If you’ve ever craved a dish that’s bursting with vibrant, fresh flavors and carries a hint of smoky char from the grill, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of fragrant lemongrass, savory fish sauce, sweet honey, and zesty lime juice that come together to create a marinade that seeps deep into tender chicken thighs. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weekend lunch or impressing guests, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering experience that’s both exotic and comforting at the same time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and authenticity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the bright and citrusy lemongrass to the rich umami of fish sauce, all marrying beautifully to give the chicken its signature taste and irresistible aroma.
- 8 boneless chicken thighs: Choose good quality, skinless thighs for juiciness and even cooking on the grill.
- 1 stalk lemongrass (approx. 3 and 1/2 tablespoons): Finely chopped and smashed to unleash its fragrant oils, it’s the star of this marinade.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent depth that complements the lemongrass wonderfully.
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce: Brings authentic savory umami flavor essential in Vietnamese cooking.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Enhances the savory notes and adds subtle saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the marinade with a touch of sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken on the grill.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Injects a fresh, tangy brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps the chicken moist while grilling.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
How to Make Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Lemongrass
Start by trimming off the root end of the lemongrass stalk and peeling away the tough outer layers until you reach the tender core. Finely chop the lemongrass and then lightly smash it with the side of your knife to release its essential oils, which will infuse the marinade with that unmistakable fresh citrus aroma.
Step 2: Create the Marinade
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the minced lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, vegetable oil, black pepper, and salt. Whisk everything together until well incorporated and the honey dissolves completely, ensuring a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the vibrant mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld deeply—overnight marinating is even better if you have the time!
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill going on medium-high heat. It needs to be hot enough to give the chicken those beautiful grill marks and a slight char that adds complexity to the overall dish.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill, cooking for approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them so they develop a nice char without burning. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a juicy, tender center.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once off the grill, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This step is key to keeping every bite incredibly moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe effortlessly. Fresh chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add a lovely aromatic finish and a pop of texture that complements the grilled chicken perfectly.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up all that delicious marinade drippings. For a lighter, refreshing counterpoint, serve it alongside a crunchy pickled vegetable salad or crisp lettuce leaves for wrapping.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your serving up a notch by offering the chicken sliced in lettuce wraps with shredded carrots, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of spicy mayo or nuoc cham dipping sauce. Alternatively, toss sliced grilled chicken into a vibrant vermicelli bowl with plenty of fresh herbs and crushed peanuts for a feast of every texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from this Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken by placing the cooled pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, the chicken keeps well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label your container so you remember this tasty delight waiting for you later!
Reheating
For best results when reheating, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to retain its juiciness and that lovely grilled exterior. You can also microwave it on medium power, covered, until heated through, but be careful not to overcook or dry it out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work well if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep in mind they may cook a little faster and can dry out more easily, so watch the grilling time closely and consider marinating longer for extra flavor and moisture.
Is lemongrass difficult to prepare?
Not at all! While lemongrass might look intimidating, it’s actually quite straightforward to prep. Peel off the tough outer layers, finely chop the tender inner stalk, and give it a light smash to release its oils. Fresh lemongrass is widely available in many grocery stores and Asian markets.
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
If fish sauce isn’t available or preferred, a combination of soy sauce plus a touch of lime juice can mimic the salty and tangy flavors. There are also vegetarian vegan fish sauce alternatives made from seaweed that provide a similar umami kick.
Can I make this recipe indoors without a grill?
Yes! You can achieve great results by cooking the chicken under a broiler or using a grill pan on the stovetop. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and turn the chicken often to get that signature charred finish.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour, but for maximum flavor, marinating overnight in the refrigerator is ideal. Avoid marinating beyond 24 hours as the texture can begin to break down too much due to the acidity in the lime juice.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm, flavorful hug on a plate. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough to serve to guests, and the bright, fresh taste will have everyone asking for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how quickly it becomes a trusted go-to in your cooking arsenal!
Print
Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Description
This Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, honey, and lime juice. Grilled to perfection, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and citrusy flavors, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal served with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 boneless chicken thighs
Lemongrass Chicken Marinade
- 1 stalk lemongrass (approx. 3 and 1/2 tablespoons, finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Lemongrass: Cut off the root end of the lemongrass, remove the tough outer layers, then finely chop the stalk into small pieces. Smash the chopped lemongrass with the side of a knife to release its aromatic oils.
- Make Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the minced lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, vegetable oil, ground black pepper, and salt, stirring well to make a fragrant marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the mixture for maximum flavor infusion.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour to let the flavors develop fully; marinating overnight is ideal for an even more intense taste.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the marinated chicken.
- Grill Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely charred on the outside.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the grilled chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- Serve: Serve the grilled lemongrass chicken hot, paired with steamed rice or wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves for a delicious Vietnamese-inspired meal.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavors.
- Make sure the grill is adequately preheated to achieve a good sear and prevent sticking.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs offer more juiciness.
- Adjust the honey and lime juice quantities to taste for a sweeter or tangier marinade.
- Serve wrapped in lettuce with fresh herbs such as mint or cilantro for an authentic Vietnamese experience.
