Name: Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1.25 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (or substitute with chicken breast, see notes); 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil); 1 stalk lemongrass (white parts only, discard green parts); 1 shallot; 2 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or palm sugar, coconut sugar, or cane sugar); 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce (not dark soy sauce); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup water (room temperature or cold); ¼ cup white granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons fish sauce; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 red chili pepper (finely chopped)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 1 review

If you love vibrant, fresh flavors with a touch of sweetness and savory goodness, then you are absolutely going to adore this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe. This dish features tender chicken thighs infused with a fragrant lemongrass marinade that brings a perfect balance of citrusy, garlicky, and subtly spicy notes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your friends, this recipe hits all the right spots with simple ingredients that come together beautifully for an authentic taste of Vietnam.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with raw chicken pieces that are pale pink in color, soaked in a light tan marinade with visible bits of crushed garlic spread throughout. The chicken pieces are layered loosely and partially submerged in the marinade, showing a slightly wet texture. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe comes from its thoughtfully selected ingredients that are simple yet essential. Each element plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, richness, and that unmistakable aroma that makes the dish so memorable.

1.25 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs: Choose thighs for their tenderness and juiciness, or substitute with chicken breast for a leaner option.
1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil to get that perfect sear without overpowering the marinade flavors.
1 stalk lemongrass (white part only): The star flavor that lends a citrusy, herbal brightness essential to the marinade.
1 shallot: Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the marinade without being too overpowering.
2 cloves garlic: Infuses a pungent, aromatic quality that balances sweet and savory perfectly.
2 tablespoons brown sugar (or palm, coconut, cane sugar): Provides caramelized sweetness that rounds out the marinade.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice: Brings acidity and freshness to brighten the chicken’s flavor.
2 tablespoons fish sauce: Adds rich umami and authentic Vietnamese saltiness.
1 tablespoon regular soy sauce (not dark soy sauce): Contributes a gentle saltiness and color enhancement.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to add a hint of warmth and slight edge.
Nuoc Cham dipping sauce ingredients: Water, white sugar, fish sauce, minced garlic, and finely chopped red chili create a sweet, tangy, slightly spicy sauce that elevates every bite.

How to Make Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Lemongrass Marinade

The key to an unforgettable Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe lies in the marinade. Blend the white parts of the lemongrass, shallot, garlic, brown sugar, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, and black pepper into a smooth paste. Make sure the lemongrass is finely blended without large chunks so every bite is smooth and packed with flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Transfer your chicken thighs into a large bowl or resealable bag and pour the fragrant marinade over them. Give everything a good toss to coat each piece evenly. For the best results, let the chicken soak up all those flavors for at least one hour, or better yet, overnight for the flavors to truly develop.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Shake off any excess marinade from the chicken to avoid burning. Cook the chicken thighs in a single layer, giving each piece space to breathe. Let them brown for 3-4 minutes on the first side until a nice golden crust forms, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Clean the pan between batches to prevent burnt residue and add oil as needed.

Step 4: Prepare the Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, stir together water, sugar, fish sauce, minced garlic, and finely chopped red chili pepper in a small bowl. This dipping sauce is tangy, sweet, and just spicy enough to complement the lemongrass chicken perfectly. Serve it on the side for dipping or drizzling over your cooked chicken.

How to Serve Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

A white plate is filled with five pieces of grilled chicken thighs, each with a golden brown color and some dark char marks. The chicken pieces have a slightly crispy texture on the edges. On top of the chicken, there is a bright red and white sauce made of chopped chili peppers and garlic. A spoon is seen pouring more of this sauce over one piece of chicken. Behind the chicken on the plate, there is a lime wedge and a small glass bowl filled with the same chili sauce. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To brighten up this dish, fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds add a delightful contrast in texture and pops of color. A wedge of lime on the side never hurts either, inviting that extra squeeze of zesty freshness.

Side Dishes

This Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with a fluffy bowl of steamed jasmine rice or warm, fragrant sticky rice. For a lighter option, serve it with a crisp, refreshing cucumber salad or pickled carrots and daikon to balance the rich, savory chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your serving game up a notch by rolling the lemongrass chicken into lettuces wraps with shredded herbs and crushed peanuts for a fun, hand-held bite. Or create a vibrant rice bowl layered with the chicken, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of the nuoc cham dipping sauce for a meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked lemongrass chicken by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain juiciness, or warm it in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Avoid overcooking to preserve tenderness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works if you prefer leaner meat, but be mindful to not overcook it as it can dry out faster than thighs. Marinating well and quick cooking will still deliver great flavor.

Is it necessary to use fresh lemongrass?

Fresh lemongrass is highly recommended for the best authentic flavor. The white part has the most fragrance and tenderness. If unavailable, you can try dried or frozen lemongrass but the taste may be less vibrant.

How spicy is the dipping sauce? Can I adjust it?

The nuoc cham dipping sauce has a mild heat from red chili pepper, which can be adjusted to your liking. Add more chili if you want it spicier or omit completely for a milder version.

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Yes! You can make the lemongrass marinade a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This can save time on the day you plan to cook and help the flavors meld beautifully.

What should I serve with this chicken for a full meal?

Along with rice or noodles, a simple Vietnamese-style salad or steamed greens like bok choy complements the dish perfectly, adding brightness and texture to the meal.

Final Thoughts

There really is something magical about this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe that makes it an instant favorite. It’s fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make with common ingredients that turn into something incredibly special on your plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with those you love. Trust me, it will soon become one of your go-to dishes for any occasion!