If you are craving something that bursts with flavor, tender juiciness, and a touch of exotic charm, then the Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. This dish brings together the fragrant, citrusy brightness of lemongrass with the deep umami from fish sauce and soy, creating a marinade so irresistible that every bite feels like a celebration. Perfectly grilled to develop a delicate char, this Vietnamese chicken recipe is as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat, making it a beloved favorite you’ll want to share with everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe lies in its simple but carefully balanced ingredients. Each one adds a unique depth—whether it’s the aromatic lemongrass, the sweet-savory brown sugar, or the garlicky punch that makes the dish sing. Let’s break down everything you’ll need, so you can gather your essentials and get ready to grill!
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These offer juicy, tender meat that holds up well to grilling without drying out.
- 3 tablespoons lemongrass (white part only, finely minced): The star ingredient, bringing a fresh, lemony fragrance that brightens the whole dish.
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce: Adds authentic umami depth that’s fundamental in Vietnamese cooking.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Enhances savory notes while contributing to a glossy marinade.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the salty flavors with a touch of sweetness and helps caramelize on the grill.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Keeps the chicken moist and prevents sticking during grilling.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Delivers a warm, aromatic punch that complements lemongrass beautifully.
- 1 small shallot (minced): Adds subtle sweetness and complexity to the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides mild heat and depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Lime wedges and chopped cilantro for garnish: Freshness and a zesty finish that brighten every bite.
How to Make Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the lemongrass, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, minced garlic, minced shallot, ground black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Stir everything until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes fragrant. This blend is what gives the chicken its incredible balance of sweet, salty, and fresh flavors that define this Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss them well so every piece is fully coated. Cover and pop the bowl in the refrigerator. Letting the chicken soak up these flavors for at least 2 hours is crucial, but if you can manage overnight, the taste will be even more vibrant and tender.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
About 30 minutes before cooking, take the chicken out to come to room temperature. Heat your grill to medium-high. This temperature helps to develop a beautiful char while keeping the meat juicy inside, exactly how the Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe should be.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and let any excess drip off—this prevents flare-ups on the grill. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side. The goal is a slightly charred exterior with tender, fully cooked meat — juicy to the last bite. Internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once grilled, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute so each slice is moist and flavorful. Slice as desired, garnish with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro, and get ready to savor the best grilled chicken experience.
How to Serve Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro elevate this dish instantly. The lime adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness, and cilantro brings a refreshing herbal contrast. These finishing touches are like a little exclamation point on the whole grilling journey.
Side Dishes
Pair this chicken with fluffy jasmine rice or cool vermicelli noodles to soak up every bit of that delicious marinade. Alternatively, serve it alongside fresh lettuce wraps to create a vibrant, hand-held meal bursting with texture and flavor. These sides not only complement but also balance the rich notes of the chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get fancy? Consider slicing the grilled chicken to top a crunchy salad with shredded cabbage, carrots, and herbs for a fresh twist. You can also skewer the marinated chicken before grilling for easy party-friendly bites. Either way, this Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe shines just as brightly on a casual weeknight table as it would at a festive gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover grilled lemongrass chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. This way, you have an easy protein option ready to jazz up salads, sandwiches, or rice bowls during the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap portions tightly or store in freezer-safe containers. Frozen grilled lemongrass chicken keeps well for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this vibrant recipe even on busy days when cooking from scratch isn’t an option.
Reheating
Reheat leftover grilled chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to retain moisture and crispness. Adding a squeeze of lime after warming refreshes the flavors, making the dish taste nearly as good as freshly grilled. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, chicken breasts can work too. Just be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out faster on the grill.
Is there a vegetarian version of this grilled lemongrass dish?
You can use firm tofu or tempeh marinated in the same lemongrass mixture and grilled similarly. It’s a delicious plant-based twist that still captures the vibrant flavors of the original recipe.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
Marinating for at least 2 hours is essential, but overnight is ideal. The longer marination allows the lemongrass and seasonings to deeply penetrate, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Can I use a stovetop grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Definitely! A grill pan works wonderfully and can replicate the charred grilling effect indoors. Just be sure to preheat it well and cook over medium-high heat for best results.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh lemongrass?
Fresh lemongrass really makes this dish sing, but if unavailable, dried lemongrass powder or paste can be used as a substitute. Just adjust the quantity since they tend to be more concentrated in flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe that makes it a standout meal no matter the occasion. The intoxicating aroma, the perfect char, and the harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and savory elements combine so effortlessly, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Give it a try, gather your friends or family, and enjoy a delicious journey through Vietnamese flavors that feels both fresh and familiar.
Print
Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, fish sauce, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. Perfectly charred on the grill, it offers an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. Serve it with jasmine rice, vermicelli noodles, or fresh lettuce wraps for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons lemongrass (white part only, finely minced)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 small shallot (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Garnish
- Lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the minced lemongrass, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, minced garlic, shallot, ground black pepper, and salt. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is evenly blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: About 15 minutes before cooking, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat setting, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is slightly charred and caramelized.
- Rest and Serve: Take the grilled chicken off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice the chicken if desired and serve garnished with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro for added brightness and aroma.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, vermicelli noodles, or crisp lettuce wraps.
- If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, use a stovetop grill pan to achieve similar results.
