Stir-Fried Lemongrass Chicken with Scallions

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

A quick Vietnamese stir-fry combining tender chicken thighs with fragrant lemongrass and fresh scallions for a flavorful weeknight meal. This vietnamese-inspired chicken ready in about 37 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, lemongrass stalks, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 pound boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces with 2 finely minced lemongrass stalks, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar. Marinate for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced shallots, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add marinated chicken and stir-fry for 6-7 minutes until cooked through and edges begin to caramelize.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 6 stalks scallions cut into 2-inch pieces and sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until scallions soften but remain bright green. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Lemongrass Chicken with Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (25 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 Stir-Fried Lemongrass Chicken with Scallions?

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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Lemongrass Chicken with Scallions?

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 Stir-Fried Lemongrass Chicken with Scallions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Lemongrass Chicken with Scallions?

Vietnamese chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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