Name: Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces; 2 stalks lemongrass (white parts only), finely minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small shallot, finely chopped; 1 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp honey; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking); Optional: Sliced red chili for heat

Bring the bold and fragrant flavors of Vietnam to your kitchen with this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a savory, sweet, and citrusy blend of lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, then seared until perfectly caramelized. It’s quick, delicious, and pairs beautifully with jasmine rice.

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with flavor: Lemongrass, garlic, shallots, and fish sauce create a bold, aromatic marinade.
Simple and quick: Just a few ingredients and minimal prep time.
Customizable: Add spice, veggies, or swap in tofu for a vegetarian version.
Perfect for weeknights: Fast-cooking and pairs well with rice or noodles.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
2 stalks lemongrass (white parts only), finely minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
Optional: Sliced red chili for heat

Tip: Fresh lemongrass makes a big difference. Look for it in Asian markets or the international section of grocery stores.

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine lemongrass, garlic, shallot, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and black pepper.
Add chicken and toss until well coated.
Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and caramelized.

3. Serve

Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with chopped herbs or red chili slices for extra flavor and heat.

⏱️ Servings & Timing

Serves: 3–4 people
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour minimum (or overnight)

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add extra sliced red chilies or chili flakes.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Add Veggies: Stir-fry with bell peppers, baby bok choy, or carrots.
Oven-Baked: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave in short intervals.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay more tender and flavorful during cooking.

2. How do I make it spicier?
Use Thai bird’s eye chilies or increase the amount of sliced red chili.

3. What if I don’t have lemongrass?
Substitute with lemon zest or lime zest for a similar citrus note.

4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the night before or cook and reheat before serving.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

What to Serve With Lemongrass Chicken

Jasmine or basmati rice
Rice noodles or vermicelli
Stir-fried vegetables
A fresh cucumber salad or spring rolls on the side

✅ Final Thoughts

This Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that works for weeknights or dinner parties alike. With its vibrant taste and fast cooking time, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it once—and you’ll crave it again!

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Ingredients