Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish bursting with bright, captivating flavors, look no further than Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken. Fragrant lemongrass, savory fish sauce, and a perfect balance of sweetness and umami come together in a meal that’s both comforting and refreshingly unique. This recipe transforms simple chicken thighs into a show-stopping star, making it an ideal centerpiece whether you’re cooking for family on a busy weeknight or wowing guests at a dinner party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken so special is how a handful of kitchen staples team up with vibrant aromatics to create something truly memorable. Each ingredient on this list brings its own unique contribution, from the warmth of garlic to the subtle sweetness of honey.

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor—boneless, skinless thighs provide the ideal texture for soaking up the bold marinade.
• Lemongrass: The soul of this dish! Freshly chopped stalks infuse the chicken with a distinctive citrusy fragrance and depth.
• Garlic: Minced garlic offers a punchy undertone that rounds out the savory qualities.
• Shallot: Adds delicate sweetness and mellow body to the marinade.
• Fish Sauce: Delivers that savory “oomph” and authentic Vietnamese character.
• Soy Sauce: Enhances the marinade’s complexity with salty, umami-rich notes.
• Honey: Brings gentle sweetness, balancing the savory and spicy elements.
• Sesame Oil: A dash of toasty flavor that gives the chicken a nutty richness.
• Black Pepper: Bright and peppery, waking up the marinade’s flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat—adjust to your preferred spice level.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a golden, flavorful sear in the skillet before finishing in the oven.

How to Make Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before you begin prepping your ingredients, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s ready to help finish the chicken, locking in those marvelous juices and flavor.

Step 2: Prep the Lemongrass

Trim away the tough tops and outer layers of the lemongrass stalks. The tender white parts are the most flavorful—finely chop these to unleash their fragrant oils, which will infuse your chicken throughout the marinade and cooking process.

Step 3: Mince Garlic and Shallot

Peel and finely mince both the garlic cloves and shallot. These aromatic ingredients are crucial, weaving subtle sweetness and savory depth into every bite of Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken.

Step 4: Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine your chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, minced shallot, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything thoroughly—your kitchen will already start smelling amazing!

Step 5: Marinate the Chicken

Cut the chicken thighs into generous bite-sized pieces and nestle them into the marinade. Toss really well so each piece is cloaked in all that aromatic goodness. Cover and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—overnight is even better for deeper flavor!

Step 6: Sear the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Sear 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully browned, which adds both flavor and color.

Step 7: Bake to Finish

Transfer the seared chicken into a baking dish. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is perfectly cooked through and irresistibly juicy.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Your kitchen now smells incredible. Serve the Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken piping hot, ideally with fragrant steamed jasmine rice, and get ready to impress your taste buds!

How to Serve Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and cilantro adds not just color, but a blast of fresh flavor that highlights the bright, herby undertones of Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken. Squeeze on a little lime or toss on chopped peanuts for bonus crunch.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats serving this dish with steamed jasmine or broken rice, which soaks up every drop of the flavorful sauce. For a balanced spread, add a crisp cucumber salad or quick-pickled veggies to cleanse the palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Try tucking the chicken into lettuce wraps for a light, hand-held meal, or pile it up on rice noodles for a Vietnamese-inspired bowl. If you have leftovers, stuff them into banh mi sandwiches with pickled carrot and daikon for a twist you’ll crave again and again.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, making it a handy option for quick lunches or meal prep throughout the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes like a dream. Store cooled chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken keeps its flavor and texture for up to two months in the freezer—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, or use the microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and keep things tender. Avoid overheating to preserve the juiciness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well, but thighs are more forgiving and stay super juicy. If you use breast, just be careful not to overcook, as they dry out a bit more quickly than thighs.

Where can I find fresh lemongrass?

Most Asian supermarkets offer fresh lemongrass stalks, and some larger grocery chains stock them in the produce section. If you can’t find it fresh, look for frozen lemongrass or even jarred minced lemongrass in a pinch.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for fish sauce?

Great question! Substitute with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce if you need to keep things plant-based. The flavor will change slightly, but your Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken inspired dish will still be delicious.

How spicy is this dish?

As written, it’s gently warm—just enough to tickle your taste buds thanks to red pepper flakes. For more (or less) heat, simply adjust the quantity to your liking, or offer sliced fresh chili on the side for spice lovers.

Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

Definitely! Grilling adds a smoky edge that tastes incredible with the marinade’s citrus and umami. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and cook over medium-high heat, turning as needed until charred and cooked through.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as sharing Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken with friends and family—the flavors are bold, bright, and absolutely craveable. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Vietnamese cuisine or just diving in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and let your senses be transported!

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