Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

This Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is the perfect meal for busy weeknights—quick, easy, and flavorful! Juicy, tender chicken is infused with fragrant lemongrass, garlic, and a touch of sweetness, then caramelized to perfection. It pairs well with rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad, making it a versatile dish the whole family will love. And the best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Minimal prep, ready in under 30 minutes
• Family-Friendly – Mild, slightly sweet, and full of umami goodness
• Meal-Prep Friendly – Make ahead for easy lunches and dinners
• Authentic Vietnamese Flavors – No complicated techniques needed!

What is Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken?

This dish is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine—bold, aromatic, and incredibly delicious. The key ingredient? Lemongrass! It adds a fresh, citrusy flavor that makes this chicken stand out.

Traditionally, this dish is grilled, but for busy parents, we’re keeping it simple! You can cook it on the stovetop, air fryer, or even bake it—whatever works best for you. All details on each cooking method are below.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Please scroll ⬇️ to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts and instructions.

• Chicken – Use boneless, skinless thighs for the juiciest texture (or chicken breasts for a leaner option)
• Lemongrass – The star ingredient! Use fresh or pre-minced for convenience
• Garlic & Shallots – Boosts the flavor with a rich, savory aroma
• Brown Sugar or Honey – Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors. If you don’t have either, you can substitute it with sugar.
• Fish Sauce & Soy Sauce – Creates the perfect umami-packed marinade
• Oyster Sauce – Adds richness and sweetness.
• Ground paprika and Chinese Five Spice Seasoning (Optional) – they add a beautiful color and enhance the depth of flavor.

How to Make Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Please scroll ⬇️ to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts and instructions.

1. Prep the Aromatics: Trim off the tough green tops and woody ends of the lemongrass, then peel away the outer layers and finely slice the tender core. Peel and roughly chop the shallots and garlic, then add everything to a food processor and pulse until finely minced. Alternatively, you can use a knife to finely mince them by hand.

1. Marinate the Chicken: Combine lemongrass, garlic, shallots, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, paprika, and a little oil. Let the chicken soak up all the flavors for at least an hour (or overnight for deeper flavor!).

1. Cook to Perfection – Shake off any excess marinade and aromatics to prevent burning—the chicken has already absorbed all the rich flavors. Sear in a hot pan until golden brown and caramelized. You can also grill, air fry, or bake it! Detailed instructions are below.

1. Serve & Enjoy – Pair with steamed rice, fresh veggies, or a side of pickled carrots and daikon for a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Helpful Tips for the Best Lemongrass Chicken

• Don’t skip the marinade! Even 30 minutes makes a huge difference in flavor. For best results, let it marinate overnight.
• Finely chop the lemongrass! If using fresh lemongrass, remove the tough outer layers and use only the tender, fragrant core (the white part).
• Brush off excess aromatics before cooking to prevent burning. The marinade has already infused the chicken with plenty of flavor!
• Pan-searing tip: Cover the pan with a lid for the first half of cooking to lock in moisture and ensure the chicken cooks through evenly.
• Rest before serving! Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy and flavorful.
• Check for doneness! Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken.
• Meal prep friendly! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for a quick and easy future meal.

What to Serve with Lemongrass Chicken

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, allowing the flavorful juices to soak in. For a lighter option, serve it over vermicelli noodles with fresh herbs, nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping fish sauce), and scallion oil. Add crunch with a simple salad, cucumbers, or pickled carrots and daikon for a tangy contrast. It also makes an incredible chicken banh mi—just tuck it into a crusty baguette with pickled veggies, cilantro, and a swipe of mayo!

Make This Tonight!

This Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner—quick, flavorful, and super satisfying. Whether you serve it over rice or in a noodle bowl, your family will love every bite!

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! 🍋🥢

RECIPE