Name: Lemongrass Chicken Rice Paper Roll
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: For the chicken marinade:; 2 boneless chicken thighs or breasts; 1–2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1–2 tablespoons soy sauce or fish sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon sugar or honey; For the rolls:; 8–10 rice paper wrappers; 1 cup cooked vermicelli noodles; 1 cup fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil); 8 lettuce leaves; 1 cup julienned vegetables (carrot, cucumber, bell pepper); For serving:; Hoisin-peanut sauce or nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce)

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Lemongrass chicken rice paper rolls are a light, fresh, and flavorful dish that I enjoy making when I want something healthy yet satisfying. The fragrant lemongrass chicken pairs beautifully with crisp vegetables and herbs, all wrapped in delicate rice paper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s both refreshing and filling without being heavy. The rolls are versatile, letting me mix and match vegetables and herbs depending on what I have on hand. I also enjoy that they’re fun to assemble and make a great appetizer, snack, or light meal.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless chicken thighs or breasts
Lemongrass stalks, finely chopped
Garlic
Soy sauce or fish sauce
Lime juice
Sugar or honey
Rice paper wrappers
Cooked vermicelli noodles
Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil)
Lettuce leaves
Julienne vegetables (carrot, cucumber, bell pepper)

Directions

I marinate the chicken with lemongrass, garlic, soy or fish sauce, lime juice, and a touch of sugar. I let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
I grill or pan-cook the chicken until it’s golden and cooked through, then slice it thinly.
I prepare all the fillings—washing herbs, slicing vegetables, and cooking vermicelli noodles.
I dip a sheet of rice paper in warm water until it softens, then lay it flat on a clean surface.
I layer lettuce, noodles, vegetables, herbs, and chicken slices on the rice paper.
I fold in the sides and roll it tightly into a neat log.
I repeat with the remaining wrappers and serve the rolls with a dipping sauce like hoisin-peanut or nuoc cham.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8–10 rolls, enough for 3–4 servings. It usually takes me 25–30 minutes to prepare, including cooking the chicken and assembling the rolls.

Variations

I sometimes swap the chicken for shrimp or even tofu to keep it vegetarian. I also like adding mango or pineapple slices for a sweet touch. When I want extra crunch, I include bean sprouts or shredded cabbage inside the roll.

storage/reheating

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container, separated with parchment paper to keep them from sticking. They stay fresh in the fridge for about 1 day, though I prefer eating them right after making them. I don’t reheat rice paper rolls, since they’re meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make the rolls ahead of time?

Yes, I can, but I like to prepare them just before serving since the rice paper tends to dry out or get sticky if stored too long.

What’s the best dipping sauce for these rolls?

I usually serve them with either hoisin-peanut sauce or a light Vietnamese fish sauce dip (nuoc cham). Both complement the lemongrass chicken nicely.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, I can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, though marinating and grilling fresh chicken gives the best flavor.

How do I keep the rice paper from tearing?

I make sure not to over-soak it—just a quick dip in warm water is enough. I also avoid overfilling the roll.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the marinade and keep the rest of the ingredients the same.

Conclusion

Lemongrass chicken rice paper rolls are one of my favorite dishes for a fresh and flavorful meal. I love how the fragrant chicken, crisp vegetables, and herbs all come together in a light wrap that’s fun to eat. They’re versatile, healthy, and always a hit whenever I make them.

Lemongrass Chicken Rice Paper Roll