Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

The zesty aroma of lemongrass and the rich umami of fish sauce come together beautifully in this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken, a dish that embodies the vibrant and complex flavors of Southeast Asian street food. Juicy chicken thighs soak up a marinade of garlic, ginger, lime, and soy before being charred to perfection, giving you that irresistible smoky bite.  Whether grilled or pan-fried, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Pair it with jasmine rice, pickled vegetables, or even wrap it in lettuce with fresh herbs for a lighter twist. It’s versatile, quick to make, and guaranteed to impress both on casual weeknights and at your next backyard gathering.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1-inch piece ginger, grated

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus more for cooking)

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Directions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix lemongrass, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).

2. Preheat your grill or skillet: If grilling, set to medium-high. If pan-frying, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-fry the chicken thighs for 6–7 minutes per side, until cooked through (165°F internal temp).

4. Rest the Chicken: Let cooked chicken rest for 3–5 minutes, then slice or serve whole.

5. Garnish and Serve: Top with cilantro, sesame seeds, and extra lime wedges. Serve with steamed rice, pickled veggies, or a fresh herb salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Kcal: 275 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Allure of Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken, or Gà Xào Sả Ớt, is a bold and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Vietnam’s vibrant cuisine. With its roots deeply embedded in the country’s street food culture, this dish is a beautiful balance of citrusy brightness from lemongrass, warmth from ginger and garlic, and the umami punch from fish sauce and soy sauce.

This recipe stands out for its simplicity and elegance. While it’s incredibly easy to make, it tastes like something that took hours to prepare. Whether grilled, pan-fried, or baked, lemongrass chicken delivers consistent results that are both tender and delicious. It’s no surprise that this dish has become a favorite not just in Vietnamese households, but in kitchens around the world.

A Glimpse into Vietnamese Culinary Heritage

Vietnamese cuisine is all about balance. Every dish aims to harmonize five taste elements: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. Lemongrass Chicken is a shining example of this principle in action. The recipe originates from central and southern Vietnam, where lemongrass grows abundantly and is used in both everyday meals and festive dishes.

In Vietnamese culture, lemongrass isn’t just a flavoring—it’s considered cleansing and even medicinal. Its aroma evokes freshness and energy, and its flavor, when combined with garlic, ginger, and chilies, creates a symphony that dances on the palate. The dish is often served at family dinners and during gatherings, showcasing the Vietnamese value of sharing hearty, comforting meals with loved ones.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

There are countless chicken marinades out there, but what makes this one superior? It’s all about the complexity created through a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a role:

• Lemongrass: Adds a citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Fish Sauce: Deep umami flavor that enhances the savory profile.
• Soy Sauce: Rounds out the saltiness and gives it a dark, caramelized color when cooked.
• Garlic and Ginger: Add pungent, spicy warmth.
• Honey or Brown Sugar: Balances out the salt and acid with a gentle sweetness.
• Chili Flakes (optional): Adds heat for those who love spice.

This harmonious combination allows the chicken to soak up a marinade that’s bright, bold, and aromatic—transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish.

Health Benefits of Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Besides being irresistibly tasty, this dish is also surprisingly healthy. Here are some of its nutritional perks:

• High in Protein: Chicken thighs are a lean source of protein, ideal for muscle repair and energy.
• Low in Carbs: Great for low-carb or keto lifestyles when served with vegetables or lettuce wraps.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Lemongrass, garlic, and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
• Low in Sugar: Just a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar is enough to balance flavors without adding too many empty calories.

Unlike deep-fried chicken or heavy cream-based dishes, Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is light, digestible, and leaves you feeling satisfied without being overly full.

Versatility: The Dish That Adapts to Every Occasion

One of the reasons Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken has such staying power in modern kitchens is its versatility. Here are just a few ways you can enjoy it:

• Over Steamed Jasmine Rice: A traditional way to serve it, with the rice absorbing the flavorful juices.
• In Banh Mi Sandwiches: Add slices of grilled lemongrass chicken to a crispy baguette with pickled carrots, cucumbers, and spicy mayo.
• With Vermicelli Noodles: Toss the chicken over a bowl of rice noodles, herbs, and nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce) for a classic Bún Gà Nướng.
• Wrapped in Lettuce: For a low-carb, fresh take, wrap pieces of chicken in butter lettuce with mint, cilantro, and a drizzle of lime.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Marinate in advance and cook in batches—ideal for busy schedules.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just whipping up a quick meal on a Tuesday night, this dish is always a winner.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

While the recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can take it to the next level:

• Use Fresh Lemongrass: It makes a world of difference. Peel away the tough outer layers and finely mince the tender white part near the base.
• Marinate Overnight: The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavor. A minimum of one hour is good, but overnight is best.
• Char It: Whether on a grill or pan, let the chicken caramelize slightly. Those crispy, browned edges are flavor gold.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the meat.
• Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to sit for a few minutes after cooking so the juices can redistribute.

These simple adjustments can make your dish go from “good” to “exceptional.”

Make It Your Own: Custom Variations

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a flexible template you can adapt based on dietary preferences or ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few creative variations:

• Vegetarian Lemongrass Tofu: Use pressed tofu instead of chicken for a plant-based alternative.
• Coconut Lemongrass Chicken: Add coconut milk to the marinade for a creamier, richer version.
• Spicy Lemongrass Chicken: Dial up the chili flakes or add Thai bird’s eye chilies for serious heat.
• Lemongrass Chicken Stir-Fry: Slice the chicken thin and toss it with bell peppers and snow peas for a quick wok meal.
• Soup Style: Add grilled chicken slices to a broth with noodles and mushrooms for a warming Vietnamese-inspired soup.

Kid-Friendly and Family Approved

One of the lesser-known advantages of this dish is its kid-friendliness. Even picky eaters tend to enjoy the lightly sweet and savory profile. You can reduce the chili or omit it entirely for children and serve with a side of rice or noodles.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce kids to global flavors. The aroma alone is enough to get them curious, and once they taste the tender, flavorful chicken, there’s usually no turning back.

Perfect for Meal Planning and Leftovers

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken stores beautifully and even tastes better the next day. Here’s how you can make the most of your leftovers:

• Fridge Storage: Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer Friendly: Freeze marinated (uncooked) chicken for up to 2 months.
• Quick Reheats: Reheat in a skillet or microwave—just add a splash of water or lime juice to refresh the flavor.

This makes it an ideal candidate for weekly meal planning. Cook once, eat multiple times—without any drop in quality.

Conclusion

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken isn’t just a recipe—it’s a journey into the heart of Southeast Asian cooking. With its aromatic blend of lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce, it delivers a unique flavor that’s savory, fresh, and deeply satisfying. Its adaptability, health benefits, and ease of preparation make it perfect for every kind of cook—from beginners to seasoned foodies.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family meal, prepping lunches for the week, or hosting friends for dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Flavorful, flexible, and bursting with character, Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

Let this be the dish that opens your kitchen to the beautiful world of Vietnamese cuisine—one delicious bite at a time.