Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken, known as Bún Gà Nướng, is one of Vietnam’s most beloved street-food dishes. This vibrant and refreshing noodle bowl combines fragrant grilled chicken, delicate rice vermicelli noodles, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce known as nước chấm.

What makes this dish so special is the incredible balance of flavors and textures. The grilled lemongrass chicken is smoky, savory, and slightly sweet, while the noodles provide a light base that allows the toppings to shine. Fresh herbs like mint and cilantro add brightness, crunchy vegetables give texture, and the fish sauce dressing ties everything together with its tangy umami flavor.

Unlike heavy noodle dishes, Bún Gà Nướng feels fresh and light, making it perfect for warm weather meals or whenever you want something flavorful yet satisfying. It’s commonly served at Vietnamese restaurants and street food stalls, where vendors grill marinated chicken over open flames and serve it over bowls of noodles piled high with vegetables.

The good news is that you can easily recreate this restaurant favorite at home. With a simple lemongrass marinade and a few fresh ingredients, this recipe brings authentic Vietnamese flavors straight to your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Light

This noodle bowl is flavorful without being heavy, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.

Incredible Flavor Balance

Sweet, salty, tangy, and herbaceous flavors combine beautifully.

Healthy Ingredients

Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and herbs.

Customizable

You can easily swap vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.

Restaurant Quality at Home

This dish looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to prepare.

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Ingredients

Lemongrass Chicken Marinade

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons lemongrass, finely minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Noodle Bowl

• 8 oz rice vermicelli noodles
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons crushed peanuts
• Lime wedges for serving

Nước Chấm Sauce

• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons warm water
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 small chili, finely chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade
   In a bowl, combine lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, lime juice, and black pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken
   Add chicken thighs to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
3. Cook the Rice Vermicelli
   Prepare the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
4. Grill the Chicken
   Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
5. Slice the Chicken
   Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
6. Prepare the Nước Chấm Sauce
   In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, water, lime juice, sugar, and chili until the sugar dissolves.
7. Assemble the Noodle Bowls
   Divide the noodles between bowls. Top with lettuce, cucumber, carrots, herbs, and sliced chicken.
8. Add Toppings
   Sprinkle crushed peanuts over the bowl and drizzle with the prepared nước chấm sauce.
9. Serve Immediately
   Serve with lime wedges for extra freshness.

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Tips for the Best Bún Gà Nướng

Use Fresh Lemongrass

Fresh lemongrass gives the chicken its signature citrusy aroma.

Marinate Longer

Overnight marination intensifies flavor and tenderizes the chicken.

Grill for Authentic Flavor

Grilling adds smoky notes that mimic traditional Vietnamese street food.

Balance the Sauce

Taste the nước chấm sauce and adjust sweetness, saltiness, or acidity.

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Delicious Variations

Shrimp Version

Replace chicken with grilled shrimp for Bún Tôm Nướng.

Vegetarian Bowl

Use grilled tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken.

Spicy Version

Add chili garlic sauce or extra fresh chili to the sauce.

Peanut Sauce Bowl

Drizzle peanut sauce over the noodles for a richer variation.

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Serving Suggestions

This Vietnamese noodle bowl pairs beautifully with:

• Vietnamese spring rolls
• Fresh cucumber salad
• Pickled vegetables
• Iced jasmine tea
• Lime soda or coconut water

These light sides complement the fresh flavors of the dish perfectly.

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Storage Tips

Refrigeration

Store chicken and noodles separately for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat chicken gently in a skillet before assembling bowls.

Meal Prep

Prepare vegetables and sauce ahead of time for quick assembly.

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Nutritional Benefits

Lemongrass Chicken Noodles provide a balanced meal:

• Lean Protein: Chicken supports muscle growth and energy.
• Fresh Herbs: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
• Rice Noodles: Provide light carbohydrates for energy.
• Vegetables: Add fiber and nutrients.

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Fun Food Fact

The word “bún” refers to the thin rice vermicelli noodles used in many Vietnamese dishes. These noodles are lighter than wheat noodles and are commonly served cold or at room temperature with grilled meats and fresh herbs.

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Why This Dish Is So Popular

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its harmony of flavors and fresh ingredients. Bún Gà Nướng perfectly represents this balance with smoky grilled chicken, refreshing herbs, and tangy sauce.

The dish is also visually stunning, with bright vegetables and herbs creating a colorful bowl that looks as good as it tastes.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that is flavorful, refreshing, and satisfying, Vietnamese Noodles with Lemongrass Chicken (Bún Gà Nướng) is an excellent choice. It combines grilled savory chicken, fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and delicate rice noodles in one beautiful bowl.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it remains a favorite in Vietnamese cuisine and a popular dish in restaurants around the world.