Get ready to fall in love with Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowls—a colorful, zesty, and soul-satisfying Vietnamese-inspired dish that brings serious flavor without fuss. Imagine tender marinated chicken, fresh herbs, crisp veggies, and a tangle of silky rice noodles all nestled in one bowl—each bite is a dazzling dance of brightness, smokiness, and crunch. Whether you’re new to Southeast Asian cooking or already hooked, this is the kind of meal that instantly lifts your spirits and invites everyone to gather around the table.

Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowls is in the balance of simple ingredients, each bringing its own show-stopping character to the dish. From punchy aromatics to crisp vegetables and feathery herbs, every component deserves its spot—so let’s break them down for delicious success:

Chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they’re perfect for soaking up all the fragrant marinade flavors.
Lemongrass: This is your key flavor hero—its citrusy brightness transforms simple chicken into something spectacular.
Garlic: A classic aromatic that adds subtle heat and depth to the marinade.
Fresh ginger: Bright and warming, ginger delivers a gentle zing that pairs beautifully with lemongrass.
Fish sauce: Brings essential salty umami and authentic Vietnamese flair—don’t skip it!
Soy sauce: Adds body and an extra note of savoriness to the marinade.
Brown sugar: Balances all the savoriness with just a hint of mellow sweetness.
Lime juice: Fresh lime makes everything pop, adding bright acidity and freshness.
Vegetable oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and promotes grilling magic.
Rice noodles: These silky, neutral noodles provide the perfect base to soak up sauces and juices.
Shredded carrots: Their crunch and color make every bowl sing with vibrancy.
Sliced cucumber: Refreshing and cool, cucumber balances the warmth of the grilled chicken.
Bean sprouts: Light, crisp, and oh-so crunchy for that authentic street-food feel.
Fresh mint: Just-picked mint adds a fragrant, cooling lift to every bite.
Cilantro: Earthy and herbal, cilantro rounds out the herb trio with Vietnamese flair.
Roasted peanuts: Sprinkle for irresistible crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
Lime wedges: Squeeze these over your bowls for a burst of ultra-fresh zing right before you dig in.

How to Make Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowls

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, blend together the lemongrass, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and vegetable oil. Add your chicken thighs, turning them until beautifully coated with fragrant marinade. Pop the bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, let those flavors soak in even longer—it only gets better!

Step 2: Cook the Rice Noodles

Prepare the rice noodles according to the package directions. Usually, this means soaking them in hot water for a few minutes until tender, then draining and rinsing with cold water. This step ensures your noodles don’t turn gummy and stay deliciously springy for your Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowls.

Step 3: Grill or Sear the Chicken

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer; you should hear a happy sizzle. Cook them for about 5–6 minutes per side until they’re beautifully charred at the edges and cooked through. Let them rest for a few minutes (so the juices stay put) before slicing into strips.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

Divide the rice noodles among serving bowls, building a cozy base. Top each with slices of juicy grilled chicken, then pile on the shredded carrots, crisp cucumber, and bean sprouts. Scatter plenty of fresh mint and cilantro for that classic Vietnamese freshness.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

Finish with a generous sprinkle of roasted peanuts and a wedge or two of lime on the side. When ready to eat, squeeze the lime right over everything for an irresistible spark of flavor. Grab your chopsticks (or a fork!) and dive in.

How to Serve Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowls

Garnishes

The right finishing touches bring Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowls to life. A shower of chopped peanuts adds savory crunch, while extra mint and cilantro make every bite herbaceous and bright. A few lime wedges served on the side invite everyone to add citrusy zing to taste. Want a spicy kick? A drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce is always a crowd-pleaser.

Side Dishes

While these bowls can absolutely shine on their own, a side of fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, a crisp green papaya salad, or even a quick cucumber salad makes this dinner feel just like your favorite Vietnamese restaurant at home. Vietnamese iced coffee or a light herbal tea can be the perfect way to balance all those bold, fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowls family-style, letting everyone build their own with bowls of each component on the table. Or, serve in mason jars or takeout-style noodle containers for a fun, picnic-ready twist. They also make fabulous party food—just prep the noodles and toppings in advance, slice chicken to order, and let guests customize their dream bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers—lucky you! Store the chicken, noodles, and veggies in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and allows you to build a fresh-tasting bowl later on. The herbs and garnishes are best chopped right before serving to maintain their zing.

Freezing

While the rice noodles and fresh veggies won’t love the freezer, the marinated or cooked chicken stands up well. Freeze chicken pieces in resealable bags (sliced or whole), and simply thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use for a speedy weeknight Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowl fix.

Reheating

Sliced chicken can be quickly reheated in a skillet or microwave. To refresh the noodles, rinse briefly under hot water and drain well. Layer your bowl as usual, then top with fresh veggies and herbs to restore all the original crunch and color.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works just fine, though it may be slightly less juicy than thighs. Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying it out—just cook until just done, then let it rest before slicing.

What if I can’t find fresh lemongrass?

No worries—lemongrass paste is a great substitute and found in most grocery stores. Use about 1 tablespoon paste for every stalk. The key is that punchy, citrusy flavor, so don’t skip it!

Can Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowls be made gluten-free?

They sure can! Make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and verify your fish sauce is gluten-free. Rice noodles and the rest of the ingredients are naturally free from gluten.

What vegetables can I add or swap?

Don’t hold back—add shredded lettuce, sliced bell peppers, radishes, or even blanched snap peas for more crunch and color. These bowls are endlessly customizable with whatever fresh veggies you have on hand.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes! Whip up the marinade and store it in the fridge for up to two days. That way, you can marinate your chicken anytime and cut down on prep when dinnertime rolls around.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delicious way to shake up your dinner routine, give Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowls a try! They offer the perfect balance of savory, fresh, and vibrant flavors—and invite endless customization to fit your mood or what’s in your fridge. Gather your ingredients, call over some friends, and treat everyone to a meal that feels like a celebration in every bite!

Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowls Recipe