If you are craving a meal that bursts with fresh herbs, zesty tang, and a satisfying savory punch, you are going to love this Simple Chicken Mushroom Larb Bowls Recipe. This vibrant dish combines tender ground chicken with earthy mushrooms, lively herbs, and a kick of chili, all served over a comforting bed of rice or quinoa. It’s not only incredibly flavorful but also quick and approachable, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that still feels special. Once you try it, these bowls will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for a wholesome, delicious meal that satisfies every craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is like collecting little bursts of flavor, texture, and color that come together to create something truly delightful. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing the overall dish and ensuring every bite is memorable and satisfying.
- 1 pound Ground Chicken: Rich in flavor and cooks quickly, providing a tender protein base.
- 8 ounces Mushrooms (shiitake or button): Adds an earthy depth and a meaty texture that complements the chicken.
- 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro: Enhances freshness and adds bright herbal notes.
- 1 handful Fresh Mint Leaves: Brings a bright and refreshing note that lifts the whole dish.
- 2 tablespoons Fish Sauce: Provides authentic umami flavor, critical for larb’s signature taste.
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice: Adds acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes: Adds a controlled heat—adjust this to match your preferred spice level.
- 1 finely chopped Shallot: Adds sweetness and a mild onion flavor that mellows when cooked.
- 1 cup Cooked Jasmine Rice or Quinoa: Offers a hearty base to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Fresh Vegetables (lettuce, cucumber, bell peppers) as needed: Provide a crunchy texture and vibrant colors to brighten your bowl.
How to Make Simple Chicken Mushroom Larb Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shallots
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding a drizzle of oil. Toss in the finely chopped shallots and cook them gently for 2 to 3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. This step is essential as it builds a flavorful base for the dish, releasing the natural sweetness of the shallots.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
Next, add the ground chicken straight into the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Continue sautéing for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken turns a nice golden brown. This not only ensures the chicken is cooked through but also develops a lovely caramelized flavor that will enhance your larb bowl.
Step 3: Add the Mushrooms
Now, stir in the chopped mushrooms and let them cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. The mushrooms will soften and release their earthy juices, perfectly mingling with the savory chicken. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor and texture that makes this chicken larb so special.
Step 4: Season Your Larb
Time to layer in those signature larb flavors! Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes, mixing thoroughly so every bit of chicken and mushroom is evenly coated. These ingredients bring that essential balance of salty, sour, and spicy that makes this dish so addictive.
Step 5: Fold in Fresh Herbs
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the fresh mint and cilantro. Adding these herbs last preserves their bright colors and fresh flavors, which are key to the Simple Chicken Mushroom Larb Bowls Recipe’s lively, refreshing taste.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
Serve this fragrant chicken mushroom mixture over a bed of cooked jasmine rice or quinoa. Top with your choice of crunchy fresh vegetables like crisp lettuce, cooling cucumber slices, or sweet bell peppers. For an extra zesty kick, squeeze some additional lime juice right over the top before digging in.
How to Serve Simple Chicken Mushroom Larb Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
The garnish is where you can get creative and add your personal touch. Sprigs of fresh cilantro and mint not only enhance the presentation but also boost the herbal freshness with each bite. Toasted rice powder is a classic larb garnish if you want a nutty crunch. Thinly sliced red chilies or extra chili flakes can dial up the heat for spice lovers.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Simple Chicken Mushroom Larb Bowls Recipe with light, refreshing side dishes like a crunchy cucumber salad or pickled vegetables can complement the bold, rich flavors beautifully. Steamed or stir-fried greens such as bok choy or kale also work well to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just enjoy a playful meal at home, try serving the chicken mushroom larb in lettuce cups for a fun, handheld option. Alternatively, presenting the cooked larb in small individual bowls alongside separate rice and vegetable plates lets everyone build their own perfect bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Simple Chicken Mushroom Larb Bowls Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to mingle even more lovelily after resting overnight, making next-day leftovers an unexpected treat.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and mushroom mixture if needed. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the mixture overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the thawed or refrigerated larb gently in a skillet over low to medium heat to prevent drying it out. Add a splash of water or lime juice if needed to keep it moist and flavorful. Fresh herbs are best added after reheating to preserve their brightness.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork work well as alternatives and will still absorb the rich flavors beautifully. For a vegetarian twist, try diced firm tofu or tempeh with mushrooms to maintain the dish’s texture.
How spicy is this Simple Chicken Mushroom Larb Bowls Recipe?
The chili flakes provide a mild to moderate heat that you can easily adjust. Feel free to add more or less depending on your spice tolerance — it’s your bowl, your rules!
What if I don’t have fish sauce?
If fish sauce is unavailable or if you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute with soy sauce or tamari for a similar salty umami punch, though it will slightly alter the classic larb taste.
Can I prepare the herbs in advance?
Yes, you can chop the cilantro and mint ahead of time and store them in the fridge. However, add these fresh herbs only right before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor and color.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you choose gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if substituting fish sauce, this recipe remains naturally gluten-free and suitable for many dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Chicken Mushroom Larb Bowls Recipe is an absolute gem in the kitchen — quick, vibrant, and bursting with flavor from first bite to last. Its combination of fresh herbs, zesty lime, and savory chicken will quickly make it a favorite in your meal rotation. I encourage you to whip up this dish soon and experience how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and utterly delicious.
Print
Simple Chicken Mushroom Larb Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Simple Chicken Mushroom Larb Bowl is a flavorful and fresh Thai-inspired dish featuring ground chicken sautéed with mushrooms and aromatic herbs, seasoned with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes. Served over jasmine rice or quinoa and accompanied by crisp fresh vegetables, it offers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors in a wholesome, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound Ground Chicken
- 8 ounces Mushrooms (shiitake or button), chopped
- 1 finely chopped Shallot
- Fresh Vegetables as needed (lettuce, cucumber, bell peppers)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
- 1 handful Fresh Mint Leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Fish Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice, plus extra for serving
- 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes (adjust to taste)
Base
- 1 cup Cooked Jasmine Rice or Quinoa
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add a small drizzle of oil to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté shallots: Add the finely chopped shallots to the hot skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are translucent and fragrant.
- Cook the ground chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, and cook for 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Add mushrooms: Stir in the chopped mushrooms and continue sautéing for another 4-5 minutes until they soften and release their flavor.
- Season the mixture: Pour in the fish sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes, stirring thoroughly to combine all the seasonings evenly with the meat and mushrooms.
- Incorporate fresh herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the fresh mint leaves and cilantro to maintain their vibrant flavors.
- Assemble the bowl: Serve the chicken mixture over cooked jasmine rice or quinoa, and garnish with fresh vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, and bell peppers for crunch and color.
- Final touch: Squeeze additional lime juice over the top of the assembled bowl just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork if preferred.
- Adjust chili flakes to your heat preference or leave them out for a milder dish.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint are key to authentic flavor; avoid substituting dried herbs.
- Use jasmine rice for a traditional Thai touch, or quinoa for a gluten-free alternative.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
