🍋🌿Authentic Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe (Gà Xào Sả Ớt)

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If you loved my Prawn & Lemongrass Stir-fry, this chicken version is going to be your new weeknight favorite.
Classic Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Hero

This recipe is a masterclass in aromatics. It’s the kind of dish that makes your neighbors knock on your door just to ask what’s for dinner—or at least peer suspiciously over the fence. We’re taking a humble chicken and giving it the Vietnam"gold standard" treatment: fresh lemongrass, spicy chilies, and that essential savoury-sweet balance that makes your tastebuds do a happy dance.

🌿🔥The Aromatic Entourage

Behold the raw materials for your next culinary obsession:

  • Fresh Lemongrass: The zesty backbone of the dish.
  • Fiery Chilies: To give it that signature Vietnamese kick.
  • Fish Sauce: Our 'liquid gold' for that savoury-sweet soul.
Ingredients for Gà Xào Sả Ớt

🍋 Why Lemongrass is the Secret Ingredient

Let’s be honest: Lemongrass looks like a piece of wood you’d find in a backyard, but it smells like heaven. It’s a citrusy, floral powerhouse that provides a "zing" you simply cannot get from a regular lemon. Pro tip: Don't be shy with it. By bruising the stalks, you release those essential oils that transform a simple stir-fry into a fragrant, hearty dish.

💡 Maxterchef Pro-Tip: Only use the bottom 4-5 inches of the lemongrass stalk. Peel away the tough outer layers until you reach the pale, tender core - that’s where all the aromatic magic lives!

How to Prepare Fresh Lemongrass

⏱️ Timing is Everything (Seriously)

To get that deep, restaurant-quality flavour, you need to plan for a 45-minute marinating session. Think of it as a spa day for your chicken. This ensures the aromatics actually penetrate the meat rather than just sliding off into the oil. While it marinates, you have exactly 45 minutes to find a podcast!

Marinating Chicken

🔥 Tips for the Ultimate Stir-Fry

The Chicken: If you want to stay authentic, use a small whole chicken (about 900g – 1kg) and joint it into small pieces. The Heat: We're using two fresh chilies. Keep the seeds in for extra heat, or seed them first for a milder version.

The final stir-fry stage

🌟 Classic Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken (Gà Xào Sả Ớt)

Prep: 35 mins (+45m marinate) Cook: 20 mins Serves: 4–6

Ingredients

  • 1 small chicken (900g-1kg), jointed
  • 5 fresh lemon grass stalks
  • 1 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped spring onions
  • 2 tbsp groundnut oil
  • 175g onions, finely sliced
  • 6 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 fresh red/green chilies, chopped
  • 2 tsp sugar & 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 100g roasted peanuts, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare: Joint your chicken into bite-sized pieces and finely chop the lemongrass.

2. Marinate: Toss the chicken with salt, pepper, and spring onions. Let it chill for 45 minutes.

3. Aromatics: Sizzle the oil in a wok. Toss in onions, garlic, and lemongrass until fragrant.

4. Cook: Add the chicken and chilies. Stir-fry for 20 minutes until golden and tender.

5. The Grand Finale: Stir in the sugar and fish sauce. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts.

Look at that golden glow! Go ahead and take a photo for the 'gram before you dive in - we won't judge. Just try to save some for your family!

Perfectly cooked Gà Xào Sả Ớt
Looking for a side dish? This pairs perfectly with my Pilaf Rice with Nuts for an extra crunch!

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