Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the rich aroma of sizzling marinated chicken fills the kitchen, I can’t help but feel transported to the vibrant streets of Vietnam. This Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is not just any meal; it’s a delightful dance of flavors, featuring tender chicken thighs infused with lemongrass, garlic, and the umami kick of fish sauce. What’s more, this recipe is beginner-friendly and low-calorie, clocking in at just 310 calories per serving! Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Do you have a favorite way to elevate your weeknight meals, or will you let the fragrant notes of lemongrass take center stage tonight? Why is Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken a Must-Try? Bold flavors: Featuring lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, this dish bursts with vibrant taste that’s hard to resist. Beginner-friendly: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, even novice cooks can master this recipe! Quick to prepare: Enjoy a delectable meal in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans. Versatile serving options: Pair it with jasmine rice, rice noodles, or even serve in lettuce wraps for a fun twist! If you’re a fan of flavorful weeknight meals, you might also enjoy Garlic Butter Chicken or Cowboy Butter Chicken. Crowd-pleaser: This dish is sure to impress family and friends, making it an ideal choice for gatherings. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken Thighs – Juiciness and tenderness; can substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option, but be cautious of drying out. For the Marinade • Lemongrass – Provides a citrusy floral note; ensure it’s finely minced for maximum flavor. • Garlic – Adds aromatic depth; fresh is best but dried garlic works as a substitute. • Shallots – Offers a milder flavor compared to onions; replace with yellow onions if needed. • Fish Sauce – Essential for that umami richness; soy sauce is a great vegetarian alternative. • Soy Sauce – Enhances savory notes; opt for low-sodium if watching salt intake. • Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and encourages caramelization; feel free to swap with white sugar or honey if necessary. • Black Pepper – Provides a mild heat; freshly ground offers the best flavor. • Red Chili Flakes – Adds optional heat; adjust to taste, omitting for a milder flavor or adding more for extra spice. For Cooking • Vegetable Oil – High smoke point for frying; canola or avocado oil are suitable alternatives. For Garnish • Cilantro – Fresh garnish that brightens the dish; mint serves as a flavorful alternative. • Lime Wedges – Brightens the dish; lemon can be used if lime is unavailable. Embrace the delicious possibilities of making Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken tonight! Let the fragrant taste whisk you away to culinary bliss. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cutting them into bite-sized pieces if desired. This step ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to absorb the flavorful marinade better. Set the prepared chicken aside as you whip up the marinade, which will soon bring the dish to life. Step 2: Make the Marinade In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and red chili flakes. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar has dissolved and you achieve a well-blended mixture. This aromatic marinade is the heart of your Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken, promising a burst of fragrant flavor. Step 3: Marinate the Chicken Add the chopped chicken pieces into the marinade and toss them thoroughly to ensure every piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—up to 2 hours for deeper flavor absorption. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become, so plan accordingly! Step 4: Heat the Skillet When ready to cook, place a large skillet on the stove over medium-high heat, adding a generous splash of vegetable oil to coat the bottom. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough to start frying. This high heat is crucial for achieving those beautifully caramelized edges on your chicken. Step 5: Cook the Chicken Carefully add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes, allowing a crispy golden crust to form. This initial sear locks in the marinade’s vibrant flavors while giving your Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken a delightful texture. Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking Once the first side has developed a lovely golden color, flip the chicken pieces over and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken; it should be fully cooked through with no pink remaining and the edges caramelized. The captivating aroma filling your kitchen will let you know that you’re on the right track! Step 7: Garnish and Serve After removing the skillet from heat, garnish your Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken with freshly chopped cilantro for a bright, herbaceous note. Serve the dish hot with wedge of lime on the side, perfect for squeezing over your chicken. This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or rice noodles, offering a complete and satisfying meal. Expert Tips for Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken • Marinating Time Matters: Ensure the chicken is not marinated for longer than 4 hours to avoid a mushy texture. • Sear for Flavor: Cooking the chicken undisturbed for the first few minutes locks in the vibrant flavors and creates a delightful golden crust. • Avoid Overcrowding: Give the chicken pieces space in the skillet; overcrowding causes steaming instead of searing, affecting the dish’s texture. • Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. • Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices and ensure tender bites. • Experiment with Heat: Adjust red chili flakes according to your spice preference, making this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken suited to any palate! Make Ahead Options These Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken bites are ideal for meal prep and busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and enrich the dish. Simply combine the chicken with the marinade and refrigerate it in an airtight container. If you prefer, chop and mince the lemongrass, garlic, and shallots in advance and store them separately, ensuring freshness. When you’re ready to cook, heat your skillet and follow the instructions to sauté the marinated chicken. This way, you’ll enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort, bringing the delightful tastes of Vietnam straight to your table! What to Serve with Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken? Pairing your meal with complementary sides can elevate your Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken experience to an unforgettable feast. Jasmine Rice: Fluffy and fragrant, it absorbs the aromatic marinade perfectly, providing a soothing base for your vibrant chicken. Rice Noodles: These chewy noodles offer a delightful contrast in texture and can soak up any excess sauce, making each bite irresistibly flavorful. Fresh Spring Rolls: Crisp veggies and herbs wrapped in rice paper create a refreshing element, balancing the dish’s savory richness. Cucumber Salad: A simple mix of cucumbers, mint, and lime adds a bright crunch, enhancing your meal with a cool, refreshing note. Sautéed Bok Choy: Tender yet crispy, this green side brings a subtle bitterness that’s a lovely contrast to the sweet marinade. Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet, creamy treat harmonizes beautifully with the dish’s flavors, finishing your meal on a delightful note. These pairings add depth and variety, inviting you to savor the delightful combinations of flavors and textures! How to Store and Freeze Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Fridge: Store leftover Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain its freshness and flavor. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or oil to keep the chicken moist and prevent drying out. Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the chicken out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent potential food safety issues. Variations & Substitutions for Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Feel free to mix things up with these delightful twists that will inspire your culinary creativity! Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, marinating and preparing in the same way for a satisfying vegetarian dish. With a little crispiness, it’ll soak up all those vibrant flavors beautifully. Spice Lovers: Increase the red chili flakes for an extra kick of heat. For those who enjoy fresh flavors, using diced jalapeños can add a fresh burst to every bite! Fresh Lettuce Wraps: Serve the chicken in crunchy lettuce wraps for a light and refreshing meal. This fun presentation not only adds texture but also makes for a delightful hand-held treat. Coconut Flavor: Replace half of the vegetable oil with coconut oil to lend a subtle, tropical flavor to the dish. This will transport your taste buds straight to a beachside paradise with every bite. Nutty Crunch: Top your dish with crushed peanuts or cashews for added crunch and depth, balancing the tender chicken with a delightful textural contrast. It’s the finishing touch that will have everyone reaching for seconds! Herb Swap: Use fresh mint instead of cilantro for a unique twist, offering a different depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the dish. This simple switch can brighten up your plate and surprise your guests! Citrus Boost: Add a splash of orange juice or zest when marinating the chicken for a zesty, citrusy twist, enhancing the overall brightness of the dish. It’s like a blooming spring garden on your plate! Noodle Salad: Serve your Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken on a bed of chilled rice noodles tossed with fresh veggies and sesame oil for a refreshing noodle salad. This light and delightful meal is perfect for warm evenings. These variations not only add excitement but can also cater to various dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking to switch up the flavors or accommodate guests, you’re sure to find a delightful version that brings joy to your table! If you’re in the mood for more delicious weeknight meals, check out my recipes for Broccoli Chicken Penne or Savory Chicken Flatbread. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right lemongrass? Absolutely! When selecting lemongrass, look for stalks that are firm and fresh, with a vibrant green hue. Avoid any that have dark spots or are wilting. You can easily create a fragrant flavor by trimming the ends and finely mincing the stalks before use. How should I store leftover Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken? Very! To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to cool them down to room temperature before sealing. This helps maintain the dish’s texture and flavor for your next meal. Can I freeze Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken? Absolutely! For long-term storage, you can freeze the marinated chicken in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of water or oil to keep it juicy. What should I do if my chicken becomes dry during cooking? Oh no! If you find your chicken is turning out dry, there are a few things you can do. First, ensure that the heat is not too high. Cooking at medium-high allows for a good sear while keeping moisture inside. Secondly, always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F. Lastly, let it rest for about 5 minutes after cooking; that will help retain those delicious juices! Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe? Certainly! You can replace chicken with firm tofu to create a delightful vegetarian version of Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken. Just remember to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before marinating to help it absorb all those fantastic flavors. Enjoy with the same marinade and cooking technique for a delicious plant-based meal! Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh? Yes, but! While fresh garlic offers the best flavor, you can use about 1/4 teaspoon of dried garlic for each clove in this recipe if fresh isn’t on hand. Just be careful to not overdo it, as dried spices are more concentrated. Happy cooking! Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken: A Flavorful Weeknight Delight Enjoy a flavorful Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken, a low-calorie dish bursting with vibrant taste, perfect for weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsMarinating Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: VietnameseCalories: 310 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 pound Chicken Thighs Juiciness and tenderness; can substitute with chicken breasts.For the Marinade2 stalks Lemongrass Ensure it’s finely minced for maximum flavor.4 cloves Garlic Fresh is best but dried works as a substitute.2 medium Shallots Offers a milder flavor compared to onions.3 tablespoons Fish Sauce Essential for umami richness; soy sauce is a vegetarian alternative.2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Opt for low-sodium if watching salt intake.1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Adds sweetness and encourages caramelization.1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground offers the best flavor.1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes Adjust to taste, optional for heat.For Cooking2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil Canola or avocado oil are suitable alternatives.For Garnish1/4 cup Cilantro Fresh garnish that brightens the dish.2 wedges Lime Perfect for squeezing over the chicken. Equipment large mixing bowlSkillet Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsPrepare the Chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut into bite-sized pieces if desired.Make the Marinade: Combine minced lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and red chili flakes in a bowl.Marinate the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours.Heat the Skillet: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.Cook the Chicken: Add marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes undisturbed.Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the chicken and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until fully cooked.Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 22gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mg NotesEnsure the chicken is not marinated for longer than 4 hours to avoid a mushy texture. Adjust red chili flakes according to your spice preference. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
