Sautéed Lemongrass Chicken with Jasmine Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken sautéed with fragrant lemongrass and garlic, served over steamed jasmine rice for a balanced Vietnamese meal. This vietnamese-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs minced garlic cloves, vegetable oil, fish sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice and 1 1/2 cups water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 finely chopped white parts of lemongrass stalks, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound bite-sized chicken thighs to the skillet. Stir-fry for 6-8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and starts to brown.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until sauce is slightly thickened and coats the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Serve chicken over the steamed jasmine rice, garnished with 2 sliced green onions and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Lemongrass Chicken with Jasmine Rice take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Sautéed Lemongrass Chicken with Jasmine Rice?

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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Lemongrass Chicken with Jasmine Rice?

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 Sautéed Lemongrass Chicken with Jasmine Rice 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 Sautéed Lemongrass Chicken with Jasmine Rice?

Vietnamese chicken 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.

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