The aroma of grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken wafts through the air, teasing your senses with its tangy zest and smoky goodness. Each tender, marinated bite bursts with flavor, promising a taste experience that dances on your palate. classic chicken cordon bleu Imagine yourself hosting a backyard barbecue, friends gathered around, laughter filling the air as you unveil this show-stopping dish.
As you take that first juicy bite, the harmonious blend of lemongrass, garlic, and a hint of sweetness transports you to a bustling Vietnamese street market. savory sweet potato patties This is the dish that brings everyone together—perfect for summer cookouts or cozy family dinners.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Grilling up Vietnamese lemongrass chicken is simple and quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The vibrant flavors will impress your guests at any gathering
- Its colorful presentation makes it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds
- This dish is versatile; serve it with rice, noodles, or in fresh spring rolls!
I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; their delighted reactions were priceless as they devoured every last piece.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Choose thighs over breasts for juiciness and flavor; they hold up beautifully on the grill.
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Lemongrass Stalks: Fresh lemongrass adds an aromatic kick; look for firm stalks with a vibrant green color.
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Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for an aromatic base; minced garlic brings out the best flavors.
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Fish Sauce: A key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine; opt for high-quality fish sauce for authentic flavor.
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Sugar: White or brown sugar balances the salty notes from fish sauce; it caramelizes brilliantly on the grill.
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Vegetable Oil: Helps create that beautiful sear while keeping the chicken moist during grilling.
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Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds brightness; always use freshly squeezed for maximum flavor impact.
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Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper enhances all the flavors in this marinade without overpowering them.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Marinade: In a large bowl, combine minced lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, vegetable oil, lime juice, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well-combined.
Marinate the Chicken: Add boneless chicken thighs to your marinade. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. quick chicken gyro wraps Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—longer if time allows!
Preheat Your Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking and ensure those lovely grill marks.
Grill the Chicken Thighs: Place marinated chicken thighs on the hot grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until they’re nicely charred and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Rest & Serve!: Once grilled to perfection, remove chicken from heat and let it rest for five minutes before slicing. delicious Hainanese chicken recipe Serve warm with rice or fresh veggies.
Enjoy your flavorful creation—you’ve just grilled up Vietnamese lemongrass chicken for a flavor explosion! For more inspiration, check out this Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- The marinade for Vietnamese lemongrass chicken is not just about flavor; it’s a culinary hug
- Sizzling on the grill, it fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and warm memories of family gatherings around the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken overnight for deep flavor. Grill it over medium-high heat for that perfect char and juicy interior.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp, and add fresh herbs like cilantro for extra zing. Experimenting adds personal flair to your dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain that juicy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, let your chicken marinate longer than two hours
- Use fresh lemongrass; it makes all the difference!
- Don’t rush the grilling—allow those beautiful grill marks to develop for added texture
Sharing this dish with friends brought back memories of summer barbecues and laughter, reminding me how food can create unforgettable bonds.

FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw it completely before marinating for best results.
What should I serve with lemongrass chicken?
Serve with jasmine rice or fresh salad for a delightful meal pairing.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinate up to 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion and tenderness.
Savory Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of grilled Vietnamese lemongrass chicken, a dish that embodies the essence of summer gatherings and culinary delight. This tender, marinated chicken is infused with aromatic lemongrass, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this easy-to-make recipe will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar (white or brown)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together minced lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, vegetable oil, lime juice, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (preferably longer).
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F) and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the marinated chicken thighs for approximately 6-8 minutes per side until charred and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing. Serve warm with rice or fresh vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken thigh (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg




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