Larb Gai: Minced Chicken Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Lao minced chicken salad with aromatic herbs, fiery chili, and a tangy fish sauce base. The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors for a light yet satisfying meal. This laotian-inspired asian ready in about 22 minutes pairs Chicken breast, Fish sauce, Lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 7 min Serves 2 Laotian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Finely mince 200g chicken breast using a sharp knife or food processor until uniformly ground.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine minced chicken, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp palm sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 finely chopped red chili. Mix thoroughly and let marinate for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While chicken marinates, chop 1/4 cup fresh mint, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, and 2 thinly sliced green onions.
  4. Step 4: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking into small pieces until fully cooked and no longer pink.
  5. Step 5: Transfer cooked chicken to a serving plate. Top with 1/4 cup chopped mint, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 2 sliced green onions. Serve with 1 cup shredded lettuce and 1/4 cup toasted rice on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Larb Gai: Minced Chicken Salad take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (15 min prep + 7 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Larb Gai: Minced Chicken Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Larb Gai: Minced Chicken Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Larb Gai: Minced Chicken Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Larb Gai: Minced Chicken Salad?

Laotian asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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