Stir-Fried Lemongrass Chicken with Scallions and Chilies

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

Quick stir-fry of tender chicken pieces infused with aromatic lemongrass and brightened by fresh scallions and spicy chilies. This vietnamese-inspired chicken ready in about 22 minutes pairs lemongrass stalk, finely minced, garlic cloves, minced, medium shallot, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 2 tbsp finely minced lemongrass, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 thinly sliced shallot. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb 1-inch chicken thigh pieces to the skillet, stirring frequently. Cook for 5-6 minutes until chicken is browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 small sliced fresh red chili. Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and fold in 1/2 cup chopped scallions for freshness. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 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 and Chilies?

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 garlic cloves, minced from drying out.

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

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 and Chilies 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 and Chilies?

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.

Related recipes