If you are craving a dish bursting with fresh flavors, vibrant herbs, and a delightful zing, then you will absolutely love this Easy Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps Recipe. This recipe takes the classic Thai larb, known for its irresistible balance of tangy lime, savory fish sauce, and a hint of spice, and transforms it into a light, comforting meal wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves. It’s healthy, quick to whip up, and perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a breezy weeknight dinner. Once you try these wraps, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to nailing the perfect balance in your Easy Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps Recipe. Each element plays a role in layering the flavor and texture, from the tender ground chicken to the bright herbs and zingy lime juice, making this dish an absolute joy to assemble and savor.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The lean protein base that cooks quickly and absorbs all the wonderful flavors.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps sauté the aromatics without overpowering the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Provides a fragrant punch right at the start of cooking.
- 1 small shallot (thinly sliced): Adds subtle sweetness and crunch.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Brings warmth and bright spice to complement the herbs.
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce: A key ingredient for authentic umami and saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds refreshing acidity that balances the savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Softens the tanginess and rounds out the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste): Provides a gentle heat that you can customize to your liking.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: A fragrant herb that offers a bright, citrusy aroma.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint: Adds a cool, refreshing contrast.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Introduces mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- 1 tablespoon toasted rice powder (optional but authentic): Delivers a nutty crunch and an authentic Thai twist.
- 8–10 large butter lettuce leaves: The crisp, mild wraps that hold all the fresh goodness together.
How to Make Easy Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, thinly sliced shallot, and grated ginger, sautéing them gently for 1 to 2 minutes until their fragrances bloom. This step creates a flavorful foundation that will soak beautifully into the chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks, stirring frequently for about 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken turns completely opaque with no pink remaining. Cooking the meat thoroughly and evenly is key for perfect texture and taste.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili flakes. Let the mixture cook together for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This allows the flavors to marry and the sauce to slightly reduce, intensifying the overall taste of the larb filling.
Step 4: Fold in Fresh Herbs and Rice Powder
Remove the skillet from the heat, then mix in the chopped cilantro, mint, green onions, and, if you’re using it, the toasted rice powder. This final step brings texture, brightness, and authentic flavor notes to the dish that truly elevate your Easy Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps Recipe.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Carefully spoon the warm chicken mixture into each butter lettuce leaf, allowing the crisp lettuce to cradle the savory larb beautifully. Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the lettuce remains refreshing and crisp.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Top your wraps with a few extra sprigs of cilantro and mint, a wedge of lime for squeezing, or even some thinly sliced red radishes for crunch and color. These additions can brighten up the presentation and add personalized bursts of flavor with every bite.
Side Dishes
Light and fresh sides complement these Easy Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps perfectly. Consider a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or a bowl of jasmine rice to make the meal a bit more filling without overpowering the delicate flavors of the larb.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning party platter, serve the chicken mixture in a shallow bowl surrounded by neatly arranged butter lettuce leaves ready for wrapping. You can also offer small dipping bowls of spicy chili sauce or extra lime wedges for guests to customize their wraps to their liking, making this dish interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cooked chicken mixture separately from the lettuce wraps in airtight containers. Keeping the components separate ensures the lettuce stays crisp and fresh when you’re ready to enjoy the wraps again.
Freezing
The chicken larb mixture freezes well, making it convenient for future meals. Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken filling over low to medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as reheating on the stovetop helps retain the best texture and flavor. Always reassemble with fresh lettuce for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and works just as well in this dish. It will slightly alter the flavor but keep the same delicious, fresh vibe that makes Easy Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps Recipe so beloved.
What if I don’t have toasted rice powder? Is it necessary?
Toasted rice powder adds that authentic nuttiness and a delightful crunch, but it’s optional. If you don’t have it on hand, your wraps will still taste fantastic without it. You can even make it yourself by toasting uncooked rice in a hot pan and grinding it finely.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat level?
The dish carries a gentle kick from the chili flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice to suit your taste. Add more chili flakes for extra heat or reduce them completely for a milder, family-friendly version.
What type of lettuce is best for these wraps?
Butter lettuce is the perfect choice thanks to its sturdy but tender leaves that are easy to fold and not too bitter. Iceberg or romaine can be used in a pinch, but they won’t have quite the same delicate texture and flavor balance.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can cook and season the chicken mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat before serving and assemble with fresh lettuce. Chopping the herbs beforehand saves time too but add them at the last minute for the best freshness and aroma.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of serving up a dish that’s both vibrant and comforting, and this Easy Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these wraps offer fresh, exciting flavors with minimal fuss. Dive in, enjoy the process, and savor every bite of this wonderfully bright and balanced dish — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Easy Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These easy chicken larb lettuce wraps offer a fresh, flavorful, and healthy spin on the traditional Thai dish. Featuring ground chicken cooked with aromatic herbs, lime juice, and a touch of spice, they are quick to prepare and ideal for a light dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Herbs and Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon toasted rice powder (optional but authentic)
Serving
- 8–10 large butter lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, thinly sliced shallot, and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink and fully cooked through, approximately 5–6 minutes.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili flakes. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the mixture to combine well and reduce slightly.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro, mint, green onions, and toasted rice powder if using, to enhance flavor and texture.
- Assemble Wraps: Spoon the flavorful chicken mixture into the butter lettuce leaves and serve immediately for a fresh and delicious meal.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground chicken.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Toasted rice powder adds authentic crunch and nutty flavor; make it by toasting uncooked rice in a dry pan until golden, then grinding it into a powder.
