There’s something magical about the aroma of grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken wafting through the air. Imagine tender chicken marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, and spices, sizzling away on a hot grill. black pepper chicken for dinner The flavors burst in your mouth, creating an explosion of taste that you won’t soon forget. For more inspiration, check out this Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe.
Whenever I fire up the grill for this dish, it feels like a small celebration. Whether it’s a summer cookout or a cozy family dinner, this recipe brings everyone together, ready to indulge in its deliciousness.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Vietnamese lemongrass chicken offers an easy preparation with minimal ingredients. Its delightful flavor profile is both sweet and savory, making it universally appealing. With vibrant colors and enticing aromas, it looks stunning on any plate. Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for oven baking or pan-searing. [/info_box]
I still remember the first time my friends tried this dish at my backyard barbecue; their eyes lit up as they took that first bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs are juicier than breasts and hold onto flavors beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Chicken Parm Soup recipe.
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Lemongrass Stalks: Fresh lemongrass gives a citrusy kick; look for firm stalks with vibrant green tops.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add depth; don’t skimp on them for maximum flavor.
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Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the saltiness balanced in the marinade.
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Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and caramelization; light or dark brown sugar works well.
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Fish Sauce: A little goes a long way to amplify the umami flavor; choose a quality brand.
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Vegetable Oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist while grilling and aids in flavor infusion.
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Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the dish and enhances all flavors beautifully.
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Cilantro (for garnish): Adds freshness and color when sprinkled on top before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
**Marinate the Chicken**: Begin by mixing minced garlic, chopped lemongrass, soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, vegetable oil, and lime juice in a bowl until well combined. herb roasted chicken recipe
**Prepare the Chicken**: Place your chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—longer if you can resist temptation!
**Heat Up the Grill**: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash for perfect cooking conditions.
**Grill the Chicken**: Remove chicken from marinade (discard extra marinade) and place on the hot grill grates. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and juices run clear.
**Rest & Serve**: Once done grilling, remove chicken from heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This ensures that all those delicious juices stay locked in.
**Garnish & Enjoy**: Slice the grilled chicken into strips. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro over rice or lettuce wraps. Chimichurri grilled chicken bowl Enjoy every bite of this flavorful explosion!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Grilling Vietnamese lemongrass chicken brings a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing. This dish is not just about the chicken; it’s the marinade that elevates everything. Your friends will be begging for your secret recipe once they try it. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken overnight for deep flavor, then grill on high heat for perfect charring.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a delightful variation.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to avoid drying it out.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Always use fresh lemongrass for the best flavor; dried can’t compete. Marinating longer enhances tenderness and taste, so plan ahead! Don’t rush grilling; patience yields beautifully caramelized chicken. [/info_box]
Sometimes, I’ll grill extra chicken just to hear my friends rave about it; their compliments are always worth it!
FAQ
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least four hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Pork or shrimp work wonderfully with this flavorful marinade.
What should I serve with lemongrass chicken?
chicken sausages with veggies.
Serve it with jasmine rice or a fresh salad to complement its bold flavors.
Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken, where tender chicken thighs are marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, and spices. This dish not only dazzles the senses with its enticing aroma but also brings a burst of sweet and savory flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine minced garlic, minced lemongrass, soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, vegetable oil, and lime juice to create the marinade.
- Place chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Ensure they are well coated and marinate for at least 30 minutes (preferably overnight).
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C).
- Remove chicken from the marinade and discard excess marinade. Grill chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes per side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (140g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
