Quick & Flavorful Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

Sizzling aromas of zesty Vietnamese lemongrass chicken waft through the kitchen, promising a culinary adventure that tantalizes every sense.

Fragrant herbs and bold spices dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that transport you straight to the bustling streets of Hanoi.

Tender chicken pieces marinate in a vibrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, and rich seasonings, promising a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Each bite carries the essence of traditional Vietnamese cooking, blending sweet, savory, and aromatic notes.

The recipe unlocks a world of authentic taste, revealing how simple ingredients can create extraordinary dishes.

Grab your apron and spices – this chicken promises to be the star of your next dining experience.

How to Make Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

• Flavor Infusion

Chop garlic, shallots, and lemongrass into tiny pieces, releasing their vibrant aromas. Mix these fragrant ingredients with fish sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness to create a magical marinade that will transform ordinary chicken into a taste explosion.

• Chicken Transformation

Allow the chicken to bathe in the marinade, soaking up all the delicious flavors. Let it rest at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator, giving the seasonings time to work their culinary magic.

• Grilling Performance

Heat up the grill and give the chicken a light olive oil massage. Start with the skin side down, letting it sizzle and crisp up beautifully. Close the lid and let the heat work its charm, turning the chicken into a golden, mouth-watering masterpiece.

• Zesty Companion

Whip up a tangy dipping sauce that will make your taste buds dance. This liquid sunshine will complement the chicken’s rich flavors and add an extra layer of excitement to your meal.

• Plate and Celebrate

Slice the grilled chicken with care, arranging it alongside rice or vermicelli noodles. Garnish with fresh herbs and vegetables, creating a feast that looks as amazing as it tastes. Drizzle the dipping sauce and get ready for a flavor adventure.

Tips and Variations for Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

• Crush lemongrass and garlic with a mortar and pestle to release more intense aromatics and deepen the chicken's flavor profile.
• Swap chicken for pork or tofu to create different protein variations while maintaining the classic Vietnamese seasoning technique.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing dryness and guaranteeing safe, juicy results every time.
• Adjust dipping sauce heat by adding more or less chili pepper, creating a personalized spice level that suits individual taste preferences.
• Marinated chicken can be stored in sealed containers for up to 48 hours, making it an excellent option for quick weeknight dinners or advance preparation.

Plating Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

• Pair with Fresh Rice Noodles: Toss grilled lemongrass chicken over soft, cool vermicelli noodles for a classic Vietnamese street food experience that balances warm, fragrant meat with silky, light noodles.
• Create a Colorful Salad Plate: Arrange sliced chicken on a bed of crisp lettuce, cucumber, mint leaves, and pickled carrots to add vibrant textures and fresh herb flavors that complement the chicken's zesty marinade.
• Enhance with Nuoc Cham Drizzle: Pour the tangy, sweet dipping sauce generously over the chicken and accompaniments to intensify the dish's traditional Vietnamese flavor profile and add a bright, zingy finish.
• Garnish with Herb Sprinkle: Top the dish with chopped cilantro, green onions, and crushed peanuts to introduce extra layers of crunch, aroma, and nutty complexity that elevate the entire meal.

Meal Planning for Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making each bite more delicious.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Frozen chicken stays fresh for 2-3 months, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
• Revive Leftovers Perfectly: Gently reheat chicken in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwave heating to prevent drying out the meat.
• Prep Ahead with Confidence: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing deep flavor penetration. This time-saving technique ensures a delicious meal with minimal day-of preparation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken: Ingredient List

• Garlic: Provides sharp, pungent flavor that enhances the chicken's depth and adds aromatic complexity.
• Shallot: Delivers a gentle, sweet onion undertone that softens the marinade's intensity.
• Lemongrass: Introduces bright, citrusy notes with subtle herbal essence, creating characteristic Vietnamese profile.
• Fish Sauce: Brings umami richness and authentic Southeast Asian seasoning depth.
• Soy Sauce: Contributes savory undertones and beautiful caramel-like coloration.
• Sugar: Balances flavors and helps create perfect caramelization during grilling.
• Water: Helps distribute marinade ingredients evenly and maintain moisture.

• Chicken: Select bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum juiciness and flavor absorption.

• Lime Juice: Provides tangy brightness and cuts through rich chicken flavors.
• Chili: Adds vibrant heat and exciting kick to complement the mellow chicken.
• Garlic: Introduces additional aromatic punch to the nuoc cham sauce.
• Sugar: Creates balanced sweetness against the sauce's acidic components.
• Fish Sauce: Delivers signature Vietnamese umami and depth to the dipping sauce.
• Water: Ensures perfect sauce consistency and helps blend flavors smoothly.

Tools Needed for Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping ingredients safely.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for finely chopping garlic, shallots, and lemongrass.
• Mixing Bowl: Large enough to combine marinade ingredients thoroughly.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Provides perfect char and smoky flavor for chicken.
• Tongs: Helps flip and handle chicken securely during grilling.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise seasoning for marinade and dipping sauce.
• Small Bowl: For mixing nuoc cham dipping sauce.
• Serving Platter: Presents the grilled chicken beautifully.

Aromatic Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling vietnamese lemongrass chicken delivers a symphony of Southeast Asian flavors with tender marinated meat. Herbs, garlic, and zesty lemongrass create an irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 boneless chicken thighs
• 1.5 tbsps fish sauce
• 1.5 tbsps dark soy sauce (or mushroom soy, or regular soy)
• 1 stalk lemongrass (approx 3.5 tbsps)
• 4 cloves garlic (approx 2 tbsps)
• 1 shallot (or small onion, approx 2 tbsps)
• 2 tbsps sugar
• 2 tbsps water
• 2 tbsps + 1 tsp sugar (for nuoc cham)
• 2 tbsps fish sauce (for nuoc cham)
• 2 tbsps fresh lime juice (approx 1 lime, or substitute with white vinegar)
• 6 tbsps hot water
• 1 clove garlic (for nuoc cham)
• grated carrots
• 1 birds eye chili pepper

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Instructions

1. Herb Preparation: Finely chop garlic, shallots, and lemongrass into delicate fragments, releasing their vibrant aromatics into a mixing bowl.
2. Marinade Creation: Blend fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and water until smooth, crafting a liquid seasoning that promises deep flavor complexity.
3. Chicken Marination: Immerse chicken thoroughly in the herbal mixture, coating each piece completely and allowing flavors to permeate for 30-60 minutes at room temperature or up to 24 hours refrigerated.
4. Grill Setup: Heat grill to medium intensity (350-375°F), establishing an optimal cooking surface for even caramelization and flavor development.
5. Cooking Technique: Remove chicken from marinade, pat dry, and lightly brush with oil. Grill skin-side down for 2-3 minutes until golden, then flip and continue cooking with lid closed for 5-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Resting and Serving: Allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes, slice against the grain, and plate with vermicelli noodles or jasmine rice. Prepare nuoc cham as an accompanying dipping sauce, garnishing with fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak at room temperature or refrigerate for deeper, more intense flavor absorption.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165°F, ensuring safe and juicy results every time.
• Caramelization Technique: Pat chicken dry before grilling to create crispy, golden-brown exterior with maximum flavor development.
• Resting Ritual: Allow grilled chicken to rest 3-5 minutes, letting internal juices redistribute for incredibly tender and succulent meat.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg