Savoring authentic Vietnamese lemongrass chicken at home is like taking a mini-vacation to Vietnam with every bite. The fragrant aroma of lemongrass, garlic, and ginger wafts through your kitchen, making it feel cozy and inviting. savory black pepper chicken Each piece of chicken is marinated to perfection, ensuring a burst of flavor that dances on your taste buds.
Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, the kids are clamoring for dinner, and you decide to whip up this delightful dish. Suddenly, everyone is silent as they devour their plates, with only the occasional “Mmm!” escaping their lips. This dish transforms even the most chaotic evenings into memorable family moments.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This authentic Vietnamese lemongrass chicken is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- Its vibrant flavors will transport you to a bustling street market in Vietnam
- The colorful presentation makes it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for meal prep or entertaining guests!
I once made this dish for friends visiting from out of town, and their delighted expressions were priceless. We laughed about how fast they cleaned their plates!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: I recommend thighs for juiciness and flavor; they won’t dry out as easily as breasts. hot honey sesame rotisserie chicken stir fry.
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Lemongrass Stalks: Fresh lemongrass adds an aromatic citrusy flavor; choose firm stalks for the best results.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic enhances the dish’s depth; avoid pre-minced varieties for better flavor.
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Ginger Root: Grating fresh ginger adds warmth and spice; it pairs beautifully with lemongrass.
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Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while still providing umami goodness.
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Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the savory elements perfectly; light or dark works well. savory Greek turkey burger.
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Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil ensures that the flavors shine through; canola or grapeseed oil are great options.
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Chili Paste (optional): For those who love heat, add chili paste for a spicy kick!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Peanut Chicken Recipe recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Marinade: Start by mincing three stalks of fresh lemongrass and combining them with minced garlic and grated ginger in a bowl. Add soy sauce and brown sugar to create a flavorful marinade.
Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, coat 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs with your marinade. Japanese chicken yakitori skewers Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—longer if you have time—for maximum flavor infusion.
Heat Up Your Skillet: Heat a generous splash of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the marinated chicken thighs in the hot skillet. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Add Aromatics**: Toss in any remaining marinade along with sliced peppers or onions if desired. Cook until they soften slightly and release their sweet aromas.
Garnish and Serve**: Once cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), remove from heat. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions over jasmine rice or rice noodles—a true Vietnamese delight!
Enjoying homemade Vietnamese lemongrass chicken is not just about eating; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors that linger long after your last bite! So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share this meal).
You Must Know
- This delightful Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken recipe is not just about flavor; it’s a journey through aromas and textures
- The vibrant lemongrass brings freshness, while marinating overnight enhances depth
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy meal at home
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in lemongrass and spices for at least an hour. After marinating, sear the chicken in a hot pan to lock in flavors, then finish cooking it over medium heat to ensure tenderness.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables to the marinade. You can experiment with different herbs like cilantro or mint for a fresh twist, or try using tofu as a protein substitute for a vegetarian option.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover lemongrass chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, preserving its juiciness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect balance of flavors, let the chicken rest after cooking
- Use fresh lemongrass for the best aroma and taste
- Don’t skip marinating; it’s crucial for infusing flavor deeply into the meat
Sharing this recipe reminds me of my first attempt at making Vietnamese food during a potluck. My friends devoured every bite, demanding I share my secrets! It feels great to create dishes that bring everyone together.

FAQ
What can I serve with lemongrass chicken?
Pair it with jasmine rice or noodles and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I use dried lemongrass instead?
Dried lemongrass isn’t recommended; fresh provides the best flavor and aroma.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with this easy-to-make Lemongrass Chicken. Bursting with aromatic spices and tender chicken, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Each bite offers a delightful balance of savory and sweet, transforming your meal into an exotic culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 stalks fresh lemongrass, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger root, grated
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp chili paste (optional)
Instructions
- Combine minced lemongrass, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a bowl to make the marinade.
- Coat chicken thighs with the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear marinated chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Optionally, add sliced peppers or onions to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve over jasmine rice or rice noodles garnished with fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg





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