chicken lemongrass recipe vietnamese

The Best chicken lemongrass recipe vietnamese

Chicken lemongrass is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds—simple, aromatic, and full of that bright, zesty flavor that just makes everything better. I first fell in love with it years ago when I was cooking for my kids after a long day of school and activities. The smell of lemongrass simmering in the pot, the tender chicken falling apart easily, and that perfect balance of spice and freshness? It’s like a little comfort in a bowl. My kids—especially my picky one—always ask for it again and again, and honestly, it’s one of those dishes that feels like a no-brainer for any occasion. Whether it’s a weekend dinner with the family or a quick weeknight meal, it’s versatile enough to be served with rice or noodles, or even as a side with grilled fish or steamed veggies. Plus, lemongrass isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with health benefits too. It’s rich in antioxidants, helps with digestion, and has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It’s that kind of dish that makes you feel good inside and out, and honestly, there’s nothing like it. My husband even swears by it for his post-workout meals because it’s light but satisfying, and the lemongrass helps with recovery. It’s one of those recipes that just keeps coming back, and I’m always happy to make it again.

Vietnamese Chicken Lemongrass Stir-Fry

4.7 from 1455 votes

A flavorful and aromatic dish featuring tender chicken marinated in lemongrass, garlic, and ginger, then stir-fried with fresh herbs and a tangy-sweet sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

🖨️ Print Recipe📌 Pin Recipe❤️ Add to Collection

Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time25 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time45 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Stir-Fry Sauce

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 stalk lemongrass, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For Garnish

• Fresh cilantro
• Thai basil leaves
• Lime wedges

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1 Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken, fish sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, lemongrass, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2 Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and lemongrass. Set aside.
3. 3 Cook the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4 Stir-fry the sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Pour in the sauce and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. 5 Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes to coat evenly with the sauce.
6. 6 Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and Thai basil leaves. Serve with lime wedges on the side and steamed jasmine rice.

🔧Equipment

• Stainless steel or non-stick skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18.5💛Saturated Fat: 3.5❤️Cholesterol: 120🧂Sodium: 850🌾Total Carbs: 30🥦Dietary Fiber: 2.5🍬Sugars: 10🥩Protein: 45

📝Notes

For extra flavor, add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce.,Ensure chicken is fully cooked to avoid any foodborne illness.,Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.

This chicken lemongrass dish is always a crowd-pleaser because it’s simple yet packed with bold, aromatic flavors that feel special without being complicated. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with family or a bigger gathering, the bright, tangy notes of lemongrass and garlic make it a reliable choice that everyone loves—no fancy plating required, just hearty, comforting food that brings people together. Plus, the sticky glaze keeps the chicken juicy and sticky, so it’s always a hit whether you serve it with rice or over noodles.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnamese Chicken Lemongrass Stir-Fry

1. What is the chicken lemongrass recipe in Vietnamese cuisine, and what makes it special?

Chicken lemongrass (Gà Lemon) is a classic Vietnamese dish that combines tender chicken with fragrant lemongrass, garlic, and aromatic herbs. It’s special because of its balanced flavors—sweet, sour, and savory—created by simmering chicken in a rich lemongrass broth infused with ginger, fish sauce, and lime. The dish highlights the natural sweetness of the chicken while adding a bright, citrusy finish.

—

2. What ingredients are essential for making authentic Vietnamese chicken lemongrass?

For an authentic version, you’ll need: – Chicken thighs or drumsticks (for juiciness) – Fresh lemongrass (about 3 stalks, bruised and chopped) – Garlic (6–8 cloves, minced) – Ginger (1-inch piece, sliced) – Fish sauce (2–3 tbsp, adjust to taste) – Lime or lime juice (1–2 tbsp) – Coconut milk (½ cup, optional but traditional) – Tomato paste (1 tbsp, for depth) – Turmeric powder (½ tsp, for color) – Salt & pepper (to taste) – Fresh herbs (cilantro, Thai basil, or mint, for garnish)

—

3. How do I prepare the lemongrass properly before cooking?

To maximize flavor, bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly pounding them with a rolling pin or mortar and pestle. Remove the tough outer layer and slice the white and green parts separately. The white part is milder, while the green part adds a stronger citrusy aroma. Chop finely and set aside before simmering.

—

4. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs or drumsticks, and how does it affect the dish?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, but it’s less flavorful and drier compared to thighs or drumsticks. To keep it juicy: – Marinate the breast in fish sauce, lime juice, and a little sugar for 30+ minutes. – Cook it faster (8–10 mins) and avoid overcooking. – The dish will be lighter in texture, but lemongrass will still dominate the taste. For best results, stick to thighs or drumsticks.

—

5. What’s the best way to cook the chicken lemongrass, and how long does it take?

Method: 1. Sauté garlic, ginger, and lemongrass in oil until fragrant (2–3 mins). 2. Add tomato paste, turmeric, and a splash of water to deglaze. 3. Pour in fish sauce, coconut milk (if using), and chicken broth (or water). 4. Add chicken pieces, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20–25 mins (thighs) or 15–20 mins (breast). 5. Finish with lime juice and serve with rice.

Pro tip: For extra richness, add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of sugar. The dish is ready when chicken is tender and the broth is slightly thickened.