If you’re craving a meal that’s both vibrant and easy to whip up, these Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps are the perfect answer. Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps combine fresh herbs, zesty spices, and tender ground chicken to create a dish bursting with flavor that comes together in no time. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a light, satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Fresh and Flavorful: Bursting with herbs and lime, the flavors feel bright and refreshing every bite.
- Health Boost: Low-carb and packed with protein, ideal for a balanced and nutritious meal.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust spices and ingredients to match your taste or dietary needs.
- Fun to Eat: Serving as wraps, it makes dinner interactive and visually appealing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps are straightforward but purposefully chosen to deliver a balance of textures and flavors, from the savory ground chicken to the crunchy fresh herbs and crisp lettuce leaves.
- Ground Chicken: The main protein, lean and tender for quick cooking and great texture.
- Fresh Herbs: Mint, cilantro, and green onions bring refreshing and aromatic layers to the dish.
- Shallots: Finely sliced for a mild crunch and slight sweetness.
- Fish Sauce: Adds authentic umami depth, balancing salty and savory notes.
- Lime Juice: Provides bright and zesty acidity to lift the flavors.
- Toasted Rice Powder: Delivers a nutty flavor and subtle crunch unique to larb.
- Fresh Chili or Chili Flakes: Adds heat and complexity tailored to your preference.
- Butter Lettuce or Romaine Leaves: Crisp and sturdy enough to hold the filling without overpowering the dish.
Variations for Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps
The beauty of Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps is how adaptable they are. Feel free to swap or add ingredients to match what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, pork, or beef instead of chicken for different flavors.
- Spice Levels: Increase or decrease fresh chili or chili flakes to control the heat.
- Herb Variety: Add Thai basil or parsley for a twist on the herbal profile.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute tofu or tempeh crumbles with the same seasoning.
- Nutty Boost: Add chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch and richness.
How to Make Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by finely chopping shallots, herbs, and chili, then toast rice powder in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant before grinding it to a powder.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
Sauté the ground chicken in a hot pan with a bit of oil until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Step 3: Mix in the Flavorings
Add the shallots, herbs, toasted rice powder, fish sauce, lime juice, and chili to the chicken, stirring well to combine all the vibrant flavors evenly.
Step 4: Prepare Lettuce Cups
Wash and gently pat dry the lettuce leaves, selecting the larger, intact leaves to use as natural cups for the filling.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Fill each lettuce leaf with a generous amount of the chicken larb mixture, then garnish with extra fresh herbs or additional lime wedges if desired.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact—dried herbs won’t deliver the same vibrancy.
- Don’t Skip Toasted Rice Powder: It’s a traditional ingredient that adds essential texture and nutty depth.
- Balance Flavors: Adjust lime juice and fish sauce to taste, as these bring acidity and saltiness that are key to larb.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Keep chicken tender by cooking just until done, avoiding dryness.
- Use Crisp Lettuce: Butter lettuce or iceberg works best to hold the filling without tearing.
How to Serve Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps
Garnishes
Brighten your wraps with extra mint leaves, chopped peanuts, sliced red chilies, or thinly sliced green onions for added texture and flavor punch.
Side Dishes
Complement your wraps with a simple cucumber salad, sticky jasmine rice on the side for soaking up juices, or a light soup for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the lettuce cups on a beautiful platter around small bowls of the larb mix, offering “build-your-own” wraps that make dinner interactive and fun for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the cooked chicken larb mixture separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Freezing
The cooked chicken larb can be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Warm the larb filling in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, then add fresh herbs and lime juice after reheating to preserve their fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the ground chicken for crumbled tofu or tempeh and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce to create a delicious vegan version.
What type of lettuce is best for the wraps?
Butter lettuce is ideal because of its soft texture and cup-like shape that holds the filling well without tearing.
Is toasted rice powder necessary?
While optional, toasted rice powder adds authentic texture and a nutty flavor that enhances the traditional taste of larb.
How spicy are Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps?
The spice level is adjustable; you can control it by the amount and type of chili used, making it mild or fiery according to your preference.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the filling can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated; just add fresh herbs and lime juice right before serving for the best flavor.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps are such a refreshing twist on dinner that combines speed, flavor, and nutrition effortlessly. They’re a joy to prepare and even more fun to eat, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself making them again and again for quick meals that never feel ordinary. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the vibrant mix of textures and tastes in every bite!
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Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps are a vibrant and easy-to-make dish combining tender ground chicken, fresh herbs, zesty lime, and traditional toasted rice powder. Ready in under 30 minutes, these wraps are perfect for a healthy, low-carb weeknight meal that’s bursting with fresh flavors and adjustable spice levels. Serve wrapped in crisp butter lettuce for a fun and interactive dining experience.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken (lean and tender)
- 1/4 cup shallots, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1–2 fresh red chilies or 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp toasted rice powder (toasted and ground)
- Butter lettuce or romaine leaves, washed and dried (for wraps)
Optional Variations & Add-ons
- Chopped peanuts or cashews (for garnish and extra crunch)
- Thai basil or parsley (alternative herbs)
- Ground turkey, pork, or beef (protein swap)
- Tofu or tempeh crumbles (for vegetarian/vegan version)
- Soy sauce (to replace fish sauce for vegan option)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop shallots, mint, cilantro, green onions, and chili. Toast rice powder in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, then grind into a powder.
- Cook the Ground Chicken: Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and fully cooked through but not dry.
- Mix in the Flavorings: Transfer the cooked chicken to a mixing bowl. Add shallots, chopped herbs, toasted rice powder, fish sauce, lime juice, and chili. Stir well to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Prepare Lettuce Cups: Select larger intact butter lettuce or romaine leaves. Wash thoroughly and gently pat dry to avoid sogginess.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken larb mixture into each lettuce leaf. Garnish with extra fresh herbs, chopped nuts, or additional lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor; dried herbs do not provide the same vibrancy.
- Don’t skip toasted rice powder—it adds essential nutty flavor and texture traditional to larb.
- Adjust lime juice and fish sauce to balance acidity and saltiness to your liking.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use crisp butter lettuce or iceberg to hold the filling well without tearing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap with filling (approximate)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg