Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a savory, fragrant dish known for its vibrant combination of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and caramelized edges. It’s a popular street food in Vietnam and offers the perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it pairs well with rice or vermicelli noodles.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless)lemongrass stalks (finely minced)garlicshallotsfish saucesoy saucebrown sugarsesame oillime juicevegetable oilblack pepperred chili (optional for heat)green onions (for garnish)

directions

In a bowl, combine finely minced lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, lime juice, black pepper, and optional red chili.

Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and sear each piece until golden brown and caramelized on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Reduce heat and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.

Garnish with chopped green onions and additional red chili if desired.

Serve hot over steamed rice or with vermicelli noodles and fresh vegetables.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesMarinating time: 1-8 hoursCooking time: 15-20 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 8 hours 30 minutes (depending on marination)

Variations

Use chicken wings or drumsticks for a different texture.

Add coconut milk for a creamy version of the dish.

Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood twist.

Include julienned carrots and bell peppers for extra crunch and color.

storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.Freeze for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What is the best cut of chicken for this dish?

Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal for their juiciness and flavor, but breasts work well too.

Can I grill the chicken?

Yes, grilled lemongrass chicken adds a smoky flavor and works great for summer meals.

Is lemongrass necessary?

Yes, it’s a key ingredient for the authentic flavor. If unavailable, lemongrass paste can be used.

Can I make it less spicy?

Absolutely, omit the chili or reduce the amount to suit your taste.

Can I meal prep with this?

Yes, it stores and reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep.

What can I serve with this?

Steamed jasmine rice, rice noodles, pickled vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad.

Do I need to pound the lemongrass?

Yes, bruise it slightly to release its aromatic oils before mincing.

Can I use pre-minced lemongrass?

Yes, but fresh is preferred for the best flavor.

Can this be cooked in the oven?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

Conclusion

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is an aromatic and flavorful dish that brings a taste of Southeast Asia to your table. Whether pan-fried, grilled, or baked, its bold flavors and tender texture make it a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for both casual dinners and impressive meals, it’s a recipe worth adding to your regular rotation.

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