Tangy & Tender: Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

The aroma of sizzling grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken wafts through summer kitchens, promising a burst of tangy, fragrant flavors.

This vibrant dish captures the essence of Southeast Asian street food with its bold marinade and tender meat.

lemongrass infuses the chicken with a bright, citrusy note that dances on your palate.

Marinating the meat allows deep, complex seasonings to penetrate every fiber, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Garlic, fish sauce, and fresh herbs blend seamlessly to produce an authentic taste that transports you to bustling Hanoi street corners.

The grill caramelizes the marinade, creating delectable crispy edges that seal in succulent juices.

Serve this chicken with steamed rice or wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves for a perfect summer meal that celebrates Vietnamese culinary traditions.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 5

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Essentials

• Lemongrass: Adds vibrant citrusy and herbal notes, choose fresh stalks with firm, pale green-white bottoms for maximum flavor.
• Garlic: Provides deep, pungent undertones, select firm bulbs without sprouts for robust taste.
• Shallot: Delivers subtle sweetness and aromatic depth, pick smooth, compact shallots without soft spots.

• Fish Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce: Creates umami-rich foundation, choose high-quality Vietnamese or Thai brands for authentic taste.
• Sugar: Balances savory elements and helps caramelization, opt for refined white sugar for smooth incorporation.
• Water: Helps blend marinade ingredients and tenderize chicken.

• Chicken Thighs: Ensures juicy and flavorful result, select bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum succulence and crispy exterior.

• Lime Juice: Provides bright, zesty freshness, use freshly squeezed for vibrant flavor.
• Hot Water: Helps dissolve sugar and blend ingredients smoothly.
• Optional Ingredients (Chili, Garlic): Adds extra heat and complexity to dipping sauce.

Equipment for Grilling Lemongrass Chicken

• Grill or Barbecue: Essential for achieving authentic charred flavor and perfect chicken.
• Mixing Bowl: Large enough to blend marinade ingredients and coat chicken thoroughly.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for finely chopping lemongrass, garlic, and shallots with precision.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely and cleanly.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken evenly on the grill without piercing meat.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure marinade and sauce ingredients.
• Small Bowl: Useful for preparing Nuoc Cham dipping sauce.
• Citrus Juicer: Optional tool for extracting fresh lime juice smoothly.

How to Grill This Flavorful Chicken Recipe

• Flavor Fusion

Create a vibrant marinade by blending fragrant lemongrass, pungent garlic, and delicate shallots with traditional Vietnamese seasonings. The combination will infuse the chicken with an irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.

• Marinating Magic

Let the chicken soak in the marinade, allowing the ingredients to dance and mingle. Give the meat time to absorb the rich, complex flavors – either for a quick afternoon preparation or overnight for maximum taste sensation.

• Grilling Technique

Fire up the grill and transform the marinated chicken into a masterpiece. Start with the skin side down to create a crispy, caramelized exterior. Rotate carefully to ensure even cooking and beautiful golden-brown coloration.

• Companion Sauce

Whip up a zesty dipping sauce that balances tangy, sweet, and savory notes. This liquid accompaniment will elevate the chicken’s flavor profile and add a refreshing kick to each bite.

• Presentation

Allow the grilled chicken to rest briefly, letting the juices redistribute. Slice with care and arrange alongside rice or noodles, creating a stunning plate that celebrates Vietnamese culinary traditions.

Tips for Maximum Lemongrass Aroma

• Crush lemongrass and garlic together before mixing to release maximum aromatic oils and intensify the marinade's depth.
• Use indirect heat and a two-zone fire setup to prevent burning while achieving perfect caramelized exterior and juicy interior for the chicken.
• Replace chicken thighs with drumsticks or chicken wings for different textures and portion sizes, maintaining the same delicious Vietnamese flavor profile.
• Prepare marinade and chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply and simplifying meal preparation on busy days.
• Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using identical marinating and grilling techniques to create a plant-based version of this classic Vietnamese dish.

Presenting Lemongrass Chicken with Style

• Pair with Vibrant Rice Noodle Bowl: Layer grilled chicken over cool, refreshing vermicelli noodles topped with fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and sliced cucumber for a light, balanced meal.
• Create Colorful Salad Wrap: Wrap sliced chicken in lettuce leaves with pickled carrots, daikon radish, and a drizzle of Nuoc Cham sauce for a fresh, zesty handheld experience.
• Complement with Steamed Jasmine Rice: Serve chicken alongside fluffy jasmine rice, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
• Transform into Quick Bánh Mì Sandwich: Slice chicken thinly and stuff into a crispy baguette with pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and a spread of mayonnaise for a classic Vietnamese street food twist.

Saving Lemongrass Chicken to Enjoy Again

• Smart Meal Prepping: Marinate chicken ahead and store in sealed containers for up to 24 hours, maximizing flavor development and saving precious cooking time.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep leftover grilled chicken in airtight containers, which stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
• Freezing Techniques: Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken maintains quality for approximately 2-3 months.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, ensuring moisture retention and preventing dry, tough meat textures.

Aromatic Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Lemongrass chicken brings Vietnamese culinary magic to home kitchens with marinated, char-grilled perfection. Fragrant herbs and caramelized edges create a delicious experience 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
• 1 stalk lemongrass (approximately 3.5 tbsps)
• 4 cloves garlic (approximately 2 tbsps)
• 2 tbsps sugar
• 1 shallot (approximately 2 tbsps)
• 2 tbsps water
• 2 tbsps fresh lime juice (approximately 1 lime)
• 2.5 tbsps sugar
• 6 tbsps hot water
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tbsps fish sauce
• grated carrots
• 1 birds eye chili pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Finely mince lemongrass, garlic, and shallots to release their aromatic essence and maximize flavor potential.
2. Marinade Creation: Blend chopped aromatics with fish sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and water, whisking until ingredients form a harmonious mixture.
3. Marinating Process: Immerse chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Rest for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for intensified flavor profile.
4. Grill Preparation: Heat grill to medium temperature (350-400°F), meticulously cleaning grates and lightly brushing with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Grilling Technique: Drain chicken, pat dry to minimize potential flare-ups. Position thighs skin-side down, allowing direct heat to crisp exterior and render fat.
6. Cooking Progression: Grill for 12-15 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve uniform caramelization and prevent charring. Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
7. Nuoc Cham Preparation: Craft dipping sauce by combining lime juice, hot water, sugar, fish sauce, and optional chili or garlic, whisking until sugar completely dissolves.
8. Finishing Touch: Allow grilled chicken to rest 5-7 minutes, enabling juice redistribution. Slice against the grain for optimal tenderness.
9. Serving: Present lemongrass chicken alongside vermicelli noodles or jasmine rice, garnishing with fresh herbs and accompanying nuoc cham sauce.

Notes

• Maximize Flavor Intensity: Mince lemongrass, garlic, and shallots ultra-fine to release maximum aromatic compounds and ensure deep, layered taste profiles.
• Marination Magic: Refrigerate overnight for profound flavor infusion, allowing chicken to absorb complex Vietnamese seasoning nuances.
• Grill Like a Pro: Clean and oil grates before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve perfect caramelized exterior without burning delicate meat.
• Rest and Redistribute: Allow grilled chicken to rest 5-7 minutes, enabling internal juices to redistribute, resulting in supremely tender and succulent meat.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg