Spicy Lemongrass Chicken

Introduction

If you’re looking for a tasty dish that packs a punch, Spicy Lemongrass Chicken is just the recipe for you! This vibrant meal is bursting with flavor from fresh lemongrass, ginger, and garlic. It’s perfect for any night of the week, and your family will surely love it!

Why Make This Recipe

Spicy Lemongrass Chicken is not only delicious but also easy to make! It’s a great way to add a bit of excitement to your dinner routine. Plus, it’s a healthier option that is loaded with fresh ingredients. I made this dish the other night for my family, and it was a hit! Everyone went back for seconds!

How to Make Spicy Lemongrass Chicken

Ingredients:

1 lb (500g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp fish sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and finely minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
1-2 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
1 medium onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 tbsp chili paste or sambal oelek (optional, for extra heat)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, for balance)
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp water or chicken stock
Fresh cilantro or Thai basil leaves for garnish
Lime wedges for garnish
Sliced red chilies (optional, for heat)

Directions:

In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, fish sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey or sugar, lime juice, and water or chicken stock. Set aside.
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Add the remaining oil to the wok. Stir-fry the lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and red chilies for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the onion and bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Return the chicken to the wok and stir in the chili paste (if using). Pour in the prepared sauce and toss to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Transfer the Spicy Lemongrass Chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil, lime wedges, and optional sliced chilies. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

How to Serve Spicy Lemongrass Chicken

Serve this dish hot, straight from the pan! Pair it with steamed rice or noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce. Don’t forget to add some lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

How to Store Spicy Lemongrass Chicken

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to eat!

Tips to Make Spicy Lemongrass Chicken

Make sure to use fresh lemongrass for the best flavor.
Adjust the number of chilies based on your spice preference.
If you love veggies, feel free to add more such as snap peas or carrots!

Variation

You can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu if you want to try something different. The cooking times will vary, so keep an eye on them!

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in advance and stir-fry it when you’re ready to eat.

2. Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted by changing the number of red chilies and chili paste you use.

3. What can I use instead of lemongrass?
If you can’t find lemongrass, you can use lemon zest and a bit of lime juice as a substitute, though it won’t taste exactly the same.