Lemongrass Chicken with Rice and Zucchini is a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that transports your tastebuds right into the heart of Southeast Asia. With juicy, marinated chicken, fragrant rice, and crisp-tender zucchini, every bite bursts with fresh, zesty, and savory notes. This dish delivers the perfect blend of bright citrus, aromatic herbs, and a hint of sweetness, making it a foolproof go-to for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress your family with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.

Lemongrass Chicken with Rice and Zucchini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Lemongrass Chicken with Rice and Zucchini so special is how simple ingredients come together to create something incredible. Each item in this list plays a unique role, from providing bold flavors to offering the perfect texture and mesmerizing aromas that fill your kitchen.

Chicken Thighs: These are tender and soak up all the vibrant flavors of the marinade, staying juicy after cooking.
Lemongrass Paste or Fresh Lemongrass: The star ingredient that delivers a citrusy, slightly floral punch, brightening every bite.
Garlic: Adds depth and warmth, supporting the fresh lemongrass with a familiar savory kick.
Fish Sauce: Brings authentic Southeast Asian salty umami, enhancing every component of the dish.
Soy Sauce: Offers a rounded, mellow saltiness and boosts the savory backbone of the chicken.
Lime Juice: Freshness and tartness, balancing the richer flavors and keeping things lively.
Honey: Offers just enough sweetness to tie everything together, accentuating the tangy lime and earthy lemongrass.
Vegetable Oil: Essential for sautéing, making sure your chicken gets beautifully golden and cooked just right.
Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice acts as a tender, aromatic base for catching all the tasty juices.
Zucchini: Light and vibrant, zucchini brings color, crunch, and summertime freshness to the plate.
Sesame Oil: Adds an irresistible nutty aroma that gently perfumes the zucchini.
Salt and Pepper: These pantry staples let all the big flavors shine while seasoning everything to perfection.
Chopped Cilantro and Lime Wedges: Fresh garnishes that burst with brightness, making each bowl beautiful as well as delicious.

How to Make Lemongrass Chicken with Rice and Zucchini

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by prepping your flavor base. In a medium bowl, toss together the bite-sized chicken pieces, lemongrass (paste or minced), garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and honey. Mix thoroughly so every piece is coated in that dreamy marinade. Cover the bowl and let everything chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (an hour is even better if you have time!). This step ensures your Lemongrass Chicken with Rice and Zucchini really soaks up all those aromatic, sweet, and tangy notes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once it’s shimmering, scoop in the marinated chicken. Spread it out so it browns beautifully, and stir occasionally for 6–8 minutes. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, and your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible. The marinade should caramelize slightly, creating a glossy finish and sealing in all those bold flavors.

Step 3: Sauté the Zucchini

While the chicken finishes cooking, heat sesame oil in a separate pan. Once hot, add your sliced zucchini, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté for about 4–5 minutes. You want them tender but still colorful and bright. The sesame oil gives them a subtle nuttiness that complements the rest of the dish perfectly.

Step 4: Build Your Bowls

It’s time to bring it all together! Scoop a generous serving of hot jasmine rice into each bowl (or plate if you prefer). Top the rice with your glistening lemongrass chicken, then arrange the sautéed zucchini alongside. Every spoonful brings you the comforting base of rice, the juicy burst of chicken, and that sweet snap of zucchini.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy!

Just before serving, sprinkle over chopped cilantro and add a few lime wedges to each bowl. The herbs and extra squeeze of lime make each serving of Lemongrass Chicken with Rice and Zucchini even brighter and more irresistible. Now all that’s left to do is dig in and savor!

How to Serve Lemongrass Chicken with Rice and Zucchini

Garnishes

For the ultimate finish, scatter plenty of fresh cilantro leaves on top and tuck in lime wedges on the side. A little extra lime juice adds a zesty pop, while the herbs bring freshness and a splash of color. If you love heat, a dash of sliced chili or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds are both wonderful additions!

Side Dishes

Lemongrass Chicken with Rice and Zucchini stands strong on its own, but it becomes a true feast alongside quick cucumber salad, tangy pickled carrots, or a crisp Asian-style slaw. For extra heartiness, serve some steamed edamame or a bowl of soup with miso or ginger to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish family-style, letting everyone build their own perfect bowl. You can also plate smaller portions as a vibrant appetizer. For a fun twist, pack leftovers in a bento box for a flavorful lunch the next day. However you present it, Lemongrass Chicken with Rice and Zucchini is as beautiful as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Lemongrass Chicken with Rice and Zucchini into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making for a fantastic next-day lunch or super quick dinner solution.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice for up to two months, but keep the zucchini separate if possible, as it can get soft when thawed. Let everything cool completely before sealing in freezer bags or containers for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave portions until piping hot or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to keep things moist. Add fresh cilantro and lime wedges after reheating to recapture all the brightness you love about Lemongrass Chicken with Rice and Zucchini.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine, though they’re a bit leaner and can dry out more quickly. Just be sure not to overcook them so the meat stays tender and juicy in your Lemongrass Chicken with Rice and Zucchini bowls.

Is it possible to grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?

Yes, grilling brings a wonderful smoky flavor to the chicken and works beautifully. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers or use a grill basket, grill until charred and cooked through, and serve as directed.

What’s a good substitute for lemongrass if I can’t find it?

If you can’t get fresh or jarred lemongrass, try a mix of lemon zest and a bit of grated ginger for a similar bright flavor. While it won’t be exactly the same, it still makes your Lemongrass Chicken with Rice and Zucchini shine!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and double-check all your other ingredients to make sure they fit your dietary needs.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To turn up the heat, add sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili garlic sauce to the marinade. You can also serve it with extra chili flakes or sriracha on the side—whatever suits your spice-loving taste buds!

Final Thoughts

Once you try Lemongrass Chicken with Rice and Zucchini, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite for both busy nights and mealtime celebrations alike. With bold flavors, simplicity, and stunning colors all in one bowl, it’s a dish that instantly brightens any table. Give it a try and let it whisk you away with every delicious bite!

Lemongrass Chicken with Rice and Zucchini Recipe