If you have a craving for something bursting with vibrant flavors and effortless charm, the Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe is your answer. This dish is a perfect harmony of fragrant lemongrass, zesty lime, and a hint of sweetness, all coming together to create tender, juicy chicken that tastes like a celebration in every bite. It’s one of those recipes that feels both exotic and comforting, and once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation for gatherings or weeknight dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each bringing a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color to the dish. From the fresh zing of lemongrass to the savory depth of fish sauce, these components work incredibly well together.
- Lemongrass stalks (tender white part only): Adds a bright, citrusy fragrance that’s the signature of this dish.
- Large shallot (thinly sliced, skin removed): Provides mild sweetness and delicate texture.
- Large garlic cloves: Infuses a warm, aromatic base for the marinade.
- Fresh lime juice: Brings zesty acidity that brightens all the flavors.
- Lime zest: Concentrates citrus notes for a fresh punch.
- Packed light brown sugar: Balances tartness with a subtle caramel sweetness.
- Vegetable oil: Helps everything blend and keeps the chicken moist while grilling.
- Soy sauce: Adds depth and a hint of umami richness.
- Fish sauce: Provides that classic savory Vietnamese touch that elevates the marinade.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfect cut for juicy, tender results after grilling.
How to Make Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lemongrass Marinade
Start by finely chopping the tender white parts of the lemongrass along with sliced shallots and garlic. Combine these with fresh lime juice, lime zest, packed brown sugar, vegetable oil, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Mix thoroughly to create a fragrant, perfectly balanced marinade that will infuse your chicken with layers of taste.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure every piece is generously coated. Let the chicken soak up these vibrant flavors for at least 1 hour, or if you have time, refrigerate it overnight for an even deeper infusion.
Step 3: Prepare Your Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to get it hot and ready. This ensures a good sear and those beautiful grill marks that add both flavor and visual appeal.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the hot grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is nicely charred on the outside and cooked through. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning but embrace those smoky spots—they add amazing flavor!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once off the grill, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This step guarantees every bite will be juicy and tender, ready to impress.
How to Serve Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint are a natural match, adding a refreshing, herbal brightness on top. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can also provide a lovely nutty crunch that complements the chicken beautifully.
Side Dishes
The grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice, soaking up every last bit of its flavorful marinade. For a light contrast, serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette, enhancing the dish’s bright and fresh character.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your meal fun and interactive by serving the chicken alongside warm rice paper wrappers and fresh vegetable rolls, letting everyone craft their own lemongrass chicken wraps. Alternatively, serve it over a bed of vermicelli noodles topped with pickled vegetables for a satisfying meal that’s bursting with textures and flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, place leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to extend its life, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will maintain optimal quality for about 2 months. Be sure to label it so you remember this little gem of pre-prepped goodness.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the texture as close to freshly grilled as possible.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work too, but since they’re leaner, be careful not to overcook them to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least 1 hour is great, but letting it sit overnight really amps up the flavors and tenderness.
Is it necessary to use fish sauce?
Fish sauce is key for that authentic Vietnamese umami flavor. If you have dietary restrictions, use a light soy sauce alternative, but understand it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes works well if you don’t have access to a grill; just finish under the broiler for a minute or two to get a good char.
What can I serve with the leftover marinade?
Since the marinade is raw, avoid using it directly. However, you can make an extra batch without raw chicken to use as a sauce or drizzle after grilling.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe that makes it a standout in any cooking repertoire. The way the fresh herbs, tangy lime, and savory sauces come together is pure magic. I cannot encourage you enough to give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find a new favorite go-to meal that feels like a delicious adventure every time.
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Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Description
This Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, shallots, lime juice, and traditional Vietnamese seasonings. Perfectly charred on the grill, this dish offers a harmonious balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, making it an irresistible choice for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 stalks lemongrass (tender white part only)
- 1 large shallot (thinly sliced, skin removed)
- 4 large garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemongrass Marinade: Finely chop the tender white parts of the lemongrass stalks and thinly slice the shallot and garlic. In a bowl, combine the chopped lemongrass, shallot, garlic, lime juice, lime zest, brown sugar, vegetable oil, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 3 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the thighs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and allow to rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Slice or serve whole, garnished with fresh herbs or lime wedges if desired. Enjoy your flavorful Vietnamese lemongrass grilled chicken!
Notes
- Use the tender white part of lemongrass for best flavor and texture; avoid the tough green parts.
- Marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavor greatly if time allows.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a grill pan or broil in the oven.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste for a sweeter or less sweet marinade.
- Serve with steamed rice and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an authentic Vietnamese meal.
