If you love the fresh, crunchy flavors of Vietnamese spring rolls but don’t want the hassle of rolling each one by hand, these Grilled Chicken Spring Roll Bowls with Peanut Sauce are the perfect answer.
They have everything you crave in a classic spring roll—tender rice noodles, crisp vegetables, bright fresh herbs, and juicy lemongrass chicken—all layered into an easy bowl and finished with a creamy peanut sauce.
This recipe is light, colorful, and packed with texture, making it one of those meals you’ll want to make on repeat all summer long. Best of all, it’s easy to prep ahead and perfect for warm days when you want something refreshing but still satisfying.
💛 Why You’ll Love These Spring Roll Bowls
- 🌿 Fresh and flavorful
- ☀️ Perfect for warm-weather meals
- 🥜 Loaded with texture and creamy peanut sauce
- 🍜 Lighter than takeout but still satisfying
- 🥗 Great for meal prep and leftovers
🧾 Ingredients
For the grilled lemongrass chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 stalks lemongrass, white part only, bruised and chopped
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 small knob ginger, grated or finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp neutral oil
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1–3 tbsp fish sauce
- Juice of 1 large lime
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the bowls:
- Rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 head romaine lettuce, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, cut into matchsticks
- 1 English cucumber, cut into matchsticks
- 1/2 cup fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, Thai basil, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 1 cup peanut sauce
👩🍳 How to Make Grilled Chicken Spring Roll Bowls
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix together the lemongrass, shallot, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, oil, soy sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice.
Season with salt and pepper.
Set aside half of the marinade for serving, then coat the chicken with the remaining marinade.
Let it marinate while you prep the rest of the ingredients, or refrigerate for longer if you have time.
2. Prep the Bowl Ingredients
Prepare the rice vermicelli according to package instructions, then rinse with cold water to chill.
Slice the romaine, bell pepper, carrot, and cucumber into thin strips.
Chop the fresh herbs and peanuts.
3. Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred.
Transfer to a plate and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
4. Assemble the Bowls
Start with a base of rice noodles and romaine lettuce.
Top with the grilled chicken, sliced vegetables, fresh herbs, and chopped peanuts.
Drizzle generously with peanut sauce and, if desired, a little of the reserved lemongrass marinade for even more flavor.
5. Serve
Serve immediately and enjoy cold or slightly chilled for the most refreshing bite.
🔥 Tips for the Best Spring Roll Bowls
- Use fresh herbs generously for the most authentic flavor
- Rinse the rice noodles with cold water so they stay light and separate
- Don’t overcook the chicken—juicy thighs work best here
- Store the sauce separately if making ahead
- Add extra lime wedges for a brighter finish
🍽️ Easy Variations
- Swap the protein: Use shrimp, steak, tofu, or rotisserie chicken
- Make it spicier: Add chili oil or sliced jalapeños
- Add more crunch: Include bean sprouts or shredded cabbage
- Keep it nut-free: Use a seed-based sauce instead of peanut sauce
🧊 Meal Prep & Storage
These bowls are excellent for meal prep.
- Store assembled bowls in airtight containers for 3–4 days
- Keep the peanut sauce separate until ready to eat
- Enjoy straight from the fridge or let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving
⏱️ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
❓ FAQs
Can I make these without a grill?
Yes. A grill pan or skillet works well too.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, though thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.
Are these good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Just store the sauce separately so everything stays fresh and crisp.