Name: Lemongrass Chicken Rice Paper Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 46 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 350g / 12oz boneless chicken thighs, very finely sliced (2.5cm/1″ wide, 3mm / 1/8″ thick); 1 1/2 tbsp fish sauce (or substitute light/all-purpose soy sauce); 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp lemongrass, finely grated (or paste); 1 tbsp lime juice (or rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar); 1 garlic clove, finely grated; 1 tbsp canola oil (or other neutral oil, for cooking); 10 sheets round rice paper (~22cm/8.5″); 70g / 2.5 oz dried vermicelli noodles (rice noodles, or other very thin noodles); 1 cup (packed) green cabbage, very finely sliced (or any lettuce); 1 cup (packed) red cabbage, very finely sliced (or any lettuce); 1 carrot, peeled and finely julienned (or cucumber); 1/4 cup coriander / cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (or Thai basil or extra mint leaves); 3/4 cup small mint leaves (or torn larger leaves, regular or Vietnamese mint); 1 1/2 tbsp natural smooth peanut butter (or regular peanut butter spread); 2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp white vinegar (or 1/2 tbsp lime juice); 1/4 to 1/3 cup milk (any fat %) or water to adjust consistency; 1 small garlic clove, finely grated; 2 tsp brown sugar; 1/8 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt; 1/2 tsp crushed chili, sambal oelek or other chili paste (optional, to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 14 reviews

If you are looking for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious dish that will wow your taste buds, the Lemongrass Chicken Rice Paper Rolls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These rolls bring together tender, fragrant lemongrass chicken with crisp vegetables, delicate vermicelli noodles, and soft rice paper wraps for an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Perfectly paired with a creamy peanut dipping sauce, this dish is as much fun to make as it is to eat — and it’s ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying as a light, healthy meal any time of the year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver bowl filled with small pieces of raw pink meat covered lightly with a shiny brown sauce. The meat looks soft and slightly wet, with some texture visible from the sauce coating it. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Lemongrass Chicken Rice Paper Rolls Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing the sweet, savory, and tangy notes, while bringing freshness and texture to every bite.

Boneless chicken thighs (350g / 12oz): Choose skinless for tender, juicy chicken that soaks up the lemongrass marinade perfectly.
Fish sauce (1 1/2 tbsp): Adds a deep umami punch; light or all-purpose soy sauce works as a great substitute.
Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Balances savory flavors with a touch of caramel sweetness.
Fresh lemongrass (1 tbsp, finely grated): The star of the show, lending bright citrus notes; use paste if fresh isn’t available.
Lime juice (1 tbsp): Brings zesty acidity and freshness, though rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar can also shine here.
Garlic (2 cloves, finely grated): Provides aromatic warmth throughout the rolls and dipping sauce.
Canola or neutral oil (1 tbsp): For cooking the chicken without overpowering its flavor.
Rice paper sheets (10 sheets, ~22cm/8.5” round): Delicate yet sturdy, perfect as the wrapper that holds all the goodness inside.
Dried vermicelli noodles (70g / 2.5 oz): These thin rice noodles add a lovely chew and soak up juices beautifully.
Green cabbage (1 cup, finely sliced): Softens the crunch and adds mild earthiness; red cabbage is great for color.
Red cabbage (1 cup, finely sliced): Adds vibrant color and a pleasant bite.
Carrot (1, julienned): Sweet and crisp, balances the rolls’ flavors and textures; cucumber is a great alternative.
Coriander/cilantro leaves (1/4 cup, roughly chopped): Adds fresh herbaceous brightness; Thai basil is a delightful substitute.
Small mint leaves (3/4 cup): A generous handful infuses refreshing coolness with every bite.
Natural smooth peanut butter (1 1/2 tbsp): Key to the luscious dipping sauce. You can also use regular peanut butter spread.
Hoisin sauce (2 tbsp): Provides rich, sweet notes in the peanut sauce.
White vinegar (1 tbsp): Balances the peanut sauce’s richness; lime juice makes a fine substitute.
Milk (1/4 to 1/3 cup): Adds creaminess to the dipping sauce; any fat percentage milk works, or just use water.
Brown sugar (2 tsp): Sweetens the peanut sauce gently.
Cooking salt/kosher salt (1/8 tsp): Enhances all the vibrant flavors.
Crushed chili or sambal oelek (1/2 tsp): Optional, for those who like a spicy kick.

How to Make Lemongrass Chicken Rice Paper Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing the fish sauce, brown sugar, grated lemongrass, lime juice, and garlic in a bowl to create a fragrant marinade. Toss the finely sliced chicken thighs in this mixture, ensuring every piece is coated with those gorgeous, citrus-infused flavors. Let the chicken soak up all the goodness for at least 15 minutes or even overnight if you want extra depth.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Dipping Sauce

Whisk together smooth peanut butter, hoisin sauce, white vinegar, grated garlic, brown sugar, salt, and your chosen chili paste in a small bowl. Slowly add milk while stirring, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. This sauce is the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy — the perfect partner to your rolls.

Step 3: Soften the Vermicelli Noodles

Soak the dried vermicelli noodles in hot water for a couple of minutes until tender. Drain them well and let them cool. These delicate noodles bring a light, comforting texture inside the roll that complements the fresh vegetables wonderfully.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat the oil in a hot non-stick pan and cook the marinated chicken in batches, stirring constantly so it caramelizes beautifully without drying out. Cooking quickly over high heat locks in the juices and gets those irresistible golden edges. Once cooked, spread the chicken out on a plate to cool before assembling your rolls.

Step 5: Soften the Rice Paper

Fill a bowl with warm water and briefly dip each rice paper sheet for just 2 seconds, turning as necessary to soften it evenly. Lay the softened paper smooth side down on a cutting board so it’s ready for the assembly.

Step 6: Assemble the Rolls

Place a small pile of the finely chopped herbs, chicken, julienned carrots, cabbages, mint leaves, and noodles just below the center of the rice paper. Stack them symmetrically for easy rolling. Fold the bottom edge up over the filling, fold in the sides snugly, and roll tightly to enclose everything. The rice paper is naturally sticky, so it seals itself beautifully. Don’t stress if they aren’t perfectly shaped — they taste amazing regardless!

Step 7: Ready to Serve

Transfer your finished rolls to a serving plate without stacking to avoid sticking. Serve alongside your homemade peanut dipping sauce for the ultimate flavor explosion. These rolls are perfect as a light meal, a party appetizer, or a refreshing snack.

How to Serve Lemongrass Chicken Rice Paper Rolls Recipe

A woman's hand holds a translucent rice paper roll filled with bright white rice noodles, thin green herbs, and crunchy purple cabbage, partially dipped into a thick, light brown peanut sauce topped with crushed peanuts, all set above a white marbled surface. A white textured bowl holds the sauce in the foreground with more spring rolls blurred softly in the background. The rice paper is shiny and thin, wrapping the colorful layered filling neatly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped roasted peanuts on top adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness that complements the creamy peanut sauce splendidly. Fresh lime wedges on the side invite your guests to add a zesty tang whenever they please.

Side Dishes

Pair these delicate rolls with a crisp green papaya salad or a refreshing cucumber salad to keep the meal light and bright. A bowl of fragrant jasmine rice or steamed sticky rice is also a great choice if you want a more filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the rolls in half on a sharp diagonal and standing them upright on the serving platter. This not only looks elegant but makes it easier for guests to grab a piece. You can also arrange assorted herbs, sliced chili, and dipping sauces artistically around the plate for a vibrant, colorful presentation that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container lined with a damp paper towel to keep the rice paper soft. Keep the peanut sauce separate in a sealed jar in the fridge. The rolls are best eaten within a day for optimum freshness.

Freezing

Because of their fresh vegetable content and delicate rice paper, these rolls do not freeze well — the texture suffers upon thawing. It’s better to prepare ingredients in advance and assemble fresh when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

The rolls themselves are designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If you want to enjoy the chicken warm, simply reheat it gently in a pan or microwave before assembling your rolls.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful. If you prefer breast, slice it thinly and be careful not to overcook it to avoid dryness.

What if I don’t have fresh lemongrass?

You can substitute with lemongrass paste or even a small amount of finely minced lemongrass stems if fresh ones are unavailable. The key is to capture that bright, citrusy note characteristic of lemongrass.

Are these rolls gluten-free?

With careful ingredient selection, yes! Most rice papers and vermicelli noodles are gluten-free, but check hoisin sauce and other condiments as some brands include gluten; gluten-free versions are widely available.

Can I make vegetarian versions of this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh marinated in lemongrass and soy sauce, and adjust the peanut sauce to your liking. The fresh vegetables and herbs will keep it flavorful and satisfying.

How do I prevent the rice paper from sticking together?

Place each roll on a dry plate without stacking, and you can loosely cover them with a damp cloth. Avoid stacking rolls as they tend to stick together and tear when separating.

Final Thoughts

There is something so joyful about making and sharing this Lemongrass Chicken Rice Paper Rolls Recipe. From the fragrant marinade to the fresh crunch of herbs and veggies, every element sings in perfect harmony. Whether it’s a casual lunch, a party appetizer, or a light dinner, these rolls impress everyone at the table. Give them a try — your taste buds will thank you!