Sizzling Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Recipe for Heat Lovers

Sizzling Malaysian spicy lemongrass chicken promises an explosion of vibrant flavors that will awaken your taste buds.

Fragrant herbs dance alongside fiery chili peppers in this delectable dish.

Kitchen adventures beckon with a recipe that captures Southeast Asian culinary magic.

Regional spices mingle creating an irresistible blend of heat and complexity.

Marinating techniques unlock deep, rich undertones that make each bite memorable.

Authentic ingredients transform simple chicken into a remarkable meal bursting with zest.

You’ll fall in love with this sensational recipe that brings restaurant-quality excitement directly to your dinner table.

Why Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Packs A Punch

• Burst with Exotic Flavors: Experience a tantalizing explosion of Malaysian spices that dance on your taste buds, combining the zesty lemongrass, fiery chilies, and aromatic herbs into one incredible dish.
• Master Quick and Easy Cooking: Whip up this restaurant-worthy meal in under an hour with simple techniques like blending spices and sautéing, making it perfect for busy home cooks wanting to explore international cuisine.
• Enjoy Tender and Succulent Chicken: The slow simmering method ensures each chicken thigh becomes incredibly juicy and infused with rich, complex spice paste, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that's both comforting and exciting.
• Create a Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe works brilliantly for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or when you want to impress friends with an authentic Malaysian culinary experience that's both spicy and satisfying.

All The Ingredients For Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Succulent dark meat with rich flavor, bone-in or boneless work well, preferably fresh and without excess fat.

• Soy Sauce, Salt, Turmeric Powder: Classic Asian seasoning blend for deep flavor and golden color, choose low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.

• Lemongrass, Red Chilies, Garlic, Onion, Ginger, Shrimp Paste: Aromatic and spicy base that creates authentic Malaysian flavor profile, use fresh ingredients for best results, select firm and fragrant lemongrass.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking fat for sautéing and preventing sticking, choose high smoke point oil.
• Coconut Milk: Creamy base that adds richness and balances spice, full-fat version recommended.
• Chili Paste: Adds additional heat and depth, adjust according to spice tolerance.

• Sugar, Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Balance flavors, add freshness and brightness, use fresh lime for best taste.
• Salt: Final seasoning adjustment, enhance overall dish flavor.

How To Cook Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Easily

Step 1: Prepare Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Turmeric powder
• Salt

Massage the ingredients into the chicken, allowing the flavors to penetrate. Let the chicken rest and soak up the delicious marinade for 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Spice Blend

• Fresh lemongrass stalks
• Fiery red chilies
• Garlic cloves
• Chopped onion
• Ginger root
• Pungent shrimp paste

Pulse and blend until you create a silky-smooth paste. Add a splash of water if needed to help everything combine perfectly.

Step 3: Sear Golden Chicken

Heat a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium flame. Carefully place marinated chicken pieces into the hot pan. Cook each side until a gorgeous golden-brown crust forms, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Awaken Spice Paste Aromas

In the same skillet, pour fresh vegetable oil. Introduce your spice blend to the hot surface. Stir and sauté for 5-7 minutes, allowing the incredible aromas to fill your kitchen. Watch for the oil to separate from the paste.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce Magic

• Chili paste
• Creamy coconut milk
• Touch of sugar
• Pinch of salt

Gently return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating each piece in the luscious sauce. Lower the heat, cover, and let everything simmer for 20-25 minutes. The chicken will become incredibly tender and absorb all the vibrant flavors.

Step 6: Bring the Feast to Life

Transfer the succulent chicken to a beautiful serving plate. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top. Serve alongside steamed rice and zesty lime wedges for an explosion of Malaysian culinary excitement.

Pro Tips For Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken

Boost Marinade Flavor: Add a splash of rice wine or lime juice to the marinade for deeper, more complex taste profiles that enhance the chicken’s tenderness.

Prevent Paste Burning: Keep the heat moderate and stir the spice paste constantly to avoid scorching, which can create bitter undertones in the final dish.

Smart Coconut Milk Trick: Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, more luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and provides authentic Malaysian depth.

Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the number of red chilies to control heat – fewer chilies for mild, more for fiery intensity that matches traditional Malaysian cuisine.

Make-Ahead Magic: This dish tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing it in advance to allow flavors to meld and intensify overnight in the refrigerator.

How To Store Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Safely

• Refrigerate the Leftovers: Store remaining Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken in an airtight container, ensuring it cools completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Later: Carefully transfer chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers, where they can maintain quality for up to 3 months without compromising flavor or texture.
• Reheat Gently: Warm refrigerated portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to restore moisture and prevent drying out the chicken.
• Microwave Option: When in a hurry, reheat individual servings in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.

What To Eat With Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: A slightly sweet Riesling with high acidity cuts through the spicy, rich flavors of the Malaysian lemongrass chicken, balancing the heat and complementing the aromatic lemongrass notes.
• Enhance with Jasmine Rice Pilaf: Prepare a fragrant jasmine rice pilaf with toasted coconut and scallions to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a subtle, complementary texture to the tender chicken.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: Create a refreshing cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar, mint, and a touch of sugar to offer a crisp, light counterpoint to the intense, spicy chicken dish.
• Brew Ginger Lemongrass Tea: Steep fresh ginger and lemongrass in hot water to create a soothing, aromatic beverage that echoes the recipe's flavor profile and helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Fun Takes On Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken

• Grilled Lemongrass Chicken: Swap pan-cooking for outdoor grilling, infusing smoky flavors while maintaining the spicy Malaysian marinade. Brush chicken with extra marinade during grilling for enhanced taste and caramelization.
• Coconut Curry Variation: Transform the dish by adding curry powder and extra coconut milk, creating a richer, more complex sauce. Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers and carrots for increased nutrition and texture.
• Quick Weeknight Version: Dice chicken into smaller pieces for faster cooking and more sauce coverage. Reduce simmering time to 10-15 minutes while keeping the authentic spice blend intact, perfect for busy home cooks seeking authentic flavors.
• Air Fryer Adaptation: Use air fryer to cook marinated chicken pieces, achieving crispy exterior without extra oil. Prepare spice paste separately and drizzle over chicken after air frying for maximum flavor retention.

Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken FAQs You Might Ask

• What makes Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken unique?

The combination of fresh lemongrass, shrimp paste, and multiple chili varieties creates a complex, bold flavor profile that’s distinctly Malaysian, blending sweet, spicy, and aromatic elements in one dish.

• Is this recipe very spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by reducing or increasing the number of red chilies. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with fewer chilies and add more gradually to suit your taste preference.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

While chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor absorption, you can use chicken breast. Just be careful not to overcook, as breast meat tends to dry out more quickly than thighs.

• What if I can't find shrimp paste?

If shrimp paste is unavailable, you can substitute with fish sauce or a small amount of anchovy paste. These alternatives will help maintain the umami depth in the recipe’s flavor profile.

Malaysian Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Malaysian spicy lemongrass chicken delivers an explosion of Southeast Asian flavors dancing through tender, marinated meat. Fragrant herbs and bold spices create a memorable meal that transports diners straight to Malaysian street food culture with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken thighs or drumsticks, skin-on and bone-in

Spice Paste Ingredients:

• 3 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and finely sliced
• 3 red chilies, deseeded for less heat (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped
• 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (optional, for authentic flavor)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon chili paste (or sambal oelek, optional for extra heat)
• ½ cup (120 ml) coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Massage chicken thighs with a vibrant blend of soy sauce, turmeric, and salt, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply for a minimum of half an hour or refrigerate overnight for maximum intensity.
2. Create a dynamic spice foundation by pulverizing lemongrass, fiery red chilies, aromatic garlic, pungent onion, zesty ginger, and robust shrimp paste in a blender. Incorporate minimal water to facilitate a silky-smooth consistency.
3. Ignite a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium flame, then introduce marinated chicken pieces. Sear each side until a golden-brown crust emerges, developing rich caramelized edges. Extract chicken and reserve momentarily.
4. Within the same skillet, introduce additional oil and unleash the prepared spice mixture. Sauté with constant attention, releasing an intoxicating fragrance and allowing oil to separate from the paste.
5. Enrich the culinary landscape by incorporating chili paste, velvety coconut milk, balanced with a touch of sugar and seasoning. Reintroduce seared chicken, ensuring complete sauce coverage. Reduce heat, creating a gentle simmer that transforms the dish into a tender, flavor-packed masterpiece.
6. Gracefully plate the aromatic chicken, adorning with fresh cilantro. Accompany with steamed rice and tangy lime wedges, inviting a symphony of Malaysian culinary traditions to the table.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, allowing spices to penetrate and tenderize the meat thoroughly.
• Adjust chili quantity based on personal heat tolerance, using milder peppers for less spicy version or removing seeds for gentler heat.
• Create gluten-free variation by substituting traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for sensitive diets.
• Consider using chicken breast as alternative protein for leaner option, though thighs provide richer taste and more moisture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Malaysian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg