This Vietnamese lemongrass chicken stir fry is a restaurant-quality dish that you can make at home with just a few simple ingredients. It's so delicious and better than take-out. The chicken is packed with flavors, no marinating is required. You can serve this stir fry with brown rice or white rice.
Vietnamese lemongrass chicken stir fry is one of the most common dishes you can find on a Vietnamese restaurant menu.
If you have ordered and tried it, you've likely fallen in love with it. You probably always wondered how the restaurants make this dish taste so good. I sure have.
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Easy Lemongrass Chicken Stir Fry
Well today, I am going to show you how a good recipe for Vietnamese lemongrass chicken using ingredients that you are familiar with.
My first few times eating out Vietnamese food I gravitated right toward the spring rolls and pho. They were both delicious so I made that my thing and didn't explore the menu too much beyond that. I then tried Vietnamese soups with different broths and had a number of different rice and noodle dishes.
Finally, I gave the lemongrass chicken a try and wondered what took me so long to do so.
Lemongrass is one of those flavors that takes me on a journey and changes an entire dish. It makes every bite of the rice and chicken delightful, a definite favorite ingredient of mine. If you want to learn more about lemongrass, please check out this how-to cook with lemongrass article.
Ingredients for Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Stir Fry
To make this lemongrass chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken thighs
- Lemongrass
- Vietnamese fish sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic
- Turmeric
- Shallots
- Dry Sherry
- Chicken granulated bouillon (optional)
How to Make Lemongrass Chicken Stir Fry
This lemongrass chicken stir fry is very easy to make. Here are some steps to follow:
Step 1. Prepare and Season the Chicken
- To start, you need to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels then cut the meat into 2-inch pieces.
- Transfer the chicken pieces into a bowl. Add turmeric and the optional chicken granulated bouillon. Stir to combine and set aside.
Step 2. Pre-Cook Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat oil on high heat.
- Cook the chicken, skin side down for about 2-3 minutes then flip and continue cooking until the meat is fully cooked. Transfer the meat to a plate and reserve about 2 tablespoon of cooking oil to cook the other ingredients.
Step 3. Stir Fry All Ingredients
- Add lemongrass and shallots into the skillet. Stir for about 1 minute then add garlic and keep stirring just until fragrant.
- Add the pre-cooked chicken back into the pan. Pour in some dry sherry. Continue cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated and the meat is coated with the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
How to store leftover cooked chicken
You can store the leftover cooked chicken in the fridge or freezer. Properly stored, this lemongrass chicken can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer.
Check Out More Delicious Asian Recipes
- Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Bowls
- Easy Vietnamese Turmeric Fish with Dills
- Vietnamese Pork Chops
- Homemade Crab Rangoon
- Twice-Cooked Pork Belly
- Kalbi-Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs
- Chicken in Black Bean Sauce
- Spicy Sichuan Noodles
- Sweet and Sour Fish
I hope you'll enjoy this recipe and share it with friends! If you try it and don’t mind, please leave me a comment and/or give this recipe a rating.
📖 Recipe
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, skin on, (net weight after debone, pat chicken dry with paper towels then cut into 2-inch pieces, skin on)
- ¾ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon chicken granulated bouillon , (optional) - or use mushroom seasoning
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil , (such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
- black pepper, (to taste)
Sauce:
- 1½ tablespoons brown sugar , (for a lighter taste, use 1 tbsp)
- 1½ tablespoons Vietnamese fish sauce, (for a lighter taste, use 1 tbsp)
Stir Fry:
- 3 tablespoons finely minced fresh lemongrass , (click here for a complete instruction)
- ¼ cup sliced shallots
- 1½ tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry, (or dry white wine)
Instructions
- Transfer the chicken pieces into a bowl. Add turmeric, kosher salt, black pepper, and the optional chicken granulated bouillon. Stir to combine.
- In a large skillet, heat oil on high heat. Cook the chicken, skin side down for about 2-3 minutes then flip and continue cooking until the meat is fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and reserve about 2 tablespoons of cooking oil to cook the other ingredients.
- Add lemongrass and shallots into the skillet. Cook at high heat for about 1 minute then add garlic and keep stirring just until fragrant.
- Add the pre-cooked chicken back into the pan, stir for about 2-3 minutes. Add dry sherry and the sauce mixture (fish sauce and brown sugar). Continue cooking and stirring until most of the liquid has evaporated and the meat is coated with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, or extra sauce if needed. Serve with white rice.
Andrea says
This chicken is bursting with so much flavor. I love it!
Rika says
I am glad to hear that, Andrea!
Jamie says
That sauce looks simple and delicious! I love all the flavors in this! Looks delicious!
Rika says
Thanks Jamie!
Bintu says
Flavourful but easy dishes such as these are my go to!
Rika says
Thanks, Bintu!
Tara says
One of my favorites! Yours looks so good. I love that beautiful color on the chicken and such amazing flavors too.
Rika says
Thanks, Tara!
Dolly says
I love how easy these ingredients are to get at my local small town grocery store. Simple ingredients and big flavor: you have to love that!
Rika says
Thanks, Dolly!
Sue says
Delicious! I used fresh grated turmeric and ginger and a few Thai chilis plus added onions, carrots and green beans. I loved the sauce so flavorful.
Rika says
Hi Sue,
I'm so glad you like the sauce. Tumeric and ginger are two of my favorite ingredients, reading your comment is making me hungry. 🙂
Best,
Rika
Trevor says
Wonderful and simple. Such great flavor.
Rika says
Hi Trevor,
Thank you for your kind words about the lemongrass chicken recipe! I'm glad you liked it. Let me know if you have any questions or want more recipes.
Best,
Rika
Dee Lacy says
I just tasted the chicken! OMG the flavor is amazing. I used powdered lemongrass. I’ll for certain make this again. Been looking for a good lemongrass recipe. I think I found it!
Rika says
Hi Dee Lacy,
Thanks for sharing your feedback. That’s awesome! Lemongrass really does bring the flavor, doesn’t it? Glad you found a winner!
Best,
Rika
William says
Added capsicum with the onion and garlic, garnished with spring onions and added home made rice wine pickled carrot and cucumber as a side dish 👌
Rika says
Wow, that sounds amazing, William! I love the addition of capsicum and the pickled carrot and cucumber side dish – such a great touch. The spring onion garnish must add a fresh crunch too! Thanks for sharing your creative spin on the recipe, I'm sure it took it to the next level! 👌
Best,
Rika