Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and transports your taste buds straight to Vietnam, then you’ve got to try my grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken! This incredible dish is all about that vibrant, aromatic profile that lemongrass brings, combined with the perfect balance of spices and marinated goodness. Seriously, every bite is like a mini vacation in your mouth!
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to create a truly authentic Vietnamese experience right at home. The chicken thighs are succulent and juicy, infused with the tangy and fragrant marinade that includes garlic, fish sauce, and a hint of sweetness from honey. Trust me, the grilling part adds that smoky char that makes it even more irresistible. It’s quick to whip up, and you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time! So, grab your grill and let’s get cooking this grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken—you won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken. Don’t worry; it’s super straightforward, and you might already have some of these ingredients in your kitchen!
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons lemongrass, minced (this adds that amazing citrusy flavor!)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (garlic lovers, rejoice!)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (trust me, it’s essential for that authentic taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for a bit of depth)
- 1 tablespoon honey (this will give it a lovely sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (just the right amount of kick!)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (to help everything blend together)
Feel free to tweak any of these ingredients to match your taste. I often adjust the honey or add a little more garlic depending on my mood! Just remember, the key to that fabulous flavor is all in the marinade. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the fun part—prepping and cooking your grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic meal ready in no time.
Marinating the Chicken
First things first, let’s make that amazing marinade! In a mixing bowl, combine the minced lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, black pepper, and vegetable oil. I love to whisk everything together until it’s well blended, ensuring that the honey dissolves nicely into the mix. This marinade is where all the magic happens, so don’t skip this step!
Now, add the chicken thighs to the bowl. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade—this is crucial for those bold flavors to really soak in. I like to use my hands (don’t worry, it’s part of the fun!) to massage the marinade into the chicken. Once everything is coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything into a resealable bag for ease. You’ll want to let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but if you have the time, let it sit overnight. Trust me, the longer it marinates, the more those flavors will develop!
Grilling the Chicken
After your chicken has marinated to perfection, it’s time to fire up the grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step is super important, as it helps to get that nice char on the chicken without drying it out. While the grill is heating up, take the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess drip off. Discard the marinade—it’s done its job!
Once the grill is hot, place the chicken thighs on the grill grates. Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them—look for those lovely grill marks and a nice golden brown color. To check for doneness, you can use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken juicy and tender!
And there you have it! Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken. Your taste buds are going to be dancing with joy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick rundown of the nutritional information for my grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 28g
This dish not only packs a punch of flavor but also offers a good balance of protein and healthy fats, making it a delightful addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy every bite while knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious and nutritious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Bold, vibrant flavors that will transport you straight to Vietnam with every bite.
- Healthy and gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone at the table.
- The marinade is super versatile—feel free to adjust it to match your taste!
- Grilling adds a delightful smoky flavor that elevates the dish.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, great for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
- Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Trust me, once you try this grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken, it’ll become a staple in your cooking repertoire!
Tips for Success
To make sure your grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips for success that I’ve picked up along the way!
- Marinate Longer: If you can, let the chicken marinate overnight. This really allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, making every bite a burst of deliciousness. If you’re short on time, at least aim for a couple of hours!
- Use Fresh Lemongrass: Fresh lemongrass makes a world of difference in flavor. If you can find it, go for it! Dried lemongrass just doesn’t have that zesty punch.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it’s super tender and juicy.
- Watch the Grill Temperature: Keep your grill at medium-high heat. Too hot, and you risk burning the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Too low, and you won’t get that delicious char!
- Customize Your Marinade: Feel free to play around with the marinade! Want it a little spicier? Toss in some chili flakes. Prefer it sweeter? Add a bit more honey. Make it your own!
- Serve with Fresh Herbs: Garnish your grilled chicken with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint just before serving for a beautiful touch and an extra layer of flavor. It’s like a little party on your plate!
- Pair with a Fresh Salad: Serve this chicken alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or some pickled veggies. The crunch and acidity balance the rich flavors and make for a fantastic meal.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to grilling up the best Vietnamese lemongrass chicken ever. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up with your grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken, here are a few fun variations to consider!
- Different Cuts: Try using chicken breasts or drumsticks for a change in texture. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or mint to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor that brightens up the dish.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate some Sriracha or red pepper flakes into the marinade if you like a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms, marinating them the same way for a delicious plant-based option.
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own—there are so many delicious possibilities!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken ready, let’s talk about what to serve it with for a complete and satisfying meal! One of my absolute favorites is to pair it with fragrant jasmine rice. The fluffy grains soak up the delicious juices from the chicken, creating a heavenly bite. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, try serving it over rice noodles tossed with a light sesame dressing for a refreshing twist.
Don’t forget to add some vibrant sides! A fresh cucumber salad with mint and lime is the perfect contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken. You could also whip up some pickled veggies for a tangy crunch. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not serve it with a side of spring rolls? They’re light and delicious, making for a fabulous spread that’ll impress everyone at the table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of your delicious grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken (which is rare, but it happens!), storing them properly is key to keeping that amazing flavor intact. Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent any drying out!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is simple. I recommend using a skillet over medium heat for the best results. Just add a splash of water or a drizzle of oil to keep it moist, and heat until warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick option, but be careful not to overdo it, or it may dry out. Enjoy every last bite of that flavorful chicken!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well too, just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What can I substitute for fish sauce? If you’re looking for alternatives, soy sauce can work in a pinch, or you can try a vegan fish sauce if you’re keeping it plant-based. Just remember that it’ll change the flavor a bit.
How spicy is this grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken? The recipe as written isn’t very spicy, but if you like heat, feel free to add some chili flakes or Sriracha to the marinade for a kick!
Can I marinate the chicken overnight? Yes! In fact, marinating overnight will deepen the flavors, making the chicken even more delicious. Just make sure to use a covered container or a resealable bag!
What sides pair well with this dish? I love serving this chicken with jasmine rice or rice noodles, along with a fresh cucumber salad or pickled veggies. The bright flavors really complement the grilled chicken beautifully! You can find more ideas for side dishes here.
Print
Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken: A Nostalgic Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken is a flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken with lemongrass and spices, grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons lemongrass, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, black pepper, and vegetable oil.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade and mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
- Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.
- Adjust marinade ingredients to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: grilled vietnamese lemongrass chicken, grilled chicken, vietnamese cuisine, lemongrass chicken