Authentic Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup
A fragrant, herb-packed broth with tender chicken, rice noodles, and a vibrant lemongrass-infused broth, embodying the essence of Vietnamese street food. This vietnamese-inspired asian ready in about 55 minutes pairs (340g), bone-in chicken thighs, finely minced lemongrass stalks, fish sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g), bone-in chicken thighs
- 2, finely minced lemongrass stalks
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 8 oz (225g), dried rice noodles
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 lime wedges
- 2 tbsp, chopped Thai basil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, combine 12 oz chicken thighs, 2 minced lemongrass stalks, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 4 cups water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Step 2: Remove chicken and shred meat, discarding bones. Strain the broth into a clean pot, discarding solids. Return broth to heat and add 2 tbsp fish sauce, stirring until dissolved.
- Step 3: Cook 8 oz dried rice noodles in boiling water for 5 minutes until tender, then rinse under cold water and drain.
- Step 4: Divide noodles into bowls, then ladle hot broth over them. Top with shredded chicken, 2 cups bean sprouts, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 2 tbsp Thai basil.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fish sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Soup?
Vietnamese asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Vietnamese come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
