There’s a certain charm that comes with the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, and my favorite dish to whip up on a busy weeknight is Pan-Fried Lemongrass Chicken. Imagine the tangy aroma of fresh lemongrass mingling with the richness of juicy chicken thighs—each bite is a delightful burst of flavor that transports me straight to a bustling street market in Vietnam.
What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly simple it is. In less than 25 minutes, you can serve a healthy, gluten-free meal that impresses family and friends alike. Whether you’re looking to break free from the fast-food rut or just want to add some excitement to your dinner table, this dish is the perfect solution. Let me guide you through this culinary escape that’s as quick to make as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love Lemongrass Chicken
Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe is easy and requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for anyone, from beginners to seasoned cooks.
Flavor Explosion: The unique lemongrass infuses the chicken with a bright, zesty flavor that’s hard to resist—it’s like a little taste of Vietnam at home!
Healthy Choice: Gluten-free and packed with protein, this dish aligns well with healthy eating goals, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for health.
Quick to Prepare: In just under 25 minutes, you can have a delightful dinner on the table, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its vibrant colors and aromatic profile, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike, making it a fantastic addition to any gathering.
For additional ideas on how to elevate your meal, explore more delicious options that ensure your cooking stays exciting!
Lemongrass Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Chicken Thighs – A juicy protein source; boneless thighs speed up cooking time!
- Vegetable Oil – Essential for frying; any high-heat oil will do.
For the Marinade
- Lemongrass – Provides a unique lemon-lime aroma; use only the tender middle part for best flavor.
- Garlic – Fresh cloves enhance the dish; they add depth to the marinade.
- Soy Sauce – Adds saltiness and umami; swap with tamari or gluten-free soy for a gluten-free option.
- Sesame Oil – Infuses nuttiness into the marinade, enriching the overall flavor profile.
- Sugar – Balances all flavors perfectly; feel free to use honey or maple syrup if preferred.
- Ground Black Pepper – Adds heat and depth; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional) – Kick it up a notch with heat; omit if you prefer a milder taste.
For Garnish
- Cilantro (optional) – Brightens the dish with freshness and color, perfect for serving!
With these simple yet vibrant Lemongrass Chicken ingredients, you’ll create a dish that bursts with flavor and brings the spirit of Vietnam right into your kitchen!
How to Make Lemongrass Chicken
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Prepare Lemongrass: Start by chopping only the tender middle section of the lemongrass stalks. This will ensure a fresh, vibrant flavor that elevates your dish.
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Make Marinade: In a bowl or a large ziplock bag, combine the chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, ground black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Mix well to create a fragrant marinade.
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Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, then let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (2 hours is ideal) to allow the flavors to penetrate.
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Heat Oil: In a non-stick skillet, heat a couple tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
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Cook Chicken: Add the marinated chicken thighs to the hot skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. Garnish with chopped cilantro for freshness and extra flavor before serving.
Optional: Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal that complements the flavors beautifully.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Lemongrass Chicken
- Optimal Marinade Time: Marinate the chicken for ideally 2 hours to fully infuse flavors; quicker marination may not yield the same depth of taste.
- Use Tender Lemongrass: Always chop only the tender middle part of the lemongrass; tough sections can ruin the dish’s texture.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to heat, skip the cayenne pepper entirely; it’s better to start mild and add more spice later.
- Keep It Juicy: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of oil to the skillet to retain juiciness and crispness of the chicken.
- Garnishing Touch: Fresh cilantro not only adds color but brightens up the overall flavor—don’t skip this step for best presentation!
What to Serve with Lemongrass Chicken?
Transform your dinner into a vibrant feast that delights the senses.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: A perfect base that soaks up the savory marinade, providing a comforting and aromatic complement to the chicken.
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Crispy Asian Slaw: This tangy mix of cabbage, carrots, and a zesty dressing offers crunch and brightness, enhancing the dish’s flavors enticingly.
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Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful, quick-cooked veggies like bell peppers and snap peas add a delightful crunch and fresh earthiness, perfectly balancing the chicken’s richness.
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Honey Soy Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory roasted carrots create a harmonious contrast that elevates the overall dining experience with their caramelized edges.
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Coconut Milk Soup: A warm, aromatic soup infused with lemongrass captures the essence of Vietnamese flavors, providing a gentle start to your meal.
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Mango Salad: Sweet and spicy, this refreshing salad adds a tropical twist, contrasting nicely with the savory depth of the chicken while adding those delightful fresh notes.
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Cucumber Mint Spritzer: A refreshing drink to cleanse the palate, making each bite of lemongrass chicken even more satisfying with its cool citrus flavor.
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Green Tea Ice Cream: For dessert, this creamy treat with delicate green tea notes finishes off your meal gracefully, resonating with the gentle spirit of the dish.
How to Store and Freeze Lemongrass Chicken
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Fridge: Store leftover lemongrass chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the marinated chicken before cooking, or cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken juicy and restore its crispiness—great for enjoying that delicious lemongrass flavor again!
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Wrap Properly: Use plastic wrap or heavy-duty foil to ensure airtight sealing, preventing freezer burn while in storage.
Lemongrass Chicken Variations
Feel free to get creative with your dish! Each flavorful twist adds a personal touch that makes it uniquely yours.
- Breast Swap: Use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option that still absorbs the marinade beautifully.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for a colorful stir-fry that enhances nutrition and texture. You might find the crunch of fresh vegetables elevates each bite!
- Grill Instead: For a smoky flavor, try grilling the chicken over medium heat instead of pan-frying. It adds an extra dimension of flavor perfect for summer nights.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil or mint to the marinade for an aromatic twist that complements the lemongrass perfectly. Imagine the fragrant burst of herbs mingling with the zesty chicken!
- Spice it Up: Increase the cayenne or add a splash of sriracha for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat in their meals. It’ll take your taste buds on an exciting journey!
- Coconut Flavor: Incorporate coconut milk into your marinade for a creamy, tropical flair. This balance of richness pairs wonderfully with the tangy lemongrass notes.
- Rice Swap: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb twist that maintains the dish’s vibrant flavors without sacrificing satisfaction.
- Citrus Zest: Grate some lime or lemon zest into the marinade for an additional citrus punch, adding brightness that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
Get ready to savor these delightful variations that make your Lemongrass Chicken an extraordinary experience, time and again!
Make Ahead Options
These Lemongrass Chicken thighs are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply combine the lemongrass, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, and cayenne in a ziplock bag, add the chicken, and refrigerate. The lemongrass will keep the chicken moist and flavorful, ensuring it stays just as delicious when cooked. When you’re ready to serve, just heat the oil in a skillet, cook the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, and garnish with cilantro. This way, you’ll have an incredible meal with minimal effort on your busy weeknights!
Lemongrass Chicken Recipe FAQs
What part of the lemongrass should I use?
You should only use the tender middle section of the lemongrass stalks. This part has the best flavor and texture. The tough outer layers can be quite fibrous and should be discarded. If fresh lemongrass is unavailable, you can substitute it with lemongrass powder, using about 1 tablespoon for every stalk.
How should I store leftover lemongrass chicken?
Store any leftover lemongrass chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its freshness, and it can be easily reheated on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers again.
Can I freeze lemongrass chicken?
Absolutely! You can freeze both the marinated chicken and the cooked lemongrass chicken. If freezing marinated chicken, place it in a ziplock bag and ensure it’s sealed tightly; it will last up to 3 months. For cooked chicken, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What should I do if my lemongrass chicken is tough?
If your chicken turns out tough, it may be due to overcooking. To prevent this, always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F without exceeding it. If you find leftovers tough, try slicing the chicken thinly and adding it to a stir-fry or salad—this makes it easier to enjoy!
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes and marinate it in the same lemongrass marinade before stirring-frying. This way, you can still enjoy the vibrant flavors while aligning with your dietary preferences.
Is lemongrass chicken safe for pets?
While lemongrass in small amounts is generally safe for dogs, it’s best to avoid feeding it to pets to prevent digestive issues. Always check with your veterinarian if you’re unsure about introducing new ingredients into your pet’s diet.
Lemongrass Chicken Recipe FAQs
Lemongrass Chicken: Quick, Flavorful & Gluten-Free Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chop only the tender middle section of the lemongrass stalks.
- In a bowl or a large ziplock bag, combine the chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, ground black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Mix well to create a fragrant marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, then let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (2 hours is ideal).
- In a non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Add the marinated chicken thighs to the hot skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.