Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Bowl with Chicken
This Vietnamese vermicelli bowl features lemongrass-marinated chicken thigh cooked with garlic and Thai chili for subtle heat, served over delicate vermicelli noodles and fresh julienned vegetables. The nuoc cham dipping sauce brings a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes. Fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and basil top the bowl, adding brightness and aroma.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 talks lemongrass white parts only, minced (see notes below
- 3 garlic minced, cloves
- 3 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons lime juice fresh
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 1 - 3 Thai chili thinly sliced, adjust to spice level
- 1 pound chicken thigh skinless, boneless
Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup water hot
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 4 garlic minced, cloves
- 1-2 Thai chili thinly sliced, adjust to your spice level
Vermicelli Bowl
- 12 oz vermicelli rice noodles thin dried
- 2 cucumber julienned, seeds removed optional
- 2 carrot julienned or shredded
- 4 cups lettuce shredded
- 3 cups bean sprout optional
- mint optional, handful of leaves
- cilantro optional, leaves, handful
- basil optional, handful, leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate & Cook Lemongrass Chicken
- In a food processor or mortar and pestle (see notes), grind together the marinade ingredients.
- Transfer to a large ziplock or airthight container, then stir in the remaining marinade ingredients until the sugar has dissolved. Coat the chicken well in the marinade and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour up to overnight
- Cook in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 7 - 10 minutes or until cooked through. Cooking time may slightly vary depending on the thickness of the chicken. (You can also check above for alternative cooking methods.)
Step 2: Make Nuoc Cham Sauce & Noodles
- In a bowl, combine the hot water and sugar until it's dissolved. Add the remaining ingredients, then set aside to cool.
- Cook vermicelli rice noodles according to the packaging's instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble Vermicelli Salad Bowls
- Assemble your vermicelli bowl by placing noodles at the bottom of the bowl. If noodles are stuck together, run them through cold water to easily separate them. Layer on veggies, sliced lemongrass chicken, and herbs (if using). When you're ready to serve, drizzle on some Nuoc Cham sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh lemongrass, removing tough outer layers to mince the white parts for the marinade.
- Chicken can be cooked by grilling, pan-searing in a skillet, or broiling if an air fryer isn't available.
- Pre-cut vegetables or rotisserie chicken can speed up preparation.
- Store leftover noodles, vegetables, and sauce separately to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust Thai chili slices to control spiciness according to taste.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 636
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 300g | |
| Calories | 636kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 98g | 33% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 108mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 1699mg | 71% |
| Potassium | 1228mg | 26% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 17746IU | 355% |
| Vitamin C | 72mg | 80% |
| Calcium | 164mg | 16% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.