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Vietnamese Chicken and Rice for a Fast Dinner

30-Minute Vietnamese Chicken and Rice (Easy Asian Recipe)

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This vibrant Vietnamese-inspired chicken and rice dish is the ultimate weeknight savior. It features succulent, lemongrass-marinated chicken thighs seared to crispy perfection, paired with velvety coconut-infused jasmine rice. The balance of bright lime, savory fish sauce, and rich coconut milk creates a restaurant-quality meal you can pull together in under 45 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave something truly comforting and aromatic.

  • Total Time: 40
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 stalk fresh lemongrass, rough chopped
  • 1 shallot, rough chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 cups dry jasmine rice
  • 14 ounces full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Fresh mint or cilantro leaves for garnish
  • Thinly sliced cucumber for serving

Instructions

  1. Dry the chicken thighs thoroughly and place them in a large bowl.
  2. Combine lemongrass, shallot, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and one tablespoon of oil in a blender; process until smooth.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, toss to coat, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Rinse the jasmine rice under cool water until the water runs clear.
  5. In a medium pot, combine rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt; bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, then let rest off heat.
  7. While rice cooks, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Serve the crispy chicken over the coconut rice with fresh herbs and cucumber slices.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken thighs are patted very dry before marinating to help the skin turn crispy.
  • If you prefer, you can sear the chicken in a cast-iron skillet for an even deeper crust.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Elsa
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Skillet Chicken
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Vietnamese