If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and makes your taste buds dance, then you have to try the Irresistibly Juicy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodles Recipe. This dish perfectly balances fragrant lemongrass, succulent chicken, and fresh noodles with bright, tangy, and slightly sweet notes, creating a bowl that’s light yet incredibly satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that feels both fresh and comforting, making it a perfect go-to for lunch or dinner when you want something a little special but still quick to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Irresistibly Juicy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodles Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that work harmoniously to build layers of flavor. Each component—from the fragrant lemongrass to the crisp fresh veggies—plays a crucial role, creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 500 grams Chicken Thigh Fillets: Skinless and boneless cuts recommended for juicy and tender meat that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
- 2 stalks Lemongrass: Chopped finely; fresh lemongrass is essential for that signature citrusy aroma and flavor.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Minced to evenly distribute its savory punch throughout the dish.
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed to add bright acidity and zest.
- 2 tablespoons Fish Sauce: Provides depth and authentic umami; a soy sauce substitute works if preferred.
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce: Use all-purpose or light soy for a subtle salty note.
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar: Opt for coconut sugar for a wholesome, caramel-like sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil: Necessary for cooking the chicken to a golden finish without sticking.
- 3 tablespoons Rice Vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that’s key to balancing the dish.
- 2 tablespoons White Sugar: Adjust to taste to mellow out the acidity and round the flavors.
- 200 grams Vermicelli Noodles: Choose gluten-free options if needed; these noodles provide a light, satisfying foundation.
- 1 cup Fresh Vegetables: A mix of carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, and bean sprouts adds crunch and freshness.
- 1/2 cup Mint and Cilantro: Fresh herbs to sprinkle over for an aromatic and bright finish.
How to Make Irresistibly Juicy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by finely chopping the lemongrass and mincing the garlic. Toss the chicken thigh fillets in a bowl with lemongrass, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply, making the chicken irresistibly juicy and aromatic.
Step 2: Prepare the Vermicelli Noodles
While the chicken marinates, soak the vermicelli noodles in hot water for about 5 to 7 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside. This keeps the noodles springy and ready to soak up the fresh flavors of the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked through. The caramelization you get here locks in juices and creates that classic bite everyone loves in this Irresistibly Juicy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodles Recipe.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
Combine rice vinegar, white sugar, and a little fish sauce in a small bowl, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. This dressing adds a bright, tangy sweetness that brings everything together perfectly when tossed later with noodles and veggies.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
Toss the cooked noodles with the fresh vegetables. Slice the chicken into thin strips, lay it beautifully on top, then drizzle with the prepared dressing. Scatter fresh mint and cilantro over everything for that vibrant herbal finish that elevates the dish beyond ordinary.
How to Serve Irresistibly Juicy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like mint and cilantro provide a refreshing lift and burst of color. You can also sprinkle chopped peanuts or fried shallots for texture contrast that adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp spring rolls or light Vietnamese pickled vegetables to complement the flavors and add variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in individual bowls for a vibrant, instagram-worthy presentation. Alternatively, make it family-style with a big platter of noodles, garnishes, and chicken for everyone to build their own bowls at the table—always a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping them separate prevents the noodles from becoming soggy and the chicken from losing its fresh flavor.
Freezing
While the chicken can be frozen cooked or uncooked, noodles and fresh vegetables do not freeze well. Freeze the marinated chicken if you want to prepare in advance and thaw before cooking.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain its juiciness. Warm the noodles briefly in hot water or microwave, then combine just before serving to keep everything flavorful and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh fillets?
Yes, but thigh fillets stay juicier and more flavorful due to their higher fat content. If using breast, be careful not to overcook as it tends to dry out faster.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh marinated in the same lemongrass mixture, and use soy sauce in place of fish sauce for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, the marinade can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This also gives the flavors time to develop which enhances the final taste of the dish.
What types of noodles work best?
Vermicelli noodles are traditional and ideal for this recipe. However, if you prefer, you can use rice noodles or even thin wheat noodles depending on your taste and dietary needs.
How spicy is this dish?
The original recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add fresh chili slices or a dash of chili flakes for an extra kick—just the way you like it!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the pleasure of enjoying the Irresistibly Juicy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodles Recipe fresh from your kitchen. Its vibrant flavors, juicy chicken, and fresh herbs create a bowl that feels nourishing and indulgent all at once. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite meal that’s bursting with sunshine and zest in every bite!
Print
Irresistibly Juicy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Description
This Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodles recipe features tender, juicy chicken thigh fillets marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh lemongrass, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Served over delicate vermicelli noodles and fresh vegetables, this dish is a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and sweet flavors, garnished with fresh mint and cilantro for an authentic Vietnamese experience.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 500 grams Chicken Thigh Fillets (Skinless and boneless cuts recommended)
- 2 stalks Lemongrass (Chopped; use fresh for best flavor)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced for even flavor distribution)
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (Freshly squeezed for maximum zest)
- 2 tablespoons Fish Sauce (For umami depth; soy sauce can be a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (All-purpose or light soy works)
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (Coconut sugar is a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (For cooking chicken)
Sauce and Noodles
- 3 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (Key ingredient for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons White Sugar (Adjust to taste)
- 200 grams Vermicelli Noodles (Gluten-free option available)
Fresh Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup Fresh Vegetables (Carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, bean sprouts)
- 1/2 cup Mint and Cilantro (Fresh herbs for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves, creating a fragrant and balanced marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thigh fillets to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 1 hour, to allow the flavors to infuse deeply into the meat.
- Cook the Vermicelli Noodles: While the chicken marinates, cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions, typically soaking in hot water for about 5 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar and white sugar until the sugar dissolves completely. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference. This sauce will be drizzled over the final assembly to tie the flavors together.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the Dish: In serving bowls, place a portion of cooked vermicelli noodles, then top with fresh vegetables including carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, and bean sprouts. Arrange the sliced chicken on top and sprinkle with fresh mint and cilantro.
- Finish with Sauce: Drizzle the prepared rice vinegar and sugar sauce over the noodles, vegetables, and chicken. Toss gently or serve as is for guests to mix according to their taste. Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh lemongrass and freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes improves juiciness and flavor depth.
- Gluten-free vermicelli noodles are available for dietary preferences.
- Adjust the sugar in the dipping sauce according to your sweetness preference.
- Can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
