Kaffir Lime and Coconut Chicken Stir Fry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chicken strips stir-fried with kaffir lime leaves, coconut milk, and fresh herbs in a fragrant sauce. This thai-inspired stir fry (gluten-free, paleo) ready in about 32 minutes pairs chicken breast, coconut milk, kaffir lime leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a paleo week and pairs well with roasted root vegetables or a leafy salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Thai cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice chicken breast into 1/2-inch strips. Thinly slice shallot and mince 1 tbsp galangal.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Stir-fry chicken until golden (4-5 minutes), then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add shallot and galangal to wok, stir-frying 1 minute until fragrant. Add coconut milk, fish sauce, brown sugar, and 6 kaffir lime leaves. Simmer 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to wok, stirring to coat. Add rice vinegar and simmer 2 more minutes until sauce coats chicken.
  5. Step 5: Remove kaffir lime leaves, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve over jasmine rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Kaffir Lime and Coconut Chicken Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Kaffir Lime and Coconut Chicken Stir Fry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kaffir Lime and Coconut Chicken Stir Fry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Kaffir Lime and Coconut Chicken Stir Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Kaffir Lime and Coconut Chicken Stir Fry gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, paleo, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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