If you’ve ever wanted to capture the vibrant, fresh flavors of Southeast Asia right in your own kitchen, then this Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe is going to be your new go-to masterpiece. It’s a perfect balance of fragrant lemongrass, tangy lime, and savory undertones that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and irresistible texture. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, this recipe promises juicy, tender chicken thighs infused with a marinade so good you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step in bringing this Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe to life. Each component plays a pivotal role, from the zesty lime that brightens the marinade to the fragrant lemongrass that gives the dish its signature aroma and flavor.
- Lemongrass (2 stalks, tender white part only): This fragrant stalk adds a citrusy, herbal note that defines the dish.
- Large shallot (1, thinly sliced, skin removed): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the marinade.
- Garlic cloves (4 large): Provides mild pungency and rich flavor base.
- Fresh lime juice (3 tablespoons): Brings a bright and tangy freshness that balances sweetness and saltiness.
- Lime zest (zest of 1 lime): Intensifies lime flavor with a fragrant kick.
- Light brown sugar (2 tablespoons, packed): Offers gentle caramel notes that enhance the chicken’s caramelization when grilled.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps the chicken moist and helps the grill marks form nicely.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami richness and a savory depth.
- Fish sauce (2 teaspoons): Infuses authentic Southeast Asian savory notes, rounding out the flavor profile.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (2 pounds): Perfect for grilling due to their tenderness and ability to soak up the marinade.
How to Make Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by finely chopping the tender white part of the lemongrass stalks—it’s essential to mince them well so their flavors truly infuse the marinade. Combine the minced lemongrass with sliced shallots, crushed garlic cloves, fresh lime juice and zest, light brown sugar, vegetable oil, soy sauce, and fish sauce in a mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a fragrant, flavorful marinade that will coat the chicken beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into a large bowl or zip-top bag, and pour the marinade over them. Massage the chicken so every piece is evenly coated, then cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—though ideally 3 to 4 hours for maximum flavor absorption. This marinating time allows the lemongrass and bright citrus notes to penetrate deep into the meat.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While your chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want a nice hot surface to get those beautiful char marks and caramelize the sugars in the marinade without drying out the chicken—achieving that delicate balance is key for this grilled delight.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Look for a lovely golden-brown char with crispy edges and juicy interior. Flip only once or twice to prevent tearing. Be sure to keep an eye on flare-ups from the marinade’s sugars to maintain perfect grilling conditions.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once grilled to perfection, transfer the chicken to a resting plate and let it sit for 5 minutes. This resting period locks in the juices so when you bite into your Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe, it’s tender, flavorful, and bursting with all the intricate notes from the marinade.
How to Serve Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and Thai basil complement the bright lemongrass flavor perfectly—sprinkle them generously over the grilled chicken just before serving. Don’t forget a few thin lime wedges on the side for guests who love an extra zing of citrus! A scattering of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts can add wonderful texture and a nutty finish to the dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fragrant sticky rice, allowing the chicken’s bold flavors to shine. For a fresh contrast, serve alongside a crunchy Vietnamese-style slaw made from shredded cabbage, carrots, fresh herbs, and a light lime dressing. Grilled or roasted vegetables also make an excellent accompaniment to add natural sweetness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, casual meal, slice the grilled chicken and serve it wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves with herbs and a drizzle of chili-lime sauce for an irresistible hand-held treat. Alternatively, chop the chicken into chunks and toss into a bowl with rice noodles, fresh veggies, and herbs for a vibrant lemongrass chicken salad. You can even skewer the marinated chicken for kebabs, ideal for entertaining!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the chicken completely before sealing to maintain texture and freshness. The robust marinade flavor holds up well, so reheated chicken will still taste fantastic.
Freezing
Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe leftovers freeze beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawed, the chicken retains most of its flavor and juiciness, making it a convenient make-ahead option for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave leftovers covered with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs tend to be more forgiving on the grill and stay juicier due to their higher fat content. If using breasts, marinate a bit longer and monitor grilling time closely to avoid drying out.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can experiment with firm tofu or seitan marinated in the same lemongrass mixture for a delightful vegetarian option. Just adjust grilling times accordingly to ensure even cooking.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 1 hour, but ideally 3 to 4 hours. Avoid marinating longer than 12 hours, as the acid in lime juice can start to break down the chicken texture too much.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the marinade ahead simplifies the process on cooking day. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days and whisk well before adding the chicken to ensure the flavors are well combined.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook this chicken under the broiler or use a grill pan on your stovetop. Just keep a close watch to prevent burning and turn the chicken regularly for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress and bring a little sunshine to the dinner table. Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create big, vibrant flavors that are both sophisticated and comforting. Once you experience that incredible blend of fragrant lemongrass, citrusy lime, and grilled char, I promise it will become a staple in your meal rotation. Happy grilling, my friend!
Print
Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, lime, and traditional Vietnamese sauces. Ready in just 22 minutes, it offers a vibrant balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, perfect for a quick and impressive meal that highlights authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 2 stalks lemongrass (tender white part only), finely minced
- 1 large shallot, thinly sliced, skin removed
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced
- 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
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemongrass Marinade: Finely mince the tender white parts of the lemongrass stalks. Combine with thinly sliced shallot, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, lime zest, light brown sugar, vegetable oil, soy sauce, and fish sauce in a mixing bowl. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, creating a balanced marinade with sweet, sour, and umami notes.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade bowl, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Cover and allow to marinate for at least 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the vibrant flavors of the lemongrass and spices, enhancing the chicken’s tenderness and aroma.
- Preheat and Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill, cooking approximately 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred and caramelized.
- Rest and Serve: Once grilled, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or additional lime wedges if desired, alongside steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to intensify flavors.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they remain juicier and more flavorful when grilled.
- If a grill is unavailable, a grill pan or broiler can be used as alternatives.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by modifying brown sugar and fish sauce quantities according to taste.
- To keep it gluten free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
