Chicken Larb Gai

There’s something truly magical about Southeast Asian food, and even beyond the Vietnamese food I grew up with, I would say that region produces my favorite type of food. The flavors are bold, vibrant, and unapologetically layered—sweet, salty, sour, spicy, and everything in between. Now, one of my absolute favorite dishes from this part of the world is Larb Gai—a Lao or Thai minced chicken salad that’s fresh, zesty, and packed with flavor in every bite. I still remember the first time I ever had chicken larb. It was back in the mid-2000s at a little spot called Mali Thai in Tukwila. My oldest sister took me there, and that first bite changed everything. The combination of juicy minced chicken, tangy lime juice, fish sauce, fresh herbs, and toasted rice powder was unlike anything I’d ever tasted, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

The best part about authentic chicken larb gai, though, is that you don’t need to dine out for it as it’s surprisingly simple to make at home with just a few key ingredients—and it comes together in less than 30 minutes!

What is Larb Gai?

Larb Gai (also spelled laab, laap, or larp) is a flavorful minced meat salad traditionally made with ground chicken (gai means chicken in Thai). It’s typically tossed with fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, thinly sliced shallots, fish sauce, lime juice, and the game-changing ingredient: toasted rice powder (khao khua), which adds a nutty, slightly crunchy texture that sets larb apart from any other salad.

The dish has roots in Laos, where it’s considered a national dish, but it’s just as popular in Northern Thailand, particularly in the Isaan region, where there is a significant cultural overlap.

Lao vs. Thai Versions:

• Lao larb tends to be bolder and more savory, often made with more fish sauce and without sugar. It might include offal or blood, depending on the region or occasion, and is usually served with sticky rice.
• Thai larb, especially the kind found in Bangkok or Thai-American restaurants, tends to be slightly sweeter and sometimes spicier. Thai versions also tend to be a bit more herbaceous and include a touch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Larb Gai Recipe

Dinner in Under 30 Minutes: Seriously—this recipe is a weeknight hero. Cook your meat, mix your dressing, toss it all together, and you’re all done!

Clean & Healthy Ingredients: Ground chicken, fresh herbs, lime, fish sauce, and rice powder—that’s pretty much it. It’s gluten-free, low-carb, and packed with protein. Great if you’re watching what you’re eating without any sacrifices to flavor

Totally Customizable: Don’t want chicken? No problem. Swap in ground turkey, beef, pork, tofu, or even mushrooms for a plant-based version. Make it as spicy or as mild as you like. Add more herbs. Serve it over rice, lettuce cups, or just eat it straight from the bowl. Make it your own!