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Lemongrass Chicken Stir Fry (15-Minute Recipe!!)

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

July 2, 2024

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5 from 9 votes

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This Lemongrass Chicken Stir Fry is simple to make at home in just 15 minutes! Fragrant lemongrass and tangy lime juice coat the chicken with a delicious glaze that’s perfect served with a side of rice. 

Overhead close up of lemongrass chicken stir fry.

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Truth – I’m a bit obsessed with Thai and Asian dishes. If you’ve been following along with me for a while, you may have noticed (see here, here and here).

I’m also infatuated with toasted rice powder. What parmesan cheese does for pasta, toasted rice powder does for Asian food. It’s nutty, creamy, and, also, a bit crunchy. I can’t get enough of it. So naturally, I’m topping this lemongrass chicken stir fry with it.

Ingredients Needed

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – You can also use chicken thighs.
  • Lemongrass stalks – See my tips below on how to prep it for cooking.
  • Brown Sugar
  • Fish sauce – Fish sauce is sold in the asian foods aisle of major grocery stores. This is my favorite brand. Or, try one of these fish sauce substitutes.
  • Jalapenos
  • Onion & Garlic
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Chicken stock – Or, bone broth.
  • Lime
  • Cilantro
  • Rice
Sauce for lemongrass chicken.

How Do You Prepare Lemongrass? 

When cooking with fresh lemongrass, you only want to use the tender part of the bulb section. To cut lemongrass, first remove the knobby end of the stalk and cut it in half lengthwise. Remove the tough outer leaves and find the inner tender flesh (it should pierce easily with your fingernail). Then, finely chop that tender white part of the lemongrass.

How to Make It

Chopped up chicken is marinated in a deliciously yummy mixture of jalapenos, fish sauce, brown sugar and lemongrass. It’s tangy, spicy and has that perfect combination of sweet and sour.

I like to leave my chicken to marinade in the fridge overnight, to really let it soak up all those amazing flavors. However, if you’re short on time, you can let it sit for as little as an hour.

Once the marinating process is complete, this dish comes together quick. Really quick. You’ll be eating in about 15 minutes, which makes this lemongrass chicken perfect for hectic weeknight dinners!

Just pop the marinated chicken into a hot skillet and let it get nice and golden. We’ll add in some sliced onions and more jalapenos during this cooking stage too. A little bit of time with the lid on ensures that the chicken cooks fully throughout.

Then, to get that sauce to perfectly coat all those bits of chicken, we’ll cook finish it off with the lid off for a few minutes, to be sure that the sauce condenses a bit.

For that finishing touch, we’ll sprinkle on some toasted rice powder.

To make it, just add some white rice to a small skillet over medium-high heat and let it get nice and golden brown. Then, using a mortar and pestle (or a clean coffee grinder) grind it up into a coarse powder. I like to make it about the texture of coarse coffee grounds.

When the lemongrass chicken is finished cooking, we’ll sprinkle a bit of this on top for a yummy crunch. I’m obsessed with the added bit of texture it adds, and I think you will be too!

Hand reaching for bowl of lemongrass chicken.

How to Make Ahead & Store

Store any leftovers covered in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. 

What to Serve with Lemongrass Chicken

  • Rice Noodles or Vermicelli Noodles – Arrange the chicken on top of the noodles and top with fresh herbs to make a vermicelli bowl.
  • Jasmine Rice, Brown Rice, White Rice – I love making my rice in the rice cooker. I have this one and I get happy every time it plays the cute little chime.You can also make instant pot rice.
  • Thai Cucumber Salad
  • Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
  • Garlic Green Beans
  • MORE —> Sides for BBQ Chicken

Wine Pairings

  • An unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Gris aged in steel barrels will enhance the lemongrass, cilantro, and spicy flavors that permeate this dish.
Overhead shot of bowl of lemongrass chicken.

More Quick & Easy Chicken Recipes 

  • Chicken Gyro Bowls with Quinoa
  • Chicken Marsala with Mustard & Mascarpone
  • Easy Chicken Piccata
  • Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls
  • Curry Chicken Skewers with Lime
  • Chicken Parmesan Skillet

More Vietnamese inspired recipes

  • Vietnamese Noodle Salad (Bun Bo Xao)
  • Instant Pot Pho
  • Vietnamese Chicken Wings

Did you try this lemongrass chicken recipe?

If you loved this chicken lemongrass stir fry I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on  Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook.

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Overhead close up of lemongrass chicken stir fry.

Full Recipe

Lemongrass Chicken Stir Fry

This Thai Lemongrass Chicken recipe is simple to make at home in just 15 minutes! Fragrant lemongrass and tangy lime juice coat the chicken with a delicious glaze that's perfect served with a side of rice. 
5 from 9 votes
Print Pin
Serves 4 servings
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
Cook Time: 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces )
  • 2 lemongrass stalks (tough outer layers removed, minced, divided)
  • 2 1/2 Tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 jalapenos (seeded and minced, divided)
  • 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1 lime (juiced )
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro (for serving)
  • 1/4 cup rice (plus additional for serving)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  • Put half of the lemongrass into a bowl with the fish sauce, sugar, half of the jalapenos, garlic, and chicken. Toss to combine and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet or a wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, until browned. Add the reserved jalapenos, lemongrass and onion. Cook until the onion is softened. Pour in the stock, reduce the heat to low, cover and cook, about 5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Add lime juice. 
  • Meanwhile, toast the rice in a small skillet over medium-high heat, until golden brown. Remove from heat. Using a mortar & pestle grind the rice into a coarse powder. Alternatively, you can use a clean coffee grinder for this. Set aside.
  • Remove the lid, increase the heat, and continue to cook until the liquid is thickened. Sprinkle with toasted rice powder and cilantro and serve with rice and lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 1383mg | Potassium: 830mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 140IU | Vitamin C: 18.2mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1.4mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Note: I had several reviewers stating that they felt there was too much fish sauce in the original recipe. While I didn’t feel that way, I have updated the recipe and halved the amount of fish sauce. Rather than using 1/4 cup in the original recipe, I’ve updated the recipe to use only 2 Tablespoons of fish sauce. 

This post was originally published in 2018. It was updated in 2023 to add new content. The lemongrass chicken stir fry recipe remains the same. Enjoy!

 

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5 from 9 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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42 responses

  1. kelsey
    August 3, 2015

    YUM! wow! that looks delicious and i hadn’t heard about this toasted rice magic!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      August 3, 2015

      Thanks Kelsey! 🙂 It is magic!

      Reply
  2. Pech
    August 3, 2015

    I’ve never heard of using toasted rice powder but am intrigued enough to definitely try!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      August 3, 2015

      Yay – Let me know if you do Pech. I find myself topping more and more dishes with it!

      Reply
  3. Erin
    August 3, 2015

    Yum. I love lemongrass. And I’m super intrigued by that toasted rice on top. What a clever idea!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      August 3, 2015

      Thanks Erin! I’m a huge fan of lemongrass too! I’m happy that I’m finding it more readily available at the supermarket lately!

      Reply
  4. Meredith {MarthaChartreuse}
    August 3, 2015

    I’m always intimidated by cooking Asian food at home – lots of ingredients and steps – but this looks doable!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      August 3, 2015

      I’d have to agree Meredith – Asian food recipes can sometimes be a bit intimidating with obscure ingredients and lots of steps, but you can most likely find all of these ingredients at your supermarket, and it’s easy too!

      Reply
  5. Melinda
    August 3, 2015

    This looks amazing..and I’m all about quick dishes. Is it super spicy? My kids (ages 6 and 4) don’t do well with strong spices. I supposed I could use only one, in stead of two, jalepenos….

    Reply
    1. Erin
      August 3, 2015

      You could definitely cut down on the jalapenos. I think that with just one, with the seeds and ribs removed, you should be just fine. However, it’s always hard to say, because jalapenos can vary in heat so much! You can also leave them out entirely and just sprinkle some red pepper flakes over certain portions at the end. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Aubrie LeGault
    August 3, 2015

    Sounds delicious! (You should try the Pinot Gris or the Chardonnay, although I prefer the Pinot Gris more, from Hawks View Cellar. I had both recently and they are fantastic.)

    Reply
    1. Erin
      August 3, 2015

      I have never been to Hawks View Aubrie – I’ll definitely have to give it a try next time we’re in the area. I love a good Pinot Gris, especially in the summertime!

      Reply
  7. Kira
    August 3, 2015

    That looks amazing. I’ve never tried toasted rice before.

    Reply
    1. Erin
      August 4, 2015

      Oooohhhh – It’s SO good Kira! You’ll want to put it on all kinds of things!!!

      Reply
  8. Marlynn @UrbanBlissLife
    August 4, 2015

    I love lemongrass! And, I love that Lange Pinot Gris as well. Looks to be a fantastic pairing!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      August 4, 2015

      We’re like twins Marlynn! 😉

      Reply
  9. Angie Agerter
    August 4, 2015

    This sounds so tasty!
    So not something I’d normally lean to, but wow it just sounds amazing. I must try it soon!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      August 4, 2015

      Thanks Angie – I hope you do give it a try. It’s a yummy dish that doesn’t take too much effort!

      Reply
  10. Jenni
    August 4, 2015

    Umm… wow. Gorgeous photos and amazing looking dish! I had never thought to do the toasted rice powder, but it is going to be a must do soon. I like that this dish can mainly be prepped the night before and on the table in no time on a busy night!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      August 4, 2015

      I agree Jenni – I love dishes that can be prepared ahead of time and then cooked easily on a busy weeknight!

      Reply
  11. Shinee
    August 4, 2015

    Erin, lovely flavors here! But most importantly, toasted rice powder?? Never heard of it, but now I’m so curious. I’ll be trying it asap! Thank you!!

    Reply
  12. raz
    August 4, 2015

    I don’t have talent on cooking but I want to try to cook during weekend for my husband. I will try this recipe and wish me luck! Thanks for sharing! x

    Reply
    1. Erin
      August 4, 2015

      Best of luck to you Raz!!! I hope you let me know how it turns out!!!

      Reply
  13. Tracy
    August 4, 2015

    I love Thai food! So delicious. Your photos make this recipe so appetizing.

    Reply
    1. Erin
      August 4, 2015

      I agree Tracy – I’ll take Thai food any night of the week (and any day too really)!

      Reply
  14. Ciao Florentina
    August 7, 2015

    Lemon grass, you have my heart and soul forever and ever Amen ! Yum!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      August 7, 2015

      Isn’t it such a great ingredient?! Love it!!!

      Reply
  15. Chloe
    February 13, 2016

    This sounds delicious but I am a bit confused by the rice powder, you just toast raw rice and then turn it in powder or you cook the rice before you toast it?? Thanks and I cant wait to try this one!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      February 13, 2016

      Hi Chloe – You’re correct. Throw the uncooked rice into a skillet a let it get golden. Then you’ll turn it to powder. It’s amazing!!! I hope this helps! Let me know if you have additional questions.

      Reply
  16. Kecia
    January 14, 2019

    Hi, this recipe sounds delicious. I have three questions: is this the traditional “brown” sauce served in lemongrass chicken recipes and what does it mean when it says “divided” regarding the lemongrass? Lastly, should I use the white or non-white part of the lemongrass? Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      January 15, 2019

      Hi Kecia – You will use half of the lemongrass in step one, and the remaining lemongrass in step two (that’s what the “divided” means). And, you’ll want to use the tender white section of the lemongrass. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  17. Giana
    January 16, 2019

    Trying this tonight! I couldn’t find fish sauce so I had to replace with soy sauce, hopefully that works! I had my chicken marinating overnight, but just had one question. The recipe doesn’t indicate if we add the marinate with the chicken to the pan or just the chicken and disregard the leftover marinate? Please confirm. Thanks!!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      January 16, 2019

      Hi Giana – Sorry for not being more clear. I pour the marinade in the pan along with the chicken. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  18. Chowder
    February 15, 2019

    Hmm… I noticed your recipe just describes “fish sauce” and it doesn’t mention diluted. “1/4 cup fish sauce” is super salty because the fish sauce provided with the link to Amazon is the concentrated version. I would adjust the recipe to just 1 table spoon or less for only 1.5 lb boneless chicken. And, there’s no chicken broth, or jalapeño (should be Asian chili pepper instead), or lemon/lime wedges because these ingredients change the original “taste” of “Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken”.

    Reply
    1. Brian
      February 26, 2019

      Yes!!! I followed recipe with 1/4 cup of fish sauce (KAME) and it was overwhelming! And my house stinks now. Really wanted to love this but now tainted by the words “fish sauce”

      Reply
  19. Michelle
    February 18, 2019

    5 stars
    I never leave comments, but I do read for them when I look for new recipes Wanted to leave a comment for this one because this recipe was so good. I only had 3 hours to marinate and it was still ridiculous.

    Satisfied all my Vietnamese take out cravings.

    Reply
    1. Erin
      February 18, 2019

      I’m so happy to hear that you liked it Michelle!

      Reply
  20. Brian
    February 26, 2019

    Watch out for the fish sauce. Maybe mine wasn’t diluted (KAME)? First time ever buying fish sauce and it was way overpowering in this dish! Reached out to friends of ours that spent 10+ years in Vietnam and said most they ever used we a tablespoon. Guess I should have called them first. Proceed with caution…..

    Reply
  21. CATHERINE COHEN
    February 27, 2019

    I made this per the instructions but without the rice powder. I thought it was a 3. My adult son came home just before dinner but felt the smell and taste of the fish sauce was too overwhelming. He may have a point because I’ve never used this much fish sauce in any other Vietnamese recipe. It was okay but not much variety in depth.

    Reply
  22. Instant Pot Lemongrass Coconut Lime Chicken – Healthy Thai Recipes
    March 3, 2019

    […] I looked at with my searches I went with the one which grabbed me the most visually.  It is this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken recipe, from plates and pairings.   She is so good at aesthetics, her website, she and her food are all so gorgeous.  […]

    Reply
  23. Ernie
    March 22, 2019

    Er, I made this tonight and apparently I didn’t use the very tenderest lemongrass, because we had inedible lemongrass ‘wood’ throughout that we had to pick out. Maybe a heads up in the recipe? Otherwise, the flavor was good and the chicken was so tender!

    Reply
  24. Chris Hains
    September 11, 2019

    LOVED IT. I used Dashi to make a broth instead of using chicken broth.

    Reply

Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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