If you’re searching for a healthy, vibrant meal that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in a flash, Quick Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps are exactly what you need. This dish combines tender ground chicken with zesty herbs, tangy lime, and just the right hint of spice, all wrapped in crisp, fresh lettuce leaves. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or a light dinner, these wraps bring an irresistible combination of textures and tastes that everyone will crave. Let’s dive right into this easy-to-make recipe that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
- Fresh & Flavorful: Combines bright lime, fresh herbs, and savory chicken for a delicious flavor burst.
- Healthy & Light: Uses lean chicken and wraps everything in crisp lettuce for a low-carb, nutrient-rich meal.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs with simple ingredient swaps.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great finger food for gatherings, meals-on-the-go, or casual family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh and accessible ingredients ensures your Quick Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps pack the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a unique role, from the juicy chicken to the aromatic herbs and crunchy greens.
- Ground Chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken for tenderness and protein without excess fat.
- Fresh Herbs: Mint and cilantro add brightness and a burst of fresh, herbal notes.
- Lime Juice: Provides acidity and tang essential to balancing the dish.
- Fish Sauce: Adds authentic umami depth and salty flavor typical of larb recipes.
- Shallots: Offers a mild onion flavor and subtle crunch when thinly sliced.
- Chili Flakes or Fresh Chili: Adds heat—adjustable to your spice preference.
- Roasted Rice Powder: Provides a toasted, nutty element and slight texture contrast.
- Butter or Oil: Lightly coats the chicken for moisture and flavor during cooking.
- Butter Lettuce Leaves: Use soft, flexible leaves as perfect edible cups for the filling.
Variations for Quick Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps
Quick Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps are easily customizable; you can adapt this recipe to suit various tastes, dietary requirements, or what’s available in your kitchen. Feel free to mix and match ingredients and flavors to make it uniquely your own.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground chicken with crumbled tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based option.
- Different Lettuce: Try romaine, iceberg, or even cabbage leaves for added crunch or a different texture.
- Milder Spice: Swap chili flakes for paprika or omit entirely if you prefer less heat.
- Extra Crunch: Add toasted peanuts or cashews on top for a nutty crunch.
- More Veggies: Incorporate julienned carrots, cucumber, or shredded cabbage for added color and freshness.
How to Make Quick Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by heating a small amount of butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s fully cooked through and lightly browned. This creates a juicy and flavorful base for your larb.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
While the chicken cooks, combine lime juice, fish sauce, chili flakes, and a pinch of roasted rice powder in a mixing bowl. This blend balances salty, sour, and spicy flavors that are signature to larb.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Herbs
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to the bowl with seasoning. Toss in thinly sliced shallots, chopped mint, and cilantro. Stir everything gently to mix the flavors evenly without bruising the delicate herbs.
Step 4: Assemble the Wraps
Separate large butter lettuce leaves and arrange them on a serving plate. Spoon the chicken larb mixture into each leaf, making sure to distribute the filling evenly for easy wrapping and eating.
Step 5: Final Touches
Sprinkle a little extra roasted rice powder and some fresh minced chili if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture contrast between crispy lettuce and juicy filling.
Pro Tips for Making Quick Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh mint and cilantro elevate the dish with bright, distinct aromas.
- Adjust Lime and Fish Sauce: Taste as you go to balance tanginess and savoriness to your liking.
- Roast Your Own Rice Powder: Toast jasmine rice in a dry pan until golden then grind for freshest flavor.
- Keep Lettuce Dry: Pat your lettuce leaves dry to avoid soggy wraps.
- Serve Immediately: These wraps are best enjoyed fresh to maintain crunch and flavor.
How to Serve Quick Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps
Garnishes
Garnishing your wraps with extra fresh herbs like cilantro, thin slices of red chili, and a sprinkle of roasted rice powder adds an appealing crunch and burst of flavor that complements the main filling wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Pair the wraps with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice for a more filling meal, or cool cucumber salad for refreshing contrast. Light, crisp vegetable spring rolls also work beautifully alongside this dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the larb chicken in a large shallow bowl with the lettuce leaves artfully arranged around it, encouraging everyone to build their own wraps. For a casual party, place all components buffet-style for a fun hands-on experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store the cooked larb mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to maintain freshness and crispness.
Freezing
While not ideal for the lettuce, the cooked chicken larb filling freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
Reheat the larb filling in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through, stirring occasionally to preserve moisture. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken and herbs.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and makes a great lean protein alternative for your Quick Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps.
What if I don’t have fish sauce?
You can substitute soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian-friendly version, although it will slightly change the traditional flavor.
Is roasted rice powder necessary?
It’s a classic ingredient in larb for adding texture and nutty flavor, but if you can’t find it, you can omit or substitute with toasted sesame seeds.
How spicy is this dish? Can I make it milder?
The spice level is flexible—simply reduce or omit chili flakes or fresh chilis according to your taste, and you’ll still have a delicious, balanced meal.
What is the best lettuce to use for wraps?
Butter lettuce is ideal due to its softness and shape, but romaine, iceberg, or even cabbage leaves make great alternatives if you prefer more crunch.
Final Thoughts
Quick Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps are truly a delightful meal that combines fresh, vibrant flavors with ease and speed. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or whipping up a healthy lunch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect harmony of spicy, tangy, and savory in every bite!
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Quick Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick Chicken Larb Lettuce Wraps offer a healthy and vibrant meal bursting with zesty lime, fresh herbs, and just the right hint of spice. Ready in under 30 minutes, this low-carb, protein-packed dish combines tender ground chicken with aromatic mint and cilantro, tangy lime juice, and the umami depth of fish sauce, all served in crisp butter lettuce leaves. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner, these wraps deliver a delicious balance of textures and flavors that are easily customizable to fit any diet or taste preference.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
Herbs & Aromatics
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced shallots
Seasonings & Liquids
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 fresh chili (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon roasted rice powder
Cooking Fat
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
To Serve
- Butter lettuce leaves (about 8 large leaves)
- Extra roasted rice powder (for garnish)
- Fresh minced chili (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully cooked through and lightly browned, creating a juicy and flavorful base.
- Mix the Seasoning: While the chicken cooks, combine lime juice, fish sauce, chili flakes, and roasted rice powder in a mixing bowl, balancing salty, sour, and spicy flavors signature to larb.
- Combine Chicken and Herbs: Transfer the cooked chicken to the bowl with seasoning. Add thinly sliced shallots, chopped mint, and cilantro. Stir gently to mix flavors evenly without bruising the herbs.
- Assemble the Wraps: Separate butter lettuce leaves and arrange on a serving plate. Spoon the chicken larb mixture evenly into each leaf for easy wrapping and eating.
- Final Touches: Sprinkle extra roasted rice powder and fresh minced chili on top if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of crispy lettuce and juicy filling.
Notes
- Use fresh mint and cilantro to elevate brightness and aroma.
- Taste and adjust lime juice and fish sauce to balance tanginess and savoriness.
- Roast jasmine rice in a dry pan until golden and grind it yourself for the freshest roasted rice powder.
- Keep lettuce leaves dry by patting them with a towel to avoid soggy wraps.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and flavors of the filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap (with filling)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg