Vietnamese-Style Lemongrass Chicken Rice Bowl

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

A vibrant bowl combining marinated lemongrass chicken with aromatic rice and fresh herbs for a balanced meal. This vietnamese-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken breast, lemongrass stalks, jasmine rice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Vietnamese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice and cook in 1 1/2 cups water in a rice cooker or saucepan until tender, about 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Remove tough outer layers from 2 lemongrass stalks and finely mince the tender white parts. Mince 3 garlic cloves.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine minced lemongrass, garlic, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Thinly slice 300 grams chicken breast and marinate in this mixture for 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken slices and cook for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and slightly caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Peel and julienne 1 small carrot and thinly slice 1/2 medium cucumber. Roughly chop a handful of cilantro.
  6. Step 6: To assemble, place cooked jasmine rice in bowls, top with lemongrass chicken, cucumber, carrot, cilantro, and sprinkle 1/4 tsp chili flakes for a gentle heat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese-Style Lemongrass Chicken Rice Bowl take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Vietnamese-Style Lemongrass Chicken Rice Bowl?

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 breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese-Style Lemongrass Chicken Rice Bowl?

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 Vietnamese-Style Lemongrass Chicken Rice Bowl for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Vietnamese-Style Lemongrass Chicken Rice Bowl?

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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