There’s something utterly enchanting about the aroma of lemongrass wafting through your kitchen, promising a delightful culinary adventure. Imagine succulent chicken marinated to perfection, infused with the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs and spices, beckoning you to dive right in. perfect dipping sauce for chicken refreshing chicken salad puffs Get ready to savor authentic Vietnamese lemongrass chicken at home; it’s an experience your taste buds won’t soon forget.
As you gather the ingredients, fond memories may flood back—perhaps a summer spent savoring street food in Vietnam or that unforgettable dinner with friends where laughter mixed with the sizzling sounds of the grill. creamy chicken dish to try This dish is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to share joy, warmth, and savory goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, lemongrass chicken will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish offers a simple preparation process that yields mouthwatering results in no time
- The unique flavor profile combines citrusy freshness with savory depth
- Its vibrant colors make for an eye-catching centerpiece on any table
- Enjoy it as part of a larger feast or alongside rice for a quick weeknight dinner
It was my cousin’s birthday when I first made this dish—everyone raved about it and went back for thirds!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding. For more inspiration, check out this baked teriyaki chicken recipe recipe.
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Fresh Lemongrass: Look for firm stalks with a bright green color to ensure maximum flavor.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic gives a robust flavor; choose plump cloves for the best results.
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Fresh Ginger: A small piece adds warmth and depth; peel and grate it before using.
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Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works best to control saltiness; it’s a staple in many Asian dishes.
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Brown Sugar: This balances out the savory notes with its sweet undertones; opt for light brown sugar if you can.
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Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds brightness and enhances all the flavors in this dish.
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Cilantro Leaves: Use fresh cilantro to garnish; it brings freshness and color to your plate.
For the Sauce:
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Chili Flakes: Add these if you enjoy some heat; they give a spicy kick to your chicken.
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Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle adds richness and an aromatic touch that elevates the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Marinade
Start by finely chopping the lemongrass stalks until they’re almost paste-like; this releases their aromatic oils beautifully. Next, peel and mince the garlic cloves and ginger for that punchy flavor. Combine these ingredients in a bowl with soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, chili flakes, and sesame oil for an irresistible marinade.
Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour your marinade over them, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal or cover tightly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—longer if you want those flavors to really permeate the meat!
Preheat Your Grill
While your chicken is soaking up that delightful marinade, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear those beautiful grill marks into each piece of chicken while keeping them juicy inside.
Grill the Chicken
Once heated, remove the chicken from its marinade (don’t discard that flavorful liquid!). Place each piece on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The aroma will be heavenly!
Baste With Marinade
For added flavor, baste your chicken with some of that reserved marinade during grilling until it thickens slightly—just remember not to use raw marinade at serving time!
Garnish and Serve
When cooked through, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest briefly before slicing. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro leaves for that pop of color and flavor. Serve alongside jasmine rice or fresh vegetables for a complete meal experience.
Now go ahead—take that first bite! Feel free to play around with this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spice levels according to your taste preferences! Enjoy every savory moment as you savor authentic Vietnamese lemongrass chicken at home! delicious chicken soup recipe.
You Must Know
- Savoring authentic Vietnamese lemongrass chicken at home is easier than you think
- This dish brings vibrant flavors and delightful aromas to your kitchen, making it perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
- The tender chicken, infused with zesty lemongrass, will leave everyone craving more
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in lemongrass, garlic, and spices for at least an hour. Sear the chicken on high heat to lock in those juicy flavors, then reduce to medium heat until fully cooked. This sequence ensures maximum flavor without overcooking.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp if you want a different protein. Adding chili flakes can spice things up for those who love a kick! A sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving adds color and brightness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover lemongrass chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through to retain the moist texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh lemongrass for better flavor, as dried versions lack vibrancy
- Always marinate overnight when possible; this deepens the taste significantly
- Adjust sugar in the marinade according to your sweetness preference for a balanced dish
Sharing this recipe with my friends for the first time was unforgettable; they devoured it and begged for seconds! It felt great seeing them enjoy something I created from scratch.

FAQ
Can I use other meats besides chicken?
Yes, you can use pork, shrimp, or even tofu as alternatives.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least one hour enhances the flavors significantly.
What side dishes pair well with lemongrass chicken?
Serve it with jasmine rice or a fresh green salad for a delightful meal.
Authentic Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of authentic Vietnamese lemongrass chicken right in your kitchen! This dish features succulent chicken marinated in a fragrant blend of fresh lemongrass, garlic, and spices. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, it is a delightful meal that brings friends and family together. Enjoy this savory, aromatic dish with jasmine rice or fresh vegetables for an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chopped lemongrass, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, chili flakes (if using), and sesame oil to create the marinade.
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- For added flavor, baste with reserved marinade during grilling.
- Let the chicken rest briefly before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with jasmine rice or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 120mg





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