Delicious Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe for Everyone

The scent wafting from the kitchen is nothing short of magical. Imagine tender chicken marinated in fragrant lemongrass, garlic, and a hint of chili – it’s a symphony for your senses. The moment you take that first bite, you’re transported straight to the bustling streets of Vietnam, where every meal is an adventure.

This Vietnamese lemongrass chicken recipe holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I tried it during a family gathering; everyone raved about how delicious it was. Seeing the smiles on their faces as they devoured the dish made my day! It’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests at your next barbecue.

I still remember my cousin’s face when he took his first bite — pure bliss! He even asked for seconds (and thirds), which made me feel like a culinary superstar.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs are juicy and absorb flavors well; don’t skimp on these!
• Lemongrass Stalks: Fresh lemongrass brings an aromatic citrus flavor that is irreplaceable; use only the tender parts.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; choose firm cloves for maximum flavor.
• Fresh Ginger: Use freshly grated ginger for a zesty kick; it complements the other flavors beautifully.
• Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep everything balanced without overwhelming saltiness.
• Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps balance the savory elements; use light brown sugar for best results.
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up all the flavors—do not skip this essential ingredient!
• Chili Flakes: Adjust according to your spice preference; they give just the right amount of heat.
• Vegetable Oil: For cooking; ensure it’s neutral-tasting oil to allow other flavors to shine through.
• Cilantro Leaves (for garnish): Fresh cilantro elevates presentation and adds a burst of freshness on top!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Marinate the Chicken: Start by preparing your marinade. In a bowl, mix minced lemongrass, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes until combined. Add your chicken thighs and coat them well. Allow them to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Heat Up Your Pan: Grab a large skillet or wok and heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. You want that sizzle when adding your chicken!

Cook the Chicken: Add marinated chicken thighs to the hot pan. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—look for that irresistible caramelized exterior!

Add Aromatics: Once cooked through, toss in any remaining marinade along with chopped cilantro into the pan. Stir everything together until fragrant—about 2 minutes will do!

Serve It Up: Transfer your beautifully cooked lemongrass chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired and serve with rice or lettuce wraps.

This vibrant dish will not only tantalize your taste buds but also brighten up your dinner table with its rich colors and enticing aroma!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in moisture, then simmer it with the marinade for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables or add extra spices like chili for a kick that suits your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stovetop.

Cooking this dish always reminds me of hosting friends who couldn’t stop raving about it; their compliments made all my efforts feel worthwhile.

FAQ

Can I use other meats for this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe?

Yes, pork or tofu can be great alternatives to chicken in this dish.

How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?

Ensure it’s reached an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

What can I serve with Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken?

Serve it alongside jasmine rice or fresh vegetable salads for a complete meal.

Print

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

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• Author: Ava Mack
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Experience the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with this quick and easy lemongrass chicken dish, perfect for any gathering!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 stalks fresh lemongrass (tender parts only, minced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine minced lemongrass, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add marinated chicken thighs to the hot pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Toss in any remaining marinade and chopped cilantro. Stir for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Transfer the lemongrass chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired and enjoy with rice or lettuce wraps.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 490mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For deeper flavor, marinate overnight. Substitute chicken with pork or tofu for variety. Adjust chili flakes based on your spice preference.