Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time, but for the best flavor and texture, toss the salad and fry the chicken just before serving. This ensures the chicken stays crispy, as it tends to lose its crunch if it sits for too long.

Is fried chicken larb gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free. However, it's important to double-check the labeling of your store-bought ingredients.

Can I make this salad for kids?

Absolutely. Just omit the red pepper flakes to turn it into a kid-friendly salad.

Larb Gai Tod Recipe (Thai Fried Chicken Larb)

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This larb gai tod recipe is quick and easy to make, and incredibly delicious. In this Thai chicken salad, crispy chicken is tossed with red pepper flakes, toasted rice powder, fresh herbs, and a spicy sweet-sour dressing. Serve your Thai fried chicken larb with sticky rice for lunch or dinner!

Larb gai tod served with Thai sticky rice.

Did you know that laab is an incredibly versatile dish that can be made with almost any type of protein? I also have recipes for larb gai salad with ground chicken, larb ped recipe with duck, and pork larb!

On this food blog, you can find a huge variety of recipes for Thai salads!

What is larb gai tod

Larb gai tod is a refreshing Thai salad made with pieces of fried chicken, chili, fresh herbs, and a flavorful dressing. This dish was once available at KFC in Thailand.

In Thai, larb (also spelled laab) refers to a type of salad that is typically made with minced meat, like ground beef larb. The term gai tod in Thai translates to fried chicken.

Thai fried chicken salad

Yesterday, my husband and I enjoyed a huge som tum Thai (green papaya salad) with a side of crispy chicken. It was way too much for the two of us! The leftovers inspired this fried chicken salad.

It’s a dish that’s super easy to make at home but tastes just as good as takeout or dining at a Thai restaurant.

What’s great about this Thai crispy chicken salad recipe is that you can easily adjust the spiciness to suit your taste, and the dressing strikes the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and sour. And if you often cook Thai food, you likely already have all the ingredients needed for this fried larb at home!

Close-up of Thai larb with fried chicken, garnished with red onions and herbs, enjoyed with sticky rice.

In my family, this fried chicken larb has become a new favorite. It’s definitely worth trying! If you’re cooking for kids, you can simply omit the chilies – that way it’s a hit with everyone.

You can also replace the chicken with fried pork if you like, or even make larb with fried shrimp. This recipe is very adaptable to your preferences.

Although larb is a popular street food in Thailand, this particular version with fried chicken might not be as common. Fortunately, you can easily recreate it at home with this easy larb gai tod recipe!

Ingredients for larb tod

Ingredients can be sourced at Asian grocery stores and Asian markets.
The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Top-view of ingredients for larb gai tod: shallots, lime, fish sauce, mint, green onions, fried chicken, sugar, chili flakes, and toasted rice powder.

Fried chicken – Learn how to fry crispy Thai chicken or use any leftovers you have. Choose chicken breasts or chicken thighs!
Fried chicken salad dressing – The dressing is a mix of fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and white sugar. Feel free to balance the umami, salty, tangy, and sweet flavors to taste.
Fresh herbs – Mint and coriander are my picks for an authentic larb salad, but feel free to use your favorite herbs.
Toasted rice powder – Toasted rice powder is a key ingredient that adds a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the spicy chicken salad. It’s made by grinding pan-roasted glutinous rice, available for purchase at Amazon or easy to make at home.
Thai chili flakes – With chili flakes, it’s easy to adjust this larb crispy chicken to your desired spice level. Just crush dried chilies using a mortar and pestle, and sprinkle away
Shallots

How to make fried chicken larb

Fried chicken sliced on a wooden cutting board.

Step 1: Cut shallots into thin slices. Slice the fried chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine lime juice, fish sauce, white sugar, toasted rice powder, and dried chili flakes.

Step 3: Add the chopped shallots, coriander, mint, and your crispy fried chicken. Toss gently with a spoon to mix the chicken with the dressing. Serve your larb fried chicken immediately with rice.

Kitchenware

Measuring spoons and cups
Frying pan or large wok
Tongs and spider strainer (for flipping and deep-frying chicken)
Cutting board and a sharp knife (for cutting chicken and vegetables)
Mixing bowl (for tossing the salad)

What to serve with laab gai tod

Thai fried chicken larb pairs great with steamed jasmine rice or other types of white rice. In Isan cuisine, laab is typically served with Thai sticky rice (khao niao), that’s my favorite way to enjoy it. Thai people like to accompany laab with a selection of fresh vegetables such as crunchy yard long beans, Thai eggplants, lettuce for wraps, and green onions.

Thai fried chicken larb in a decorative bowl with sticky rice in a bamboo container, ready to be enjoyed for a Thai salad.

How to store

Let your leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh for a day or two. If kept longer, the herbs may become soggy, and the crispy texture will soften. While it might not be as crispy as the first day, it will still taste delicious.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time, but for the best flavor and texture, toss the salad and fry the chicken just before serving. This ensures the chicken stays crispy, as it tends to lose its crunch if it sits for too long.
Is fried chicken larb gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free. However, it’s important to double-check the labeling of your store-bought ingredients.
Can I make this salad for kids?

Absolutely. Just omit the red pepper flakes to turn it into a kid-friendly salad.

More Thai salad recipes you’ll love

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