap the ground chicken for your choice of pork, beef, or even mushrooms, making it versatile for any palate. As I savor each bite, I can’t help but think: what will you pair with your Larb?

Why is Chicken Larb a Must-Try?

Quick & Convenient: This Chicken Larb recipe takes just 30 minutes to whip up, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: Bursting with fresh herbs, zesty lime, and spicy chilies, every bite is a vibrant culinary adventure!
Customizable Goodness: Easily adapt this dish by swapping ground chicken for pork, beef, or mushrooms to suit any dietary preference.
Low Carb Delight: When served in crisp lettuce cups, it becomes a low-carb, gluten-free meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Serve as an appetizer or main dish, and you’ll see everyone at the table coming back for more! Plus, if you love quick meals, check out my Thai Chicken Salad for another delightful option.

Chicken Larb Ingredients

• Crafted for vibrant flavors and textures.

For the Rice

Uncooked Jasmine Rice – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor; substitute with glutinous/sweet rice if desired.

For the Cooking

Vegetable Oil – Essential for frying shallots and cooking chicken; any neutral oil works well.
Shallots – Provides a hint of sweetness and depth; feel free to use red onions as an alternative.
Ground Chicken – The star protein; best when ground at home for perfect texture. Can be substituted with pork, beef, lamb, duck, or mushrooms.

For the Flavor

Sugar – Balances the savory notes; optional based on personal taste preference.
Fish Sauce – Delivers key umami; soy sauce can be swapped for a vegetarian option.
Limes – Infuses acidity; ensure they’re fresh for the best flavor.
Thai Bird Chilies – Adds the perfect kick; reduce for milder spice, or replace with milder peppers if needed.
Scallions – Offers a mild onion flavor; regular onions can work in a pinch.

For the Freshness

Cilantro – Contributes a fresh note; omit for those who aren’t fans, or swap with parsley.
Fresh Mint – Enhances aroma and freshness; can be left out or replaced with basil.

For Serving

Butter Lettuce, Bibb, or Boston Lettuce – The perfect vessel for your Chicken Larb; other lettuce varieties can also be utilized.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Larb

Step 1: Toast the Rice
In a dry skillet over low heat, add uncooked jasmine rice and toast it for about 10 minutes until it turns golden and releases a delicious nutty fragrance. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, transfer the rice to a blender or spice grinder and grind into a coarse powder. Set this aside, as it will add amazing texture to your Chicken Larb.

Step 2: Fry Shallots
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a high-temperature wok over medium-high heat. Add half of the thinly sliced shallots and fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil, placing them onto paper towels to drain excess oil, while leaving the remaining oil in the wok for the next step.

Step 3: Cook Chicken
Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the hot wok and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned and crispy. Break up the chicken with your spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning. When cooked through, stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar, 3 tablespoons of fish sauce, and the juice of 1 lime, continuing to stir-fry for another minute until well combined and fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Lower the heat and mix in the toasted rice powder, 2-3 finely chopped Thai bird chilies, the remaining fried shallots, 2 sliced scallions, a handful of chopped cilantro, and fresh mint. Stir-fry the Chicken Larb mixture for an additional minute to blend all the flavors together, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed, enhancing your dish’s vibrant layers of flavor.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Now is the time to taste your Chicken Larb and adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. If you crave more heat, add extra chopped chilies; for sweetness, include more sugar, or enhance the acidity with additional lime juice. Serve the larb warm or at room temperature, ensuring that it’s just right before placing it in the lettuce cups for serving.

Step 6: Serve
To serve your flavorful Chicken Larb, scoop generous portions into crisp butter lettuce cups, providing a satisfying crunch. Garnish each cup with the crispy shallots for extra texture and a pop of flavor. Arrange them on a platter and enjoy this healthy, vibrant dish! Make sure to savor the fresh herbs and spicy notes in each delightful bite.

Expert Tips for Chicken Larb

Fresh Herbs Essential: Use fresh herbs like cilantro and mint for a bright flavor; dried herbs won’t give the same vibrant taste to your Chicken Larb.
Proper Toasting: Ensure you toast the rice thoroughly for maximum crunch; under-toasted rice will result in a less flavorful dish.
Customize Spice Level: Adjust the number of chilies based on your heat preference, but try to taste as you go for the best results.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute the ground chicken for other meats or mushrooms, embracing the flexibility of this delicious dish.
Crispy Shallots: Don’t skip frying shallots; they add a wonderful texture and depth of flavor that brings life to your Chicken Larb.
Taste and Adjust: Make sure to always taste your dish before serving; seasoning can be adjusted at the end to suit your palate perfectly.

Make Ahead Options

Chicken Larb is perfect for meal prep, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the ground chicken mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cook the chicken, mix in the seasonings and fresh herbs, and let it cool before refrigerating in an airtight container. To retain the freshness and crunchy texture, store the crispy shallots separately. On the day you plan to serve, just reheat the Chicken Larb on the stovetop, and assemble it in chilled lettuce cups right before serving. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delicious flavors with minimal effort, ensuring dinner is just as satisfying as when freshly made!

How to Store and Freeze Chicken Larb

Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Larb in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crunch of the lettuce and flavors of the ingredients.

Freezer: If you’d like to save Chicken Larb for later, freeze it without the lettuce cups. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it will keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Thaw frozen Chicken Larb overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Serve in fresh lettuce cups for that delightful crunch.

Chicken Larb Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to let your creativity shine by personalizing this vibrant Chicken Larb recipe to match your taste or dietary needs!

Protein Swap: Substitute ground chicken with any ground meat like pork, beef, or even duck for a unique twist. Each meat brings a different flavor profile that can elevate the dish.
Mushroom Magic: For a vegetarian option, replace meat with finely chopped mushrooms or use tofu for added protein — it’s a fun way to enjoy Larb without meat!
Lower Carb: Omit the toasted rice completely for a low-carb version, or reduce the amount for fewer carbs. This keeps the dish light and airy.
Spice Levels: Adjust the heat by using fewer Thai bird chilies or swapping them with milder peppers. This ensures everyone at the table can enjoy the vibrant flavors!
Fresh Herbs: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, swap it out with parsley or even fresh basil. Each herb lends a fresh taste that can dramatically change the dish.
Additional Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or cashews for a delightful crunch, enhancing the texture and flavor of your Chicken Larb.
Crispy Shallots Boost: Fry up extra shallots for more crispy garnishes. This simple addition can take your Larb from delicious to absolutely irresistible.
Serving with Style: Serve Chicken Larb alongside sticky rice or coconut rice for a heartier meal; it complements the refreshing flavors beautifully.

And for more exciting meal ideas, you might want to explore my Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup or the zesty Fried Chicken Street Tacos for a delightful change of pace!

What to Serve with Quick and Flavorful Chicken Larb Lettuce Cups

Elevate your Chicken Larb experience with vibrant pairings that complement its rich flavors and refreshing crunch.

Sticky Rice: This slightly sweet, chewy rice packed with carbs provides a perfect contrast to the zesty, spicy Chicken Larb.
Coconut Rice: Infused with coconut milk, this creamy side adds a delightful richness that harmonizes beautifully with the acidity of the lime.
Spicy Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers tossed in a tangy dressing offer a bright, cooling companion to the heat from the dish. The crunch adds variety to each bite!
Grilled Vegetables: Colorful grilled veggies like bell peppers and zucchini add a smoky flavor, enriching the meal’s complexity while maintaining a healthful appeal.
Peanut Sauce: Serve alongside a luscious peanut sauce for dipping; its nutty richness pairs well with the Chicken Larb’s spice. This fusion creates a deliciously indulgent balance!
Thai Iced Tea: The sweet, creamy tea with hints of spiced flavors creates a soothing contrast to the vibrant dish, cleansing the palate perfectly.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light medley of tropical fruits adds a refreshing sweetness to counter the spices, making it a lovely finish to the meal.
Lime Sorbet: For dessert, this zesty, icy treat mimics the lime’s brightness while cleansing the palate after the hearty flavors of Chicken Larb.

Chicken Larb Recipe FAQs

What type of meat can I use for Chicken Larb?
Absolutely! While the traditional recipe uses ground chicken, you can easily swap in ground pork, beef, lamb, duck, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option. This flexibility allows you to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences while enjoying this vibrant dish.

How do I store leftover Chicken Larb?
To keep your Chicken Larb fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, be aware that the crunchiness of the lettuce will diminish over time. For the best texture, it’s ideal to enjoy it fresh!

Can I freeze Chicken Larb?
Yes, you can! To freeze Chicken Larb, omit the lettuce cups and place the cooled meat mixture in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove until warmed through. This way, you can savor the delightful flavors later!

What should I do if my Chicken Larb is too salty?
If you find your Chicken Larb is on the salty side, consider adding a pinch of sugar or a bit more lime juice to balance the flavors. This should tone down the saltiness. You can also add more cooked meat or fresh herbs to dilute the saltiness across a larger volume.

How do I tell if my limes are fresh?
When selecting limes, choose ones that are firm and heavy for their size, with a smooth, shiny skin. Avoid those with dark spots or blemishes. Fresh limes should also have a vibrant green color. If they yield slightly to gentle pressure, they’re perfect for juicing!

Is Chicken Larb safe for dogs to eat?
While Chicken Larb can be a delicious dish for humans, be cautious with giving it to your pets. Ingredients like onions and garlic, often used in the dish, can be harmful to dogs. If you want to share, make a plain batch for your furry friend using just ground meat and safe herbs, but always check with your vet if unsure!