Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant, fresh flavors and melts in your mouth, look no further than Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken. This dish features tender chicken thighs perfectly marinated in fragrant lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, then seared to achieve a caramelized, savory goodness. It’s incredibly simple to prepare but packed with layers of taste that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you pair it with fluffy jasmine rice or slurp it alongside noodles, this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a celebration of bright, aromatic ingredients that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken truly shine, you’ll want a handful of fresh, simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the iconic flavor and texture. From the zesty brightness of lemongrass to the umami depth of fish sauce, these essentials come together seamlessly.

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they soak up the marinade beautifully and stay moist during cooking.
• Vegetable oil: Perfect for a high-heat sear that creates that irresistible caramelization.
• Fresh lemongrass: The star of the dish, it adds a citrusy, aromatic punch that defines the recipe.
• Garlic: Brings a warm, fragrant base to the marinade.
• Shallots: Milder than onions, they add subtle sweetness and depth.
• Fish sauce: Essential for authentic Vietnamese umami and salty notes.
• Soy sauce: Adds richness and a gentle earthiness to the flavor profile.
• Brown sugar: Balances savory elements with a touch of caramel sweetness.
• Black pepper: Lends a mild heat and complexity.
• Red chili flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick, these add vibrant spice.
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges: Garnishes that brighten the dish and add fresh, zesty contrast.

How to Make Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

The first step is deciding how you want your chicken – bite-sized pieces for easier eating or whole thighs for a heartier bite. Once you’ve made the cut, you’re ready to dive into the marinade that makes this dish sing.

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

Combine minced lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and red chili flakes in a bowl. This blend of ingredients will infuse the chicken with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl tightly and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help the flavors deeply penetrate the meat. If you have more time, a 2-hour soak is even better!

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the marinated chicken in a single layer, resisting the urge to stir too soon. Let it sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes to develop a caramelized crust. Then flip and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and deliciously golden.

How to Serve Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro adds an herbal lift while a squeeze of lime brightens every bite. Together, these garnishes create a refreshing contrast to the savory richness of the chicken, making each mouthful more exciting and balanced.

Side Dishes

Traditionally, Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up every bit of that flavorful sauce. If you want to change it up, try serving it over rice noodles or alongside a crisp cucumber salad for a cooling complement.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken in lettuce cups, topped with pickled vegetables and a drizzle of sriracha mayo. Or turn it into a vibrant bowl with rice, shredded carrots, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for texture and color contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it separately from rice or noodles if possible to prevent sogginess and reheat just before serving.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freeze the cooked chicken in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. It will maintain its flavor for up to 2 months. Labeling with the date will help you track freshness easily.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or use a microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out and keep that wonderful caramelized texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast can be used if you prefer leaner meat, but it’s important to avoid overcooking since breast meat dries out more quickly. Marinating well helps retain moisture.

Is lemongrass difficult to prepare?

Not at all! Simply trim the tough outer layers and finely mince the tender inner stalk. Fresh lemongrass is worth the bit of prep because it delivers unmatched fragrance and flavor to the dish.

What can I substitute for fish sauce?

If you don’t have fish sauce on hand, a mix of soy sauce and a pinch of salt can work as a substitute, though it won’t provide quite the same depth of umami that fish sauce gives.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

While this recipe is designed for chicken, you can try marinating and cooking tofu or seitan with the same flavors for a delicious vegetarian alternative. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Should I marinate the chicken longer than 2 hours?

It’s best to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes and ideally up to 2 hours to avoid the acidic ingredients breaking down the chicken too much, which could affect texture.

Final Thoughts

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is one of those dishes that feels effortless yet delivers extraordinary flavor every single time. The fresh lemongrass aroma, the sweet-savory marinade, and the tender, caramelized chicken come together like magic on your plate. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you won’t regret bringing this little taste of Vietnam into your kitchen!

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