Zesty Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe for Summer
Summer nights call for vibrant lemongrass chicken that dances with zesty Southeast Asian flavors.
Fragrant herbs and bright marinades transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Marinating transforms chicken into a celebration of vietnamese culinary traditions.
Crisp charred edges and tender meat create a perfect balance of textures.
Grilling brings out complex layers of citrusy, spicy notes that make your taste buds sing.
You can easily recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Let’s unlock the secrets of this mouthwatering recipe that promises to become your new favorite summer meal.
Why Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Is a Favorite
Ingredients for Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Main Protein:Marinade Ingredients:Dipping Sauce Ingredients:Serving Suggestions:How to Make Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade
Finely chop the lemongrass, garlic, and shallot into tiny pieces. Combine these aromatic ingredients in a mixing bowl with:Thoroughly mix the ingredients until well blended. Add chicken thighs and let them soak up the marinade for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
Step 2: Fire Up the Grill
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Lightly brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place chicken on the grill, starting with the skin side down. Cook over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even cooking and beautiful golden-brown marks.
Step 3: Whip Up Zesty Nuoc Cham Sauce
In a small bowl, blend:Optional additions like minced chili or garlic can elevate the sauce. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a tangy and sweet dipping sauce.
Step 4: Plate and Savor
Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. Slice the chicken and arrange on a bed of vermicelli noodles or steamed rice. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve alongside the Nuoc Cham sauce.
Pro Tips for Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Variation Ideas for Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Pairing Tips for Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Storage Guidelines for Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
FAQs About Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Lemongrass adds a bright, citrusy, and slightly floral flavor that’s characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine, providing a unique aromatic profile that distinguishes this dish from other grilled chicken recipes.
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out more quickly. Chicken thighs are recommended for their higher fat content, which keeps the meat juicier and more flavorful during grilling.
Fish sauce is crucial in Vietnamese cooking, providing a deep umami flavor and saltiness that cannot be easily replaced. If you can’t find fish sauce, you might use soy sauce with a bit of anchovy paste, though the flavor will be slightly different.
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Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Sizzling Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken delivers bold Southeast Asian flavors that dance across your palate with zesty marinade magic. Fragrant herbs and caramelized edges create an irresistible dish you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Protein:
- 8 boneless chicken thighs
Marinade Ingredients:
- 1 stalk lemongrass (approximately 3.5 tablespoons)
- 4 cloves garlic (approximately 2 tablespoons)
- 1 shallot (approximately 2 tablespoons)
- 1.5 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (approximately 1 lime)
- 6 tablespoons hot water
- 2.3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
Optional Garnish:
- Grated carrots
- 1 birds eye chili pepper
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant marinade by meticulously mincing lemongrass, garlic, and shallots into fine fragments. Combine with fish sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and water in a mixing vessel.
- Submerge chicken thighs in the aromatic marinade, allowing flavors to penetrate for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for deeper infusion.
- Preheat grill to medium heat, ensuring grates are lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Remove excess marinade from chicken pieces.
- Position chicken skin-side down on the grill, creating those coveted caramelized edges. Cook for 12-15 minutes, rotating periodically to guarantee uniform browning and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While chicken sizzles, whisk together lime juice, hot water, sugar, and fish sauce for the classic nuoc cham dipping sauce. Add optional ingredients for enhanced complexity.
- Once grilled, transfer chicken to a resting board, allowing juices to redistribute for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Plate alongside vermicelli noodles or steamed rice, accompanied by fresh vegetables and the prepared nuoc cham sauce, creating a harmonious Vietnamese-inspired feast.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper, more intense flavor profiles that penetrate every fiber of the meat.
- Experiment with different cooking methods like oven-roasting or air frying if outdoor grilling isn’t possible, maintaining the same marinade technique.
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum juiciness and richer taste, which helps prevent drying out during high-heat cooking.
- Customize the Nuoc Cham sauce by adjusting spice levels with more chili or reducing sugar for a tangier, lighter dipping experience that complements the grilled chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 267 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Sarah Mitchell
Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast
Expertise
Education
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC
American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online
Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.