Easy, Flavorful & Healthy: My Go-To Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Hi everyone, it’s Betty from Betty Cooks! I’m always on the lookout for simple dinner recipes that deliver big flavor without keeping me in the kitchen all night. Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my absolute favorites from my recipe collection: Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken. This dish is the perfect example of how easy recipes can be incredibly delicious and healthy. It’s become a weekly staple in my house, and I know you’re going to love it too!
Table of Contents
- Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too!)
- What Makes It So Special? The Magic of Lemongrass
- A Simple Recipe for a Hectic Week
- My Pro-Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
- How to Make It Your Own: Easy Swaps & Additions
- Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With It
- The Full Recipe: Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
- Quick & Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work.
- Flavor Bomb: Packed with the bright, aromatic flavors of lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce.
- Versatile & Healthy: A lean protein dish that pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or salads.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The marinade works wonders, making it great for prepping ahead.
- Family-Approved: A crowd-pleaser that’s both kid-friendly and impressive for guests.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too!)
In the hustle of everyday life, I treasure easy recipes that feel like a treat. This lemongrass chicken checks every box. It’s incredibly simple to make—just a quick marinade and a fast cook in a hot pan. The result? Tender, juicy chicken infused with a fragrance that fills your kitchen and a flavor that’s tangy, savory, and slightly sweet all at once. It’s the kind of simple dinner that makes you feel like a skilled home cook with very little effort.
What Makes It So Special? The Magic of Lemongrass
The star here is, without a doubt, fresh lemongrass. That citrusy, herbal scent is unmistakable and transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. When you’re looking for quick and easy recipes with an exotic twist, this is your answer. The marinade, with its blend of fish sauce, garlic, and a touch of honey, creates a beautiful caramelization on the chicken that is simply irresistible.
A Simple Recipe for a Hectic Week
We all have those nights. You’re tired, the family is hungry, and the thought of a complicated meal is overwhelming. This is where having a roster of reliable, easy dinner recipes saves the day. The active work for this dish is about 15 minutes. Let the chicken marinate while you unwind or help with homework, then a speedy stir-fry, and dinner is served. It’s a practical solution that doesn’t sacrifice taste or nutrition.
My Pro-Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
- Mince, Don’t Chop: Take the extra minute to finely mince the lemongrass. This helps it release maximum flavor and ensures a pleasant texture.
- Patience is a Flavor: Don’t rush the marinade! Even 30 minutes makes a difference, but if you can let it go for an hour or two, the flavor penetrates deeply.
- Hot Pan, Quick Cook: Get your skillet nice and hot before adding the chicken. This sears the outside, locks in juices, and gives you those delicious browned bits.
How to Make It Your Own: Easy Swaps & Additions
One of the best things about simple recipes is how adaptable they are. Here are a few ways to tweak this one:
- Protein Swap: This marinade is fantastic on shrimp, tofu, or even sliced pork tenderloin.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spice It Up: Add a finely chopped Thai chili or a teaspoon of sriracha to the marinade for a kick.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With It
This chicken is incredibly versatile. For a classic meal, fluffy jasmine rice is my go-to—it soaks up the amazing sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, serve it over a crisp salad or with a side of quick-pickled vegetables. It also makes fantastic lettuce wraps! For a heartier quick and easy dinner, toss it with rice noodles for a complete bowl.
The Full Recipe: Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
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Easy Recipes: Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 stalks lemongrass, tender inner part only, finely minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or canola)
For Cooking & Serving
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, for cooking
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the minced lemongrass, garlic, shallot, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey (or sugar), turmeric, black pepper, and 1 tbsp oil.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the marinated chicken (including all the marinade) to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring frequently, for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve
- Garnish the chicken with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges and steamed jasmine rice.
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