If you’re craving a vibrant and incredibly tasty dish that’s quick enough for busy weeknights, you’re going to love this 15-Min Stir Fried Lemongrass Chicken Recipe. It combines the fresh, zesty notes of lemongrass and lime with the comforting richness of minced chicken, all cooked up in a flash. The subtle sweetness from brown sugar and the kick from fresh chili peppers create a perfectly balanced flavor that feels both exotic and homey. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll easily become one of your go-to meals because it’s flavorful, bright, and absolutely satisfying.

A white bowl filled with two layers: at the bottom, white rice mixed with small pieces of red chili, adding bright red spots, and on top, a thick layer of cooked ground meat with a brown color and mixed chopped green onions and red chili pieces, creating a colorful, textured look. A wooden spoon is placed inside the bowl scooping the meat, and beside the bowl, there are raw ingredients like red chili, green chili, garlic, lemongrass, and shallot placed on a beige cloth with soft creases, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because it uses simple, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and aroma. From aromatic lemongrass to juicy lime, these essentials make the dish sing with authenticity and zest.

Chicken mince (0.88 lb): Using thigh meat keeps the chicken juicy and tender with rich flavor.
Fresh lemongrass stalks (3): Provides a citrusy, lemon-like fragrance that’s key to the dish’s signature aroma.
Garlic cloves (4): Adds a savory punch and depth to the stir-fry.
Shallot (1, minced): Milder than onions, it brings gentle sweetness and complexity.
Fish sauce (1 tbsp): Infuses the dish with deep umami and a touch of saltiness.
Dark soy sauce (1 tbsp): For color, richness, and a slightly caramelized flavor.
Brown sugar (1 tbsp): Balances the savory ingredients with warm sweetness.
Fresh lime juice (from 1 lime): Lifts the flavors with bright acidity and freshness.
Fresh chili peppers (2): Adds heat and a subtle fruity spice—adjust to your spice preference.
Neutral vegetable oil (1-2 tbsp): Best for high-heat cooking without overpowering flavors (avoid olive oil here).
Cornstarch (½ tsp, optional): Mixed with water to thicken the sauce slightly for a luscious finish.
Fresh coriander leaves or spring onions: For a fresh herbal garnish that brightens each bite.

How to Make 15-Min Stir Fried Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Begin by finely preparing your aromatics—half of the lemongrass and garlic go into the marinade with the chicken mince, shallots, fish sauce, dark soy, brown sugar, lime juice, and a touch of chili. Mixing these well and letting the chicken sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature not only tenderizes the meat but also allows those bold flavors to deeply penetrate every morsel. This step makes a huge difference in the final taste, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Prepare the Lemongrass-Garlic Stir-Fry Base

Next, finely chop the remaining lemongrass along with the other garlic and prepare to stir-fry them over medium-high heat in a splash of vegetable oil. When the oil starts to shimmer, add this aromatic mixture and quickly stir until it becomes wonderfully fragrant—about a minute or two. Be careful not to burn the garlic! This step creates the vibrant foundation of the dish’s signature scent and flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Tender Perfection

Once your aromatics are golden and aromatic, add the marinated chicken mince and all its juices into the pan. Stir continuously as the chicken cooks and releases its own juices, which helps keep the dish moist and flavorful. If it seems dry, splash in a teaspoon or two of water. Cook over medium heat for around 7 minutes, ensuring the chicken turns opaque and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Optional Sauce Thickening

About halfway through cooking, slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry if you’d like a slightly thicker, glossy sauce coating the chicken. Keep stirring until the sauce has thickened just enough to cling to the meat—but if cornstarch isn’t your thing, it’s totally fine to skip this step and enjoy a lighter sauce instead.

Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving

Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is just right, remove the pan from heat. This is the moment to adjust seasoning or add a few extra slices of fresh chili if you want to dial up the heat. Everything at this point is ready to be ladled generously over steamed jasmine rice for a comforting, flavorful meal.

How to Serve 15-Min Stir Fried Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

15-Min Stir Fried Lemongrass Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

The garnish is what makes this dish feel fresh and inviting on the plate. A sprinkle of freshly chopped coriander leaves or bright spring onions adds herbal brightness and a pop of green color that’s irresistible. Serve with lime wedges on the side so everyone can add a zesty squeeze to taste. If you’re a spice lover, offer extra sliced fresh chilies for sprinkling on top.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy white jasmine rice, which soaks up the sauce perfectly and balances the bold flavors. If you want to add some greens, simple stir-fried bok choy or steamed broccoli dressed with a splash of soy sauce make excellent accompaniments. For a light crunch, a cucumber salad with a touch of vinegar complements the dish beautifully as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the 15-Min Stir Fried Lemongrass Chicken Recipe in lettuce wraps garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of lime juice for added zing. Bento boxes featuring the stir-fry alongside pickled vegetables and rice make a delightful lunch option. You can even turn it into a vibrant noodle bowl with fresh rice noodles and crunchy bean sprouts for a totally different texture experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop slightly, but it’s best eaten fresh to enjoy the crispness of the aromatics and tender chicken at their peak.

Freezing

This chicken dish can be frozen, but texture is best preserved when freezing the cooked chicken separate from any rice or fresh herbs. Use an airtight container or freezer bag, and it will keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken moist—add a splash of water or a light drizzle of oil if the dish feels dry. Avoid the microwave if possible for best texture, but if using it, reheat in short intervals to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of mince thigh chicken?

You can substitute chicken breast mince if preferred, but thigh mince offers more juiciness and flavor. Chicken breast can dry out faster, so watch cooking time closely to avoid overcooking.

What can I substitute if I don’t have lemongrass?

Fresh lemongrass is unique, but if unavailable, try using finely grated lemon zest combined with a small amount of ginger and lime leaves as a close flavor approximation. It won’t be the same, but still delicious.

Is it okay to skip the cornstarch slurry?

Absolutely! The cornstarch slurry is only used to thicken the sauce slightly. The dish is flavorful and satisfying without it, so feel free to omit if you prefer a lighter stir-fry or want to keep it gluten-free.

How spicy is this dish?

The original recipe calls for two fresh chili peppers, which create a pleasant medium heat level. You can easily adjust the spice by reducing, increasing, or omitting the chilies based on your heat tolerance.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

While this recipe features chicken, swapping it with plant-based mince or crumbled tofu can create a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking time accordingly, and consider adding vegetarian oyster sauce or tamari for umami.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about how quick, easy, and packed with flavor the 15-Min Stir Fried Lemongrass Chicken Recipe is. It’s a dish that brings the bright, fresh tastes of Southeast Asia right to your kitchen in no time at all. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that’s sure to brighten up any meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with those bold, zesty flavors just like I have!