This Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is an aromatic and flavorful dish that transports your taste buds straight to Southeast Asia. Marinated in a vibrant mixture of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and honey, this dish is perfect for summer grilling or a quick weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The lemongrass gives the chicken a fresh, citrusy kick, while the fish sauce and soy sauce provide a depth of umami that complements the honey’s sweetness. Grilling the chicken adds a smoky char that makes this dish even more irresistible. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients that pack in so much flavor. This dish is perfect for a casual meal or to impress guests at a summer barbecue.
Ingredients
8 boneless chicken thighs
Lemongrass Chicken Marinade:
1 stalk lemongrass (approx. 3 and 1/2 tablespoons)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Start by preparing the lemongrass. Cut off the root end and remove the tough outer layers. Finely chop the stalk into small pieces, then smash it with the side of a knife to release its oils.
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, vegetable oil, black pepper, and salt to create the marinade.
Add the boneless chicken thighs to the marinade and make sure each piece is thoroughly coated.
Cover the chicken and let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge (overnight for more intense flavor).
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the marinated chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and charred on the outside.
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve with steamed rice or in a lettuce wrap for a fresh, delicious meal.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marination)
Variations
Spicy Option: Add sliced chilies or chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Grilled Vegetables: Pair the chicken with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for a complete meal.
Herb Infusion: Add a handful of fresh cilantro or mint leaves to the marinade for extra aromatic freshness.
Boneless Chicken Breasts: You can use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer a leaner cut of meat.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I recommend using the microwave or gently warming the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it on the grill for a few minutes to bring back some of the smoky flavor.
Related Recipes:
- Hawaiian Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
- Garlic Boneless Baked Chicken Breast
- Grilled Chicken & Avocado Salad Bowl
FAQs
How long should I marinate the chicken?
I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to soak in. If you have more time, marinating it overnight will deepen the flavors even more.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs. However, chicken breasts may dry out quicker, so keep an eye on the grill to ensure they stay juicy.
Is there a substitute for fish sauce?
If you don’t have fish sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or tamari for a similar salty, umami flavor.
Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead of grilling it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked, if you prefer not to grill it.
What should I serve this chicken with?
I love serving this grilled lemongrass chicken with steamed rice, a side of vegetables, or in lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb option.
Conclusion
Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a must-try recipe that combines vibrant, fresh flavors with a deliciously smoky grilled finish. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a summer BBQ, this dish is sure to impress. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple grilling steps, I know you’ll enjoy the mouthwatering flavors in every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marination)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a mouthwatering and aromatic dish, ideal for summer grilling or a quick weeknight dinner. Marinated with fresh lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and honey, this chicken delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Serve it with rice or in lettuce wraps for a fresh, satisfying meal. Quick to prepare and easy to make, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
8 boneless chicken thighs
Lemongrass Chicken Marinade:
1 stalk lemongrass (approx. 3 and 1/2 tablespoons)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Prepare the lemongrass by cutting off the root end, removing the tough outer layers, and finely chopping the stalk into small pieces. Smash it with the side of a knife to release its oils.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the minced lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, vegetable oil, black pepper, and salt to create the marinade.
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Add the boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.
-
Cover and refrigerate the chicken, allowing it to marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for more intense flavor).
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
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Grill the marinated chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and charred on the outside.
-
Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
-
Serve with steamed rice or in lettuce wraps.
Notes
For a spicy variation, add sliced chilies or chili flakes to the marinade.
You can pair the chicken with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for a complete meal.
If you prefer a leaner cut of meat, boneless chicken breasts can be substituted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 250 kcal
