Imagine the intoxicating aroma of charred lemongrass and juicy chicken wafting from your grill—that’s the irresistible magic of Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken. This treasured classic brings together savory, sweet, and zesty notes in every tender bite, thanks to its fragrant marinade and vibrant garnishes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings, this recipe is a guaranteed way to impress and delight your family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
At the heart of Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken are simple yet powerful ingredients, each playing a vital role in the overall harmony of the dish. Let’s look at what you’ll need, along with tips to ensure each addition shines.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy boneless, skinless thighs stay tender and flavorful on the grill—don’t substitute with breast if you want maximum succulence.
- Lemongrass: Be sure to finely mince just the white part for the freshest, most aromatic punch in every bite.
- Fish Sauce: This classic Vietnamese staple adds deep umami and that one-of-a-kind savory edge.
- Soy Sauce: Enhances color and adds a gentle layer of saltiness.
- Brown Sugar: Helps the chicken caramelize on the grill and gives subtle sweetness.
- Vegetable Oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and keeps the meat moist while cooking.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the chicken with irresistible aroma.
- Shallot: Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor for depth and complexity.
- Ground Black Pepper: Lends gentle heat and a warm finish.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors into perfect balance.
- Lime Wedges and Chopped Cilantro: Brighten up the final dish with fresh, zesty, and herbal notes.
How to Make Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining your lemongrass, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, garlic, shallot, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Give it a good stir to ensure that all the flavors are well mixed. This fragrant blend forms the soul of your Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken, infusing every piece of meat with its signature complexity.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken thighs to the bowl, using your hands or a spatula to make sure each piece is thoroughly coated. For the best results, cover the bowl and let it rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours. If you can, leave it overnight—this extended marinating time will reward you with chicken that’s unbelievably flavorful.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan also works beautifully. Let the grill heat up fully to ensure those classic grill marks and proper charring.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the thighs directly onto the grill. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Resist the urge to flip too early—that caramelized crust is worth the wait!
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This step allows the juices to redistribute for ultra-tender results. Top with chopped cilantro and a generous squeeze of lime to awaken all those rich flavors in your Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken.
How to Serve Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Garnishes
Cilantro and lime are your best friends here. A shower of chopped cilantro brightens every bite, while a fresh squeeze of lime right before serving lifts the whole dish. For an extra pop, consider tossing on a few sliced scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Side Dishes
Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Steamed jasmine rice is a classic pairing, soaking up every drop of those irresistible juices. Vermicelli noodles or crisp lettuce wraps also make wonderful, authentic partners, balancing the dish with freshness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken family-style on a vibrant platter, or slice it thinly and arrange over a bed of noodles and crunchy vegetables for a show-stopping salad. For a party-ready twist, tuck slices into rice paper for fresh spring rolls or into soft baguettes for a Vietnamese-inspired sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken stores beautifully in the fridge. Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The marinade keeps the meat moist, so you’ll enjoy great flavor even a few days later.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, simply freeze the chicken in its marinade before grilling. When you’re ready to cook, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with grilling—no fuss required. Grilled leftovers can also be frozen for up to two months, then thawed in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it juicy. You can also pop it in the microwave, but go easy on the time to prevent drying out. In a pinch, cold slices are delicious tucked in a salad or sandwich!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
While chicken thighs are ideal for their moisture and flavor, you can use chicken breast in a pinch. Just be sure not to overcook, as breasts can dry out more quickly on the grill. Slice the breasts to an even thickness or pound gently before marinating for best results.
Is there a substitute for fish sauce?
Fish sauce adds signature umami to Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken, but if you need a substitute, try soy sauce with a splash of lime juice or a few drops of Worcestershire. The final flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be deliciously savory.
What’s the easiest way to prepare lemongrass?
Trim off the tough green tops and woody root ends, then peel off the outer layers until you reach the pale, tender core. Give it a quick chop, then mince it as finely as possible for the best texture. If you’re short on time, some grocery stores carry pre-minced lemongrass in the freezer section.
Can I cook this indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Absolutely! A stovetop grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet works very well. Just make sure to get it nice and hot before cooking to achieve those lovely charred edges and seal in all the flavor.
How spicy is Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken?
This recipe is aromatic and savory rather than spicy, making it family-friendly. If you crave more heat, feel free to add chopped fresh chili, a dash of chili flakes to the marinade, or serve with spicy Sriracha or chili sauce on the side.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is guaranteed to sprinkle a little excitement onto your dinner table. Smoky, juicy, and absolutely bursting with Southeast Asian flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again. Give it a try and share the joy with everyone you love!
