Name: Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1/2 tablespoon fish sauce; 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil; 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar or honey; 1-2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 3-inch pieces; 1/2 small onion; 1 lb. boneless and skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes; 8 oz. dried vermicelli noodles; 1 medium cucumber, julienned; 2 medium carrots, julienned; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped; 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts, chopped; 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving); 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1/4 cup water; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground black or white pepper; 1/2 teaspoon red chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

Jump to Recipe

The Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken is an absolute flavor explosion that combines fragrant lemongrass-marinated chicken, fresh crunchy vegetables, and silky vermicelli noodles all drenched in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. This dish is vibrant, refreshing, and perfectly balanced, making it one of those meals you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or a longtime fan, this noodle bowl offers a delightful harmony of textures and flavors that makes every bite a little celebration.

Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the authentic taste of this dish. Each component brings its own magic, from the aromatic lemongrass in the chicken marinade to the crisp veggies that add a fresh contrast. Let’s dive into everything you’ll need to create this delightful Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken.

Vegetable oil: Used in the marinade to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Soy sauce: Adds a rich umami depth that complements the sweetness of other ingredients.
Fish sauce: The essential salty tang that defines Vietnamese cooking.
Sesame oil: Provides a toasty aroma that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
Brown sugar or honey: Balances savory elements with a subtle sweetness.
Garlic cloves: Finely adds a punch of aromatic sharpness.
Lemongrass stalk: The star ingredient that lends a citrusy, fresh fragrance.
Small onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the marinade.
Chicken breast or thighs: Tender protein, cut into cubes for quick marinating and cooking.
Dried vermicelli noodles: Light, delicate noodles that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Cucumber: Julienned for a refreshing crunch that brightens the bowl.
Carrots: Julienned for sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped to add a burst of herbal freshness.
Roasted peanuts: For a nutty crunch that’s simply irresistible.
Lime: Wedges served for an extra zesty splash.
Rice vinegar, water, sugar, black pepper, and red chili: Combined to create the perfectly balanced dressing that brings everything together.

How to Make Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Lemongrass Chicken Marinade

Start by blending the marinade ingredients—vegetable oil, soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar or honey, garlic, lemongrass, and onion—until smooth. This fragrant mixture not only tenderizes the chicken but infuses it with the vibrant flavors that define the dish.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the cubed chicken in a bowl and pour the marinade over. Toss everything together so each piece is nicely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour; overnight will deliver the deepest flavor penetration. The patience here pays off big time.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

You have options to cook your chicken skewers: grill, bake, or air fry. Grilling adds a lovely smoky char, while baking and air frying are convenient and yield juicy, tender results. Whichever method you choose, cooking until the internal temperature hits 165°F ensures juicy perfection.

Step 4: Prepare the Vermicelli Noodles

Boil a pot of water and cook the dried vermicelli noodles for just a few minutes until tender but still springy. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and keep them from sticking. These noodles are the heart of the bowl, providing a light and delicate base.

Step 5: Assemble the Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken

Layer your bowl with a generous portion of vermicelli noodles, followed by slices of the cooked lemongrass chicken, julienned cucumber, carrots, cilantro, and a sprinkle of roasted peanuts. The combination of textures here is pure joy!

Step 6: Make and Add the Dressing

Mix fish sauce, rice vinegar, water, sugar, sesame oil, ground pepper, and red chili in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. Pour this flavorful dressing over the assembled noodles and chicken, and finish with a fresh squeeze of lime to brighten every bite.

How to Serve Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken

Garnishes

Garnishes are the finishing touches that elevate this dish from great to unforgettable. Fresh cilantro adds herbaceous brightness, while roasted peanuts contribute a delightful crunch. Don’t forget a wedge of lime—its zesty juice can transform flavors beautifully when squeezed over the bowl just before eating.

Side Dishes

This noodle bowl is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but pairing it with light Vietnamese side dishes like fresh spring rolls or a crisp green papaya salad can create an impressive meal that excites the palate without overwhelming.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the traditional bowl by serving the Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken in mason jars for a picnic or layered lunch box. Alternatively, use large lettuce leaves to scoop up noodle bites, turning the dish into an interactive, hand-held delight perfect for casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover components separate whenever possible—store the noodles, chicken, and vegetables in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents sogginess and preserves the fresh textures for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While the chicken can be frozen before cooking if already marinated, the noodles and fresh veggies do not freeze well. Freeze marinated chicken cubes in a sealed bag for up to one month, then thaw completely before cooking for best results.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave to retain moisture without drying out. Serve over freshly cooked or cold vermicelli noodles and add fresh veggies and dressing freshly to maintain the signature crunch and brightness.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?

Absolutely! This recipe adapts beautifully to shrimp, pork, or tofu, each absorbing the lemongrass marinade and complementing the noodle bowl in its own way.

How spicy is the Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken?

The dish typically has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the red chili in the dressing. You can easily adjust the chili amount to suit your spice tolerance, making it as gentle or fiery as you like.

What type of noodles are best for this recipe?

Dried vermicelli rice noodles are the traditional choice because of their delicate texture and ability to soak up the dressing, but thin rice stick noodles or even soba work if vermicelli isn’t available.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, by replacing the chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh and omitting the fish sauce or substituting it with soy or tamari sauce, you can enjoy a vegetarian version that still bursts with flavor.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Marinate your chicken in advance, cook the components separately, and assemble fresh when ready to eat. Keeping elements separate helps maintain the best textures and flavor integrity.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to brighten your dinner rotation with something fresh, flavorful, and totally satisfying, the Vietnamese Noodle Bowl with Chicken is a must-try. It’s a dish that invites you to savor every bite, embrace vibrant textures, and enjoy a beautiful balance of flavors in each bowl. Trust me, once you make it, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-tos for a wholesome and exciting meal.