The bold, bright flavors of Thailand come to life in this Thai Chicken Larb, a traditional dish that balances savory, spicy, and tangy notes in every bite. With its fresh herbs, juicy chicken, and a citrusy finish, it’s as fragrant as it is flavorful.
Perfect for a weeknight meal or meal prep, this larb can be served over rice or wrapped in crisp lettuce cups. Whether you’re looking to explore Thai cuisine or want a healthy protein-packed option, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Full Recipe:
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1 pound ground chicken
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon finely chopped lemongrass
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1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 teaspoon brown sugar
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1 small red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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2 green onions, thinly sliced
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1–2 Thai chilies, thinly sliced (optional, to taste)
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Lettuce leaves or cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Directions:
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the ground chicken and cook, stirring often, until the meat is no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
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Stir in the garlic, lemongrass, and ginger; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
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Remove from heat and mix in the red onion, mint, cilantro, green onions, and chilies (if using).
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Serve warm in lettuce cups or over jasmine rice, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 165 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What is Thai Chicken Larb?
Thai Chicken Larb, also known as Larb Gai, is a traditional dish rooted in the culinary traditions of Laos and northeastern Thailand, particularly the Isan region. It is a type of meat salad often considered the “unofficial national dish” of Laos, though it has also become a staple in Thai cuisine.
Larb is essentially a minced meat dish—most often made with chicken, pork, or beef—seasoned with lime juice, fish sauce, fresh herbs, and chilies. What sets Thai Chicken Larb apart is its fresh, vibrant taste and its ability to be both light and full of flavor. In Thai culture, larb is often enjoyed at family gatherings, celebrations, and even street food stalls. It’s loved for its simple preparation and balanced flavor profile that includes salty, sour, spicy, and slightly sweet notes.
Cultural Roots and Global Popularity
Larb is more than just a dish—it’s a representation of Thai and Lao hospitality and tradition. Traditionally, it’s served as part of a communal meal, often accompanied by sticky rice and an assortment of fresh vegetables and herbs. The dish has historically been a marker of good fortune, commonly served at weddings, festivals, and major holidays.
Over the past two decades, Thai larb has gained traction in global culinary scenes, especially in North America and Europe, thanks to the rise of Thai restaurants and the general popularity of Southeast Asian flavors. Its ability to adapt to various dietary preferences—gluten-free, low-carb, high-protein—makes it a go-to for many health-conscious food lovers.
Flavor Profile and Why It Works
What makes Thai Chicken Larb incredibly appealing is its dynamic blend of textures and flavors. The minced chicken is savory and juicy, soaking up the aromatic punch of garlic, lemongrass, and ginger. Then there’s the acidity from the lime juice, which cuts through the richness of the meat, and the umami depth of the fish sauce and soy sauce that adds complexity.
But it’s the herbs—mint, cilantro, and green onions—that bring the dish to life. These fresh additions offer coolness and brightness, balancing out the heat from the chilies. Every bite of larb is a masterclass in contrasts: warm and cold, spicy and refreshing, soft and crunchy.
A Healthy Choice Packed with Protein and Nutrients
From a nutritional perspective, Thai Chicken Larb is a wholesome dish that packs a serious punch. Ground chicken is a lean protein source, making it suitable for those watching their fat intake. Herbs like mint and cilantro not only add flavor but also contain antioxidants, vitamins, and digestive benefits.
The dish is low in carbohydrates, especially when served in lettuce cups, making it an excellent option for low-carb or keto-style diets. The lime juice adds vitamin C, while ginger and garlic are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, it’s a light, clean dish that doesn’t sacrifice taste for health.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Weeknight Dinners
Another reason to love Thai Chicken Larb is its convenience. The dish can be prepped and cooked in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or quick lunches. It’s easy to double or triple the batch for meal prep, and the flavors actually intensify over time as the herbs and sauces meld into the meat.
Pack it up in containers with a side of rice, quinoa, or crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing lunch option. The minimal cleanup and quick cooking time make it a recurring favorite for those who want something homemade without the hassle.
Serving Suggestions: More Than Just Lettuce Wraps
While lettuce cups are the most popular modern way to serve larb—providing a crisp, fresh vessel for the flavorful meat—there are many other ways to enjoy it. Here are a few variations and accompaniments to consider:
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Sticky Rice or Jasmine Rice: Traditional larb is almost always served with sticky rice in Thailand and Laos. Jasmine rice is another fragrant alternative that complements the flavors well.
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Fresh Vegetable Platter: Serve the larb alongside sliced cucumbers, carrot sticks, cabbage wedges, or radishes for a DIY, customizable plate.
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Rice Noodles: For a more substantial meal, try pairing larb with rice noodles tossed lightly in sesame oil or lime dressing.
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Thai-Style Side Dishes: Consider adding a Thai cucumber salad, papaya salad (som tam), or even a mild coconut-based soup to round out your table.
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Toppings Galore: Sprinkle toasted rice powder, crushed peanuts, or fried shallots on top for added texture and crunch.
Customizations and Dietary Adaptations
One of the great things about this dish is its flexibility. It’s naturally gluten-free if you opt for gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos. You can also adjust the heat level to your preference—either by using milder chilies or omitting them entirely for a kid-friendly version.
For a vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even minced mushrooms. These plant-based proteins soak up the flavors just as well, especially when allowed to marinate for a few extra minutes.
Pairing Ideas: Drinks and Desserts
To keep things refreshing, pair Thai Chicken Larb with beverages like iced jasmine tea, Thai lime soda, or a cold lager. The acidity and spice of the dish also go well with light white wines, such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc.
As for dessert, something cool and mildly sweet works best to balance the bold flavors. Think mango sticky rice, coconut milk tapioca pudding, or even a scoop of tropical sorbet (like lychee or pineapple).
Why You Should Add This to Your Weekly Rotation
Thai Chicken Larb is more than just a delicious meal; it’s a gateway into the bright, balanced flavors of Southeast Asia. It’s quick to make, adaptable to your diet, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just cooking for one, larb offers versatility without sacrificing nutrition or flavor.
Its simple ingredients, bold seasoning, and fast cooking time make it a weeknight savior. The dish also stores well, making it great for leftovers or packed lunches. From low-carb eaters to flavor fanatics, larb checks all the boxes.
Conclusion
Thai Chicken Larb is a culinary gem that beautifully blends the aromatic elements of Thai cuisine with practical, everyday cooking. It’s a dish steeped in tradition, yet perfectly suited for the modern kitchen. With its health benefits, explosive flavor, and versatility, this humble minced chicken salad earns a permanent spot in any home cook’s recipe repertoire.
Whether served in crisp lettuce cups, over a bed of fragrant rice, or alongside a vibrant salad, larb is proof that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be made with care, curiosity, and a few handfuls of fresh herbs.