If you love vibrant flavors that instantly transport you to the bustling streets of Vietnam, this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a delightful balance of zesty, savory, and slightly sweet notes infused into tender, juicy chicken breasts. The fresh lemongrass and fragrant garlic combined with the umami richness from fish sauce and soy sauce create a dish that feels both exotic and comforting, perfect for a weeknight family dinner or an impressive weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play a crucial role in making this dish come alive with flavor and texture. Each one adds a unique touch: aromatic lemongrass brings brightness, soy and fish sauce contribute depth, and a hint of lime juice adds that irresistible tang.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the vibrant marinade flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons lemongrass, finely chopped: Fresh lemongrass is essential for authentic, citrusy aroma; don’t skip this!
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the chicken with warm, savory undertones that complement the lemongrass perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: Adds that unmistakable umami kick common in Vietnamese cuisine.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Deepens the savory flavor and helps with the beautiful caramelization on the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances savory and sour with a touch of sweetness and aids in browning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly while keeping it juicy during cooking.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens the marinade with a fresh, zesty zing that cuts through richness.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Adds a burst of herbal freshness just before serving.
How to Make Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the finely chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, and lime juice in a bowl. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and mixes well. This marinade is where the magic begins, melding savory, citrusy, and sweet flavors that will soak deep into your chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor punch, let it marinate overnight. This step tenderizes the meat and ensures every bite bursts with that iconic Vietnamese flair.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat up a grill or a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a beautiful, slightly caramelized crust as the brown sugar and soy sauce do their work, while the inside reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This balance keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
After cooking, give the chicken a few minutes to rest before slicing. This little pause lets the juices redistribute, so when you cut into it, the meat stays moist and tender—a total game-changer for texture and taste.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the sliced chicken just before serving. The fresh herb adds a bright contrast to the richly marinated meat, making each bite fresh and lively.
How to Serve Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a must-have garnish, providing a lovely pop of color and aroma. You can also add thinly sliced green onions or a few red chili flakes if you like a hint of heat. These simple garnishes elevate the dish’s appearance and flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
This Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up every bit of the delicious marinade juices. For veggies, lightly sautéed bok choy or a crisp cucumber salad sprinkled with toasted peanuts adds freshness and crunch that complement the tender chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual meal, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of rice with dipping sauces on the side—like a spicy chili lime sauce or hoisin. Alternatively, make fresh spring rolls filled with lettuce, herbs, and vermicelli noodles topped with sliced lemongrass chicken for a fun, hands-on dining experience that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Vietnamese lemongrass chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or dinner on busy nights when you want something already bursting with flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool the chicken completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor once reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Avoid overheating, as that can dry out the tender chicken, making it less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked, and they absorb marinades wonderfully. Just adjust cooking time accordingly since thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
Is fresh lemongrass necessary, or can I use dried lemongrass?
Fresh lemongrass is highly recommended for its vibrant citrusy flavor and tender texture. Dried lemongrass lacks that brightness and can be more fibrous. If you must use dried, increase the amount slightly and soak it in warm water beforehand.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or seitan and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative. The marinade still works beautifully to infuse flavors into plant-based proteins.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes to get decent flavor, but overnight marinating yields the best depth and tenderness. Just be sure not to marinate for more than 24 hours to avoid the texture becoming mushy.
What cooking methods work best for this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe?
Grilling and pan-searing are both excellent choices. Grilling adds a lovely smoky char that enhances the marinade, while pan-searing is convenient and creates a nice crust. Baking is possible but may not give that same caramelized exterior.
Final Thoughts
This Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe is a vibrant celebration of flavors that’s surprisingly simple to pull together. Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or a longtime fan, this dish offers a perfect harmony of fresh herbs, savory seasonings, and lively citrus notes. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to dinners that brings a little sunshine and zest into your kitchen.
Print
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including 30 minutes marinade minimum)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Description
This Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, and lime juice. Grilled or pan-seared to perfection, this dish delivers authentic Southeast Asian flavors that are fresh, tangy, and slightly sweet. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, it’s garnished with fresh cilantro and pairs beautifully with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons lemongrass, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine finely chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, and lime juice. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For more intense flavor, marinate up to overnight.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest and Slice: Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Then slice the chicken breasts into strips or desired portions.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of fresh flavor. Serve the lemongrass chicken alongside steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If you don’t have fresh lemongrass, substitute with 1 tablespoon of lemongrass paste.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your preferred sweetness level.
