Steamed Lemongrass Chicken with Jasmine Rice

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

Tender chicken marinated in fragrant lemongrass and garlic, steamed to juicy perfection and served with fluffy jasmine rice. This Vietnamese-inspired St. Patrick’s Day recipe (gluten-free), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, lemongrass stalks, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Vietnamese cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced boneless chicken thighs with 2 stalks finely minced white parts of lemongrass, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly and marinate 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rinsed rice with 1.25 cups water in a rice cooker or pot, and cook until fluffy (about 15 minutes).
  3. Step 3: Arrange marinated chicken evenly in a heatproof steaming dish. Set up a steamer over boiling water and steam the chicken for 12-15 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
  4. Step 4: Plate the steamed chicken alongside jasmine rice, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the chicken.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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 Steamed 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed 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 Steamed Lemongrass Chicken with Jasmine Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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.

Is Steamed Lemongrass Chicken with Jasmine Rice gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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