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Flavorful Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Featured in Sophisticated Dinners Ready in 45 Minutes or Less.

Soak chicken in a mix of lemongrass, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, and spices for an hour or more. Stir-fry veggies, cook chicken to perfection, let it rest, slice, and serve with veggies and rice.
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Sarah
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:30:51 GMT
Flavorful Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Pin it
Flavorful Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken | chefmiarecipes.com

This classic Vietnamese chicken dish combines the bright citrus notes of lemongrass with savory garlic and umami-rich fish sauce. The result is a perfectly balanced meal that captures authentic Southeast Asian flavors while remaining approachable for home cooking.

Like many treasured recipes, this dish comes from the heart of Vietnamese home cooking. The key is allowing time for the bright lemongrass flavors to fully infuse the chicken during marination. This extra patience transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.

Key Ingredients

  • Lemongrass: Choose firm, fragrant stalks and use only the tender inner portions
  • Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless work best for even cooking and flavor absorption
  • Fish Sauce: Select pure varieties made only with fish, salt and water
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth and balances the salty-sour elements
  • Fresh Lime: Essential for bright acidity and meat tenderization

Preparation Method

Prepare Lemongrass:
Remove outer layers, trim ends, and finely mince the tender middle section
Mix Marinade:
Combine lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, turmeric and lime juice
Marinate Chicken:
Coat chicken thoroughly and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight
Cook Chicken:
Sear in hot pan until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side
Rest and Serve:
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe Pin it
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe | chefmiarecipes.com

The secret to exceptional lemongrass chicken lies in proper ingredient preparation. Taking care with the lemongrass especially - removing tough outer layers and finely mincing the tender parts - ensures its flavors fully release into the dish.

Serving Ideas

Serve over steamed jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Create fresh spring rolls using rice paper and herbs, or build Vietnamese rice bowls with pickled vegetables.

Recipe Variations

  • Add coconut milk for richness
  • Use firm tofu for vegetarian version
  • Finish with lemongrass oil
  • Add traditional Vietnamese herbs

Storage

Store cooked chicken in airtight container up to 3 days. Freeze marinated raw chicken up to 2 months. Reheat gently to maintain moisture. Use leftovers in salads or grain bowls.

This Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken showcases how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. The aromatic lemongrass, savory fish sauce, and fresh garlic work together to produce an authentic dish perfect for any meal.

Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Pin it
Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken | chefmiarecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap chicken breast for chicken thighs?
Sure, you can use chicken breasts, but cook them for a shorter time—about 3-4 minutes on each side—so they don’t dry out. They’re a leaner option too.
→ Where can I buy lemongrass?
Fresh lemongrass is often available in the produce section of larger supermarkets or at Asian markets. If you can’t find it, lemongrass paste from a tube is a great alternative.
→ How can I make this vegetarian?
You can replace the chicken with firm tofu and swap fish sauce for soy sauce. Give the tofu a longer marination time, like two hours, to make sure the flavors absorb well.
→ What’s the minimum marination time for the chicken?
An hour is the baseline, but for the best flavor, try marinating it overnight. If you're really rushed, go with 30 minutes, but the flavor will be lighter.
→ What sides pair well with this chicken?
Serve with steamed rice, rice noodles, or a light cucumber salad. You can also add pickled veggies or fresh spring rolls for a complete Vietnamese-style meal.
→ Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance. Once cooked, it keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheats easily for another meal.

Lemongrass Chicken Delight

Succulent chicken marinated in a rich blend of lemongrass, garlic, and spices, then cooked alongside vibrant veggies for an easy Vietnamese-inspired dish.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Weeknight Elegance

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Vietnamese

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken Marinade

01 4 chicken thighs, no skin or bones (you can use chicken breasts if you want a healthier option)
02 2 tablespoons lemongrass, finely diced (make sure to only use the softer inside part)
03 4 garlic cloves, chopped up small
04 2 tablespoons fish sauce (swap out for soy sauce if you need it to be vegetarian)
05 1 tablespoon soy sauce
06 1 tablespoon brown sugar
07 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder (great for light yellow coloring and mild taste)
08 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice
09 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (totally up to you if you'd like some spice)
10 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for the marination

→ For Cooking

11 2 tablespoons cooking oil
12 1 average-sized onion, sliced thinly
13 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips (optional for color and texture)
14 A little drizzle of sesame oil for a more intense flavor (optional)
15 A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped, for sprinkling on at the end
16 Lime slices for squeezing when serving

→ For Serving

17 Steamed jasmine rice or regular white rice
18 A refreshing side of raw veggies or a salad (if you'd like to add more)

Instructions

Step 01

Mix the minced garlic, chopped lemongrass, fish sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, turmeric powder, lime juice, chili flakes if you'd like, and vegetable oil in a medium bowl. Keep stirring it all together until the sugar melts and everything is combined really well.

Step 02

Put the chicken thighs into a plastic bag that can be sealed or into a dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece gets nice and coated. Close the bag tightly or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour, or up to overnight for intense flavor.

Step 03

While you're letting the chicken soak in those flavors, cut the onion into thin slices and slice the red bell pepper into strips. Chop your cilantro and have some lime wedges nearby for serving.

Step 04

Put a big frying pan or wok on medium-high and add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. When the oil is hot, toss in the onion slices and bell pepper strips. Cook them until the veggies soften and start to brown a little, stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes. Set them aside once done.

Step 05

Use the same skillet or wok from earlier. Add a little extra oil if it looks dry. Place the marinated thighs in and cook each side for 4-5 minutes over medium-high until the chicken’s golden and fully cooked (check for an internal temp of 165°F or 74°C).

Step 06

Take out the hot chicken and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the juices stay in, making sure every bite is tender.

Step 07

After the chicken has rested, cut it into smaller strips or pieces. Add the sautéed onion and bell peppers back into the pan and mix them together with the cooked chicken. If you want, drizzle in a splash of sesame oil for extra richness.

Step 08

Dish up the chicken and vegetable mix onto plates or bowls. Sprinkle on chopped cilantro for freshness. Serve alongside rice, lime wedges, and any extra sides like salad or veggies if you’d like.

Notes

  1. Want extra tender chicken? Use a sharp knife to make small cuts in the thighs before you marinate them to help the flavors soak in better.
  2. You can get a crispy coating on the chicken by using slightly higher heat for the last few minutes of cooking—but keep an eye on it!
  3. For a veggie option, swap out the chicken with tofu. Just replace the fish sauce with soy sauce while you're at it.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large frying pan or wok
  • A mixing bowl
  • A plastic bag that seals or a shallow dish for marinating
  • Sharp cutting tools: a knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups for accuracy

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has fish (because of the fish sauce)
  • Contains soy (in the soy sauce)
  • May include sesame (from sesame oil)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 300
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 35 g