Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowls

You all went crazy for my Vietnamese Lunchbox Series, where we transform traditional Vietnamese dishes into convenient, wholesome meal preps! Today, we’re making Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowls (Bún Thịt Nướng)—a dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors. JUMP TO RECIPE

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowls: Perfect for Lunchboxes or Weeknight Dinners

If you’re tired of boring meal preps (boiled chicken and broccoli, anyone?), this series is for you. These noodle bowls bring bold lemongrass-marinated chicken, refreshing herbs, crisp veggies, and vermicelli noodles together in one irresistible dish. And don’t forget the iconic dipping fish sauce that ties everything together!

Whether you're prepping these for weekday lunches or serving them as pre-made dinner boxes, this recipe is versatile enough to suit your schedule and tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Meal Prep Made Exciting: These bowls are perfect for prepping ahead, offering variety and flavor that keep lunchtime exciting.
• Quick Weeknight Dinners: If you prefer to enjoy these fresh, this dish can easily be whipped up on a busy evening for a wholesome family meal.
• Customizable and Balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, and a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, these bowls are as nutritious as they are delicious.

@nguyenfoodstall ✨Welcome to the FIRST episode of my Vietnamese Lunchbox Series! Today we are making delicious and wholesome Vietnamese lemongrass chicken noodle bowls (bun thịt nướng) 😍🥗 ✨The goal of this series is to help those who are looking for DELICIOUS , EASY, and HEALTHY meal preps. Stick with me and you’ll never go back to your boring boiled chicken and broccoli again 🤣. Btw, I’m calling these lunchboxes but these meal preps are PERFECT as pre-made dinner boxes too 😉 . . . #vietnamesdfood #vietnamesecuisines #easyrecipes #mealprep #homecooked #healthyrecipes ♬ That Couch Potato Again - Prod. By Rose

How to Make Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowls

1. Marinate and Cook the Chicken

1. Combine all the chicken marinade ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
2. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
3. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes per side). Set aside to rest before slicing.

2. Prepare the Noodles

1. Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions.
2. Rinse with cold water and drain well.

3. Make the Dipping Fish Sauce

1. Dissolve the sugar in boiling water and let it cool slightly.
2. Stir in the lime juice or vinegar, fish sauce, and minced garlic. Adjust to taste and set aside.

4. Assemble the Bowls

1. Layer lettuce, cucumbers, and cooked vermicelli noodles in each bowl.
2. Top with sliced lemongrass chicken, pickled carrots, mint leaves, and toasted peanuts.
3. Drizzle with the dipping fish sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.

Meal Prep vs. Weeknight Dinner

• As a Meal Prep: Assemble these bowls in meal prep containers with everything except the dipping sauce. Store the sauce separately to keep the noodles and veggies fresh. Use saran wrap or parchment to separate the veggies from the noodles and chicken if reheating in the microwave (30s to 1min) This makes cold noodles soft again.
• As a Weeknight Dinner: Skip the prep and serve the components family-style, letting everyone customize their own bowls. This is perfect for busy evenings when you want a fresh and vibrant meal on the table in no time.

A Dish That Brings Joy to Every Bite

These Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowls are more than just a meal—they’re a celebration of bold flavors and vibrant textures. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week ahead or serving these up for dinner, they’ll add a touch of excitement to your routine.

Let me know if you give this recipe a try—I’d love to see your creations and hear how you made them your own. Don’t forget to check back for more recipes in my Vietnamese Lunchbox Series—we’re just getting started!