Lemongrass Chicken – This Southeast Asian-inspired Vietnamese noodles with lemongrass chicken dish, known for its fragrant, citrusy and tender chicken, has become a favorite for food lovers globally.
What Is Lemongrass Chicken?
Lemongrass chicken is a popular dish originating from Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Thailand. The star of the dish is lemongrass, a tall, aromatic grass that imparts a distinct lemony flavor without the sharp acidity of citrus.
How to Serve Lemongrass Chicken
Lemongrass chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are some ideas:
Salad: Shred the cooked chicken and toss it into a refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy lime vinaigrette.
Over Rice: The most traditional way to serve lemongrass chicken is with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice. The fluffy rice absorbs all the delicious juices from the chicken.
Noodle Bowls: Another great way to enjoy this dish is by pairing it with vermicelli noodles. Top the noodles with fresh herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro, and drizzle with a light dressing made from fish sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of sugar.
Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, try serving the chicken wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. Add some pickled carrots and daikon for crunch and extra flavor.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Lemongrass Chicken
Here are a few pointers to help you nail this dish:
- Use Fresh Lemongrass: Fresh lemongrass is key to getting that authentic flavor. If you can’t find fresh, you can use lemongrass paste, but the taste will be slightly less vibrant.
- Chop Lemongrass Finely: The stalk of lemongrass can be quite fibrous, so make sure to chop it very finely or use a food processor to break it down.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken overnight. This will allow the lemongrass and other ingredients to fully penetrate the chicken, giving you a deeper flavor.
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to skip the chilies. On the flip side, if you love heat, you can add more bird’s eye chilies or even sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking, make sure the chicken pieces are spaced out so they brown properly. Overcrowding will result in steaming rather than searing.
Recipe Variations
- Grilled Lemongrass Chicken: Instead of pan-frying, grill the chicken on medium-high heat for a smokier flavor. It works perfectly for BBQs.
- Oven-Baked: If you want a hands-off approach, bake the marinated chicken in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway.
- Lemongrass Chicken Skewers: For an appetizer or party-friendly dish, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, thread onto skewers, and grill or broil until done.
- Vegetarian Version: If you prefer a plant-based option, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Marinate and cook the same way, and you’ll still get those signature lemongrass flavors.
How to Store and Reheat Lemongrass Chicken
Refrigeration: You can store cooked lemongrass chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: If you want to make a bigger batch, lemongrass chicken freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooled before freezing.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breast works well in this recipe if you prefer leaner meat. However, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, especially when cooked with marinades.
Can I make this dish without fish sauce?
Absolutely. If you don’t like fish sauce or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute soy sauce or tamari for a similar umami flavor.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the recipe gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and fish sauce. Also, check any other packaged ingredients for gluten traces.
What can I substitute for lemongrass?
If you can’t find lemongrass, you can use lemon zest as a substitute. While it won’t be exactly the same, it will still give a bright, citrusy flavor.
Lemongrass Chicken
Lemongrass Chicken - This Southeast Asian-inspired Vietnamese noodles with lemongrass chicken dish, known for its fragrant, citrusy and tender chicken, has become a favorite for food lovers globally.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 600-800g (1.2-1.6 lb) chicken thighs (or substitute with pork, beef, or seafood)
- 1 stalk lemongrass (white part only, bruised and sliced)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Sauce):
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bird’s eye chili, chopped
- 3 tbsp lime juice
Noodle Bowl Ingredients:
- 200g dried vermicelli noodles
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 2 cucumbers, julienned (optional: remove seeds)
- 5 cups iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced
- 3 cups bean sprouts
- Fresh mint and cilantro
- Sliced red chili and lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the chicken with all marinade ingredients and let it sit for at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours for more flavor). When ready, heat oil in a pan or BBQ over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off large lemongrass pieces, and cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Make the Nuoc Cham Sauce: Mix all Nuoc Cham ingredients until the sugar dissolves. Let the sauce sit for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Noodles and Veggies: Soak the vermicelli noodles in hot water for about 3 minutes (or follow the package instructions), then drain and rinse with cold water. Arrange the noodles in bowls and top with julienned carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs.
- Assemble the Bowls: Place the sliced chicken over the noodles and veggies, then generously drizzle with the Nuoc Cham sauce (about 4 tbsp per bowl). Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
- DIY Serving Option (My Favorite!): Serve all components separately—noodles, veggies, chicken, and sauce—and let everyone build their own bowl to suit their taste!
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Marinating Time: For best results, marinate the chicken for at least a few hours to fully absorb the lemongrass flavor.
- Nuoc Cham Balance: Adjust the Nuoc Cham to your taste by tweaking the lime, sugar, or chili levels.
- Protein Swap: Feel free to substitute chicken with pork, beef, or seafood to keep things interesting!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 550Total Fat: 15gCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 40g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Lemongrass chicken is an easy yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even entertaining guests. The bold flavors of lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce come together beautifully, making it a standout dish that can be paired with a variety of sides. Plus, with the handy tips, tricks, and variations mentioned above, you can customize this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Other delicious chicken recipes to try:
