If you’re craving something vibrant, aromatic, and downright delicious, this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dishes. Bright notes of fresh lemongrass combine effortlessly with the savory umami of fish sauce and soy sauce, while a touch of brown sugar balances everything with a hint of sweetness. Juicy chicken breasts soak up this incredible marinade and turn out tender and flavorful every single time. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or impressing friends at a dinner party, this recipe brings the best of Vietnamese flavors right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often deliver the most outstanding results, and that’s exactly the case here. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of taste, texture, and color that make the dish pop.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, these soak up the marinade beautifully for juicy bites.
- 2 tablespoons lemongrass, finely chopped: The star ingredient, lending a fresh and citrusy aroma that’s quintessential to this recipe.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent depth that complements the lemongrass perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: Provides savory umami and authentic Vietnamese flavor.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Balances saltiness and adds a touch of richness.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Brings sweetness that softens the sharper flavors and helps caramelize the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Binds the marinade and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Offers bright acidity to lighten the dish and enhance all flavors.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Adds a burst of fresh herbal brightness just before serving.
How to Make Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Make the marinade
Start by combining the lemongrass, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, and lime juice in a bowl. Mix until the brown sugar is dissolved and the ingredients form a fragrant, harmonious marinade that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. For the best flavor, let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, marinating overnight allows every bite to be infused with that incredible lemongrass essence.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat—this creates the perfect environment to caramelize the brown sugar in the marinade, giving a lovely golden crust. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s juicy and safe to enjoy.
Step 4: Rest and slice
After cooking, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This step is critical because it lets the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist when you slice it.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an herbal kick and serve your Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe over steamed rice or alongside vibrant vegetables for a balanced meal full of texture and color.
How to Serve Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic choice, adding brightness and a pop of green. You can also add thinly sliced chilies if you love a touch of heat, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a bit of crunch and nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up those delicious juices. For more color and nutrition, serve with sautéed bok choy, crisp cucumber salad, or even pickled carrots and daikon to add a refreshing tang.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try slicing the chicken thin and adding it to fresh spring rolls with rice noodles and herbs. Or mound it on rice paper tacos topped with crunchy slaw for a fun fusion twist. Another fun idea is to shred the cooked chicken and use it in banh mi sandwiches with pickled vegetables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to cool it before storing to maintain the chicken’s texture and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to two months. Slice it before freezing to make thawing and reheating more convenient. Remember to wrap tightly or use freezer-safe containers to avoid freezer burn and flavor loss.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, covered, with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. Warm it just until heated through—overcooking can make chicken rubbery and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat, so they stay extra juicy and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Is fresh lemongrass essential, or can I use dried or paste?
Fresh lemongrass offers the best vibrant citrus aroma, but if you can’t find it, a lemongrass paste or dried powder can work as a substitute. Use about half the amount if using paste to avoid overpowering the dish.
Can I make the marinade vegan or vegetarian?
To adapt this recipe, swap the chicken for tofu or mushrooms and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari. The lemongrass marinade still shines, creating a tasty plant-based dish.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The marinade needs at least 30 minutes to impart flavor, but for best results, marinate for 2 to 4 hours or overnight. The longer it sits, the more tender and flavorful the chicken becomes.
What’s the best way to know when the chicken is cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the safest method—once the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally, it’s fully cooked. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest piece; it should be white and opaque with clear juices running out.
Final Thoughts
This Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe is a delightful celebration of fresh flavors and simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether for busy weeknight dinners or special occasions. Once you try it, I’m sure it will hold a warm spot in your heart and your recipe collection.
Print
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Description
A flavorful and aromatic Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken recipe featuring tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in a savory blend of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, and lime juice, then grilled to perfection. This dish offers a delicious balance of sweet, sour, and umami flavors and is perfect served with rice or fresh 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 the finely chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, and lime juice. Mix thoroughly to blend all the flavors together.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
- Preheat cooking surface: Heat a grill or medium-heat skillet over medium heat. Ensure it is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice sear and cook evenly.
- Cook the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill or skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating the chicken is safely cooked through.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps retain the juices and keeps the chicken tender when sliced.
- Serve and garnish: Slice the chicken and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve the lemongrass chicken over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor but 30 minutes will impart a good taste.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent any foodborne illness.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred; they will be juicier but may require slightly longer cooking time.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce is tamari or another gluten-free type.
- Adjust brown sugar amount to your preferred sweetness level.
