There’s something magical about Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken. The moment the lemongrass hits the hot pan, the whole kitchen fills with a bright, citrusy aroma that feels warm, fresh, and comforting all at once. This dish is simple, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for anyone who loves bold Southeast Asian spices but doesn’t want a complicated recipe.
I love making this on busy evenings because the chicken cooks quickly, the marinade is effortless, and it pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even salads.
Quick Facts
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Serving Size: 3–4 servings
Why You’ll Love Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
This dish has the perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and aromatic flavors. You’ll love it because:
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Super quick—perfect for weeknight dinners
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Uses simple, accessible ingredients
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Packed with fresh, vibrant lemongrass aroma
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Works with chicken thigh or breast
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Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully
Every bite feels juicy, fragrant, and slightly caramelized from the marinade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Marinade
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500g chicken thighs or breast (thinly sliced)
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2 stalks fresh lemongrass (finely chopped, white part only)
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4 garlic cloves (minced)
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1 small onion (finely chopped)
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2 tbsp fish sauce
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
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1 tbsp lime juice
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1 tbsp oil
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp chilli flakes or fresh chopped red chilli (optional)
For Cooking
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1–2 tbsp oil
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Additional chopped lemongrass (optional)
For Garnish
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Fresh coriander
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Spring onions
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Lime wedges
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Sesame seeds (optional)
How to Make Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, mix lemongrass, garlic, onion, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, lime juice, oil, and pepper. Add sliced chicken and coat well.
Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to overnight).
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Add oil to a hot pan. Spread the chicken in a single layer so it gets a nice sear.
Step 3: Cook Until Caramelized
Cook on medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken becomes golden and slightly caramelized.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Turn off the heat, garnish with coriander, spring onions, and lime juice.
Your fragrant lemongrass chicken is ready!
Serving Suggestions
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Serve over steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice
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Add to vermicelli bowls with lettuce, cucumber, pickled carrots, and peanuts
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Wrap in rice paper with herbs for fresh rolls
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Stuff into banh mi sandwiches
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Pair with stir-fried veggies or a fresh salad
The flavors are incredibly versatile.
Tips for Customization
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Spicy version: Add more chilli or sriracha.
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Sweeter version: Add extra brown sugar or honey.
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Low-sodium option: Replace soy sauce with light soy or coconut aminos.
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Extra fragrant: Add ginger or shallots to the marinade.
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Meal prep: Cook a large batch—it stays delicious for 3–4 days.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx.)
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Calories: 280
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Protein: 28g
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Carbs: 8g
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Fat: 14g
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Sugar: 5g
Values can vary depending on cuts of chicken and marinade thickness.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried lemongrass?
Yes, but fresh is best. If using dried, soak 1 tbsp in warm water for 10 minutes.
2. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely—grilling gives a smoky flavor that’s amazing.
3. How long should I marinate the chicken?
20 minutes works, but 2–4 hours gives deeper flavor.
4. Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Use tofu or mushrooms and replace fish sauce with soy sauce + a little lime juice.
5. Does this freeze well?
Yes. Freeze marinated raw chicken or cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is one of those dishes that tastes restaurant-level but takes minimal effort. It’s bright, fragrant, and soothing in every bite. Once you try it, it’ll become one of your easiest go-to meals for any night of the week.
