Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a flavorful, aromatic dish that’s simple to make yet delivers bold, authentic flavors. Marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and spices, this dish is then pan-seared or grilled to perfection. It’s juicy, slightly caramelized, and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Vietnamese flavors – A perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy.
- Quick and easy – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Versatile – Serve it with rice, noodles, in a sandwich, or as a salad topping.
- Healthy – Uses lean protein with fresh herbs and spices.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 2 stalks lemongrass (white parts finely minced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small shallot (minced)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp water
For Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Lime wedges
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a bowl, mix minced lemongrass, garlic, shallot, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, oil, black pepper, and chili flakes.
- Add a tablespoon of water to help blend the flavors.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken in a large bowl or ziplock bag.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Option 1: Pan-Frying
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Option 2: Grilling
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until nicely charred and fully cooked.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions.
- Serve with steamed rice, vermicelli noodles, or fresh vegetables.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Lemongrass Chicken – Add extra chili flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha.
- Baked Lemongrass Chicken – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Coconut Lemongrass Chicken – Add ¼ cup coconut milk to the marinade for extra creaminess.
- Vegan Option – Substitute tofu for chicken and adjust cooking time.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare lemongrass for this recipe?
Remove the tough outer layers, use only the white tender part, and finely mince it.
Can I use store-bought lemongrass paste?
Yes! Substitute 1 tablespoon of paste for 1 stalk of fresh lemongrass.
What can I serve with Vietnamese lemongrass chicken?
Serve it with jasmine rice, vermicelli noodles, or in a bánh mì sandwich.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken overnight for better flavor and cook it when ready.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are juicier. Adjust cooking time to avoid drying out.
What if I don’t have fish sauce?
You can substitute with soy sauce, but fish sauce gives it authentic flavor.
Can I grill this over charcoal?
Absolutely! Charcoal grilling enhances the smoky flavor.
How do I make this recipe healthier?
Use less oil, swap brown sugar for honey, and serve with a fresh salad.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken after cooking?
Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice against the grain for tenderness.
Conclusion
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With its bold aroma and tender texture, it’s a fantastic addition to any meal. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Vietnam at home!
Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a quick and easy dish packed with bold, authentic flavors. Marinated in lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, then grilled or pan-seared to perfection, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 2 stalks lemongrass (white parts finely minced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small shallot (minced)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp water
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, mix minced lemongrass, garlic, shallot, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, oil, black pepper, and chili flakes.
- Add a tablespoon of water to help blend the flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken in a large bowl or ziplock bag.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Cook the Chicken:
Option 1: Pan-Frying- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Option 2: Grilling
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until nicely charred and fully cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions.
- Serve with steamed rice, vermicelli noodles, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Spicy Lemongrass Chicken: Add extra chili flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha.
- Baked Lemongrass Chicken: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Coconut Lemongrass Chicken: Add 1/4 cup coconut milk to the marinade.
- Vegan Option: Substitute tofu for chicken and adjust cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- marinate time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: pan-fry , grill
- Cuisine: vitnamese
Keywords: Vietnamese lemongrass chicken, lemongrass marinade, grilled chicken, Vietnamese recipes, easy chicken recipes
