You know that moment when you’re staring into your fridge hoping dinner magically appears?
That was me—until this Ground Chicken Taco Salad became my lazy weeknight hero. It’s everything you want in a healthy chicken taco situation: quick, flavorful, and somehow makes you feel like you have your life together.
Inspired by a last-minute “what-do-I-do-with-this-ground-chicken” panic, this bowl is the answer to your chicken bowl meal prep prayers—with lime, herbs, and just enough heat to keep things interesting.
Thai Ground Chicken Salad (Laab Gai)
EQUIPMENT (PAID LINKS)
- Non-stick skillet
- Spice grinder or blender (optional)
- Small pan
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken breast, thigh, or a mix
- ¼ cup water only if using chicken breast
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 tablespoon toasted rice powder see below or use store-bought
- 1 tablespoon ground Thai chili flakes use less for milder heat
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice add more to taste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce add more to taste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- Lettuce leaves for serving
- Cucumber slices for serving
- Cooked sticky rice for serving
Instructions
- Make Toasted Rice Powder (Optional): Toast 2 tablespoons of sweet glutinous rice in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Add lime leaves if you have them. Let the rice cool, then grind into a fine powder using a spice grinder or blender. Strain to remove any large pieces. (You can also buy toasted rice powder at Asian grocery stores.)Cooked sticky rice
- Cook the Chicken: Place the ground chicken in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. If using chicken breast, add ¼ cup of water to keep it from drying out. Keep the juices in the pan—don’t drain them.1 pound ground chicken, ¼ cup water
- Add Onions: Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the sliced red onions so they gently soften from the residual heat.½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- Season the Chicken: Add the toasted rice powder, lime juice, fish sauce, and Thai chili flakes. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust with more lime juice, fish sauce, or chili depending on how bold you want the flavor.1 tablespoon toasted rice powder, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon ground Thai chili flakes
- Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in the mint and cilantro leaves right before serving. No need to chop unless the leaves are really big.¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- Serve: Spoon the salad into lettuce cups or plate it with cucumber slices and sticky rice. Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can chill in the fridge for up to 2 days.Lettuce leaves, Cucumber slices
Ground Chicken Taco Salad Survival Guide: Because the First Time Is Never Perfect
🌿 Herb Drama Is Real
Cilantro and mint are non-negotiable if you want that fresh Thai pop. But if you’ve got one sad herb bunch and no energy to go back to the store? Just use what you’ve got. Basil’s a surprisingly good understudy. Parsley? Meh… if you must.
🔥 Spice Level: Choose Your Fighter
Got Thai chili flakes? Awesome. Want to keep your eyebrows? Go with regular red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce. No judgment—this dish works spicy or mild, just don’t skip the heat altogether or it’s just “chicken salad with identity issues.”
🍚 Toasted Rice Powder Hack
Listen, if you’re not toasting and grinding sticky rice at home like a Thai grandma, it’s fine. Buy it premade at an Asian grocery store or Amazon. Or skip it entirely and pretend it was a minimalist choice. (But seriously, it does add that addictive nutty crunch.)
🍗 Ground Chicken SOS
Ground turkey works just fine here, and I’ve even gone rogue with leftover rotisserie chicken. Just chop it up small and fake it ‘til you make it.
🥬 Lettuce Wraps Are Cute, But…
Let’s not lie to ourselves—this is amazing over rice or tucked into a pita. Or just eat it cold from the fridge with a fork standing over the sink. No shame, just satisfaction.
🥑 Want to be Fancy?
Top it with avocado, pickled onions, or a drizzle of Greek yogurt if you’re feeling high-maintenance. No, it’s not traditional—but your taste buds won’t file a complaint.
📦 Meal Prep MVP
Store the chicken, herbs, and dressing separately if you want to keep things crisp and perky. Or mix it all together and embrace the “whatever, it’s lunch” vibe.
