Looking for a flavorful Thai dish? This quick and easy lemongrass chicken stir fry is packed with fresh chili, garlic, and tender chicken. Learn how to use lemongrass in stir-fry and make this restaurant-quality dish at home in under 30 minutes!


Lemongrass Chicken Stir-Fry

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Thai Stir-Fried Chicken with Lemongrass and Chili

If you’re looking for a flavorful, quick meal that’s bursting with Thai aromatics, this lemongrass chicken stir fry recipe is exactly what you need!

Made with fresh lemongrass, chili, and garlic, this dish is spicy, savory, and incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re craving stir-fried chicken with lemongrass or wondering how to use lemongrass in stir-fry, this easy recipe has you covered.

A quick and flavorful Thai stir-fry dish that’s perfect for any day!

Ingredients for Lemongrass Chicken Stir-Fry

What You'll Need

  • Chicken – The protein base. Thin slices cook quickly and soak up the bold, flavorful sauce.
  • Lemongrass – The star of the dish! It infuses the stir-fry with a fresh, citrusy fragrance that’s signature to Thai cuisine.
  • Kaffir Lime Leaves – Infuse the stir-fry with a bright, zesty aroma. Tearing them helps release their citrus oils.
  • Black Peppercorns – Adds a bold, spicy kick and deep earthiness to the dish. When crushed, they release a strong aroma that forms the flavor base.
  • Garlic – Brings a savory, aromatic depth and enhances the overall umami of the stir-fry.
  • Red Chilies – Provide heat and vibrant color. Adjust to taste for mild to fiery spice.
  • Fish Sauce – Delivers a salty, savory umami punch that’s classic in Thai cooking.
  • Oyster Sauce – Adds a rich, slightly sweet and savory depth to the sauce, giving it a glossy finish.
  • Sweet Dark Soy Sauce – Provides a touch of sweetness and a beautiful caramel color to balance out the heat and saltiness.
  • Water – Used to loosen the sauce slightly if it becomes too thick while cooking.
  • Cooking Oil – Helps sauté the aromatics and chicken evenly without sticking, allowing all the flavors to develop.

Why You’ll Love This Lemongrass Chicken Recipe🩷

  • It’s quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes!
  • The lemongrass stir fry sauce is bold, aromatic, and simple.
  • You’ll learn how to add lemongrass to stir fry like a pro.
  • It’s naturally dairy-free and gluten-friendly (just swap sauces if needed).
  • Easily customizable: want it crispier? Make a stir-fried crispy chicken with lemongrass by pan-frying the chicken first!

How to Cook Stir-Fried Chicken with Lemongrass

  1. Pound black peppercorns until fine. Add garlic, lemongrass, and chilies, and pound into a coarse paste.
  2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the paste and stir-fry until fragrant.
  3. Add sliced chicken and stir-fry. If dry, add 1–2 tbsp water. Cook until chicken is done.
  4. Add fish sauce, oyster sauce, sweet dark soy sauce, and sugar (optional). Mix well.
  5. Add torn kaffir lime leaves, stir briefly, then turn off heat. Serve hot with steamed rice.

What to Serve With

Looking for the perfect sides to round out your meal? Here are some tasty ideas:

🥗 Starter: Cucumber Salad or Fresh Summer Rolls

🥩 Main Course: Lemongrass Chicken Stir Fry pair with Stuffed Cucumber Soup

🍛 Side Dish: Steamed Jasmine Rice or Coconut Rice

🍰 Dessert: Thai Mango Sticky Rice or Coconut Tapioca Pudding

Lemongrass Chicken Stir-Fry

This Thai Lemongrass Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Made with thinly sliced chicken, fresh lemongrass, garlic, and Thai chilies, it’s bold, aromatic, and packed with authentic Thai flavors. 

Topped off with kaffir lime leaves for a fresh citrusy finish, this recipe is a must-try if you’re looking to learn how to use lemongrass in stir-fry.

Serve it over steamed jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal.


FAQs

Yes! If fresh lemongrass isn’t available, 1 tbsp of lemongrass paste can substitute 1 stalk.

Lemongrass adds a citrusy, earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with spicy and savory flavors.


Whether you’re a Thai food newbie or a seasoned stir-fry lover, this Thai lemongrass chicken stir fry recipe is a must-try.

With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect answer to how to make lemongrass chicken stir fry at home.

👉 Bookmark this recipe or pin it for your next weeknight dinner. Let’s get cooking! 👩🏻‍🍳🧑‍🍳

Lemongrass Chicken Stir-Fry

Lemongrass Chicken Stir-Fry


Prep time

10 minutes

Cook time

20 minutes

Serves

2

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Ingredients

Steps

  • Cooking Lemongrass Chicken Stir Fry:

    1. Using a mortar and pestle (or food processor), pound the black peppercorns until fine. Add garlic, lemongrass, and chilies. Continue pounding until you get a coarse, fragrant paste.

      Herbs in a mortar.
      Lemongrass chili paste is in a mortar.
    2. Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Add the lemongrass chili paste and stir-fry for about a minute until it smells amazing.

      A hand is holding a small bowl of cooking oil above a wok
      A spoonful of lemon grass chili paste is above a wok
    3. Toss in the sliced chicken and stir-fry until it starts to cook. If things get too dry, add a tablespoon of water. Keep stir-frying until the chicken is fully cooked through.

      A bowl of sliced chicken is above a wok with cooked lemongrass chili paste.
      Uncooked chicken with lemongrass chili paste in a wok.
      Cooked chicken with lemongrass chili paste in a wok.
      A bowl of water in above cooked chicken in a wok.
    4. Season with fish sauce, oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, and a little sugar if desired. Stir everything together to coat the chicken in the lemongrass stir fry sauce.

      A hand is holding a small bowl of fish sauce is above a wok of cooked chicken.
      A hand is holding a small bowl of dark sweet soy sauce is above a wok of cooked chicken.
    5. Throw in the torn kaffir lime leaves, stir briefly, then turn off the heat. Your kitchen should smell incredible by now!

      Tear kaffir lime leaves are in a hand above a wok of cooked chicken.
      A presentation of Lemongrass Chicken Stir-Fry serves on rice.

Tips

  • Make it crispy: Coat chicken in cornstarch and pan-fry for stir-fried crispy chicken with lemongrass.
  • No mortar and pestle? Use a mini blender or food chopper instead.
  • Mild version: Use fewer chilies or swap with red bell pepper for color without heat.

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