Bright & Herby Lemongrass Chicken Green Curry

There’s something magical about a bowl of fragrant green curry simmering on the stove. The aroma alone—lemongrass, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, and fresh herbs—fills the kitchen with a warm, comforting scent that instantly transports you somewhere tropical.

Bright & Herby Lemongrass Chicken Green Curry is a dish that balances freshness, warmth, and creamy richness all in one bowl. Tender pieces of chicken simmer in a silky coconut milk sauce infused with aromatic lemongrass and vibrant green curry paste. Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime bring brightness to every bite.

Unlike heavier curries, this one feels lively and fresh. The lemongrass adds a citrusy perfume, the herbs bring green vibrancy, and the coconut milk rounds everything out with a smooth, velvety texture.

The best part? This flavorful curry comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something comforting but exciting.

Whether served over fluffy jasmine rice or spooned into bowls on its own, this curry is a satisfying meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Lemongrass Chicken Green Curry

This recipe hits all the right notes.

Fresh and vibrant flavors
The lemongrass, lime, basil, and herbs create a refreshing brightness that balances the creamy coconut base.

Quick enough for weeknights
Despite its complex flavor, this curry cooks quickly.

Restaurant-quality at home
You’ll get authentic curry flavor without needing complicated ingredients.

Customizable heat level
Make it mild or spicy depending on your preference.

Comforting but light
It’s creamy and satisfying without feeling heavy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 stalks lemongrass, tender inner part finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons green curry paste
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas or green beans
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 small red chili, sliced (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For serving:

• Cooked jasmine rice
• Lime wedges
• Extra basil or cilantro

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped lemongrass, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the green curry paste and cook for another minute to release its aromas.
4. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3–4 minutes until they begin to turn opaque.
5. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
6. Add fish sauce and brown sugar. Bring the curry to a gentle simmer.
7. Stir in the sliced bell pepper and snap peas or green beans.
8. Let the curry simmer for 12–15 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to slightly thicken.
9. Add lime juice and taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt or additional fish sauce if needed.
10. Stir in the fresh basil, cilantro, and optional red chili slices.
11. Remove from heat and allow the herbs to wilt slightly in the warm curry.
12. Serve hot over jasmine rice with extra lime wedges and herbs.

Bright & Herby Lemongrass Chicken Green Curry

A fragrant Thai-inspired green curry with tender chicken simmered in creamy coconut milk, infused with lemongrass, herbs, and vibrant spices.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Thai

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Curry

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 stalks lemongrass finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
• 2 tbsp green curry paste
• 1 can coconut milk 14 oz
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp cilantro chopped

Equipment

• Large skillet or saucepan
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add lemongrass, garlic, and ginger and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in green curry paste and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned.
5. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth and stir well.
6. Add fish sauce and brown sugar and bring to a simmer.
7. Add bell pepper and snap peas and cook until tender.
8. Finish with lime juice, basil, and cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve with jasmine rice and extra lime wedges for the best flavor.

What Makes Lemongrass So Special?

Lemongrass is a signature ingredient in many Southeast Asian dishes.

It has a bright citrus aroma with subtle herbal notes, which pairs beautifully with coconut milk and spices.

When used in curry, lemongrass brings freshness that keeps the dish from tasting too heavy.

The trick is to use only the tender inner part of the stalk, which contains the most flavor.

Tips for the Best Curry

Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk

Full-fat coconut milk creates the creamiest sauce and carries the flavors beautifully.

Cook the Curry Paste First

Heating the curry paste in oil before adding liquids helps unlock its full flavor.

Slice Chicken Evenly

Uniform pieces cook evenly and stay tender.

Add Herbs at the End

Fresh basil and cilantro should go in right before serving so their flavor stays vibrant.

Delicious Variations

This curry is wonderfully flexible.

Shrimp Green Curry

Swap chicken for peeled shrimp and cook them for just a few minutes in the simmering sauce.

Vegetarian Green Curry

Replace chicken with tofu or extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and eggplant.

Extra Spicy Curry

Add Thai chilies or a spoonful of chili paste for a fiery kick.

Creamier Coconut Curry

Use an additional splash of coconut milk and simmer a bit longer for a thicker sauce.

Best Vegetables for Green Curry

You can easily mix in your favorite vegetables.

Great options include:

• Bell peppers
• Snow peas
• Zucchini
• Mushrooms
• Baby corn
• Bamboo shoots

They add color, texture, and nutrition to the dish.

What to Serve with Lemongrass Chicken Green Curry

While the curry is delicious on its own, it becomes a complete meal with a few sides.

Jasmine Rice
Soft and fragrant rice absorbs the creamy curry sauce perfectly.

Coconut Rice
Adds an extra layer of flavor.

Steamed Vegetables
Broccoli or bok choy complement the curry beautifully.

Fresh Cucumber Salad
A crisp, refreshing side that balances the warmth of the curry.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This curry stores very well.

Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or coconut milk.

The flavors often become even better the next day.

Health Benefits of This Curry

Beyond its amazing taste, this curry also includes nutritious ingredients.

Chicken provides lean protein.
Lemongrass contains antioxidants and digestive benefits.
Ginger and garlic support immune health.
Coconut milk offers healthy fats that add satisfying richness.

Combined with vegetables and herbs, this dish becomes both nourishing and comforting.

A Quick Cultural Note

Green curry is inspired by Thai cuisine, known for its beautiful balance of flavors.

Traditional Thai dishes often combine:

• Spicy
• Sweet
• Salty
• Sour

This harmony is exactly what makes green curry so addictive.

The coconut milk softens the heat of the curry paste, while lime juice and herbs brighten the whole dish.

Final Thoughts

Bright, creamy, and full of fresh herbal flavor, Bright & Herby Lemongrass Chicken Green Curry is a recipe that proves homemade curry can be both simple and spectacular.

The citrusy lemongrass, silky coconut milk, tender chicken, and fragrant herbs create a bowl of comfort that feels special enough for guests yet easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Serve it steaming hot over rice, garnish with extra herbs and lime, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this delicious homemade curry.

Once you make it, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.