The Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s perfectly grilled to bring out the best in the vibrant lemongrass and garlic marinade. The tenderness of the chicken, infused with the citrusy and spicy notes, makes it a true crowd-pleaser.
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides such as jasmine rice, a crisp salad, or even a warm baguette for a truly satisfying meal. It’s ideal for a summer BBQ, a weeknight dinner, or any occasion when you want a quick and tasty dish with layers of flavor. The added touch of fresh cilantro brings a refreshing contrast to the savory grilled chicken.
Full Recipe:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them evenly with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for more flavor.
- Heat vegetable oil in a grill pan or on a barbecue over medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 14 minutes | Total Time: 24 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken: A Flavorful Grilled Delight
Vietnamese lemongrass chicken is a vibrant and aromatic dish, loved for its delicious combination of sweet, savory, and citrusy flavors. This popular Vietnamese recipe, known for its juicy grilled chicken, is enhanced with a fragrant lemongrass marinade that infuses the meat with incredible flavor. The balance of lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar creates a mouthwatering profile, making it perfect for BBQs, family gatherings, or a simple yet flavorful dinner.
Whether served with rice, noodles, or as part of a fresh spring roll, Vietnamese lemongrass chicken is versatile and easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for those who love Asian-inspired flavors.
The Secret Behind Lemongrass Chicken: What Makes It So Special
Lemongrass chicken stands out because of its unique marinade that blends the fragrant and citrusy notes of lemongrass with savory components like fish sauce, soy sauce, and garlic. The key to this dish’s incredible flavor lies in the marinating process, which allows the chicken to absorb all the vibrant flavors. Grilled over medium heat, the chicken gets a perfect char while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The slightly caramelized sugar from the marinade adds a touch of sweetness, creating a wonderful balance with the salty and tangy elements.
The choice of chicken thighs, particularly boneless, dark meat, is a crucial factor in achieving a succulent and flavorful result. Dark meat tends to be juicier, ensuring that the chicken doesn’t dry out during grilling. However, white meat options like chicken breasts can also work, though they require extra attention to avoid overcooking.
Lemongrass: The Star Ingredient
At the heart of Vietnamese lemongrass chicken is, of course, lemongrass. This herb, which is widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine, provides a mild citrusy aroma that complements the richness of the chicken. The stalks of lemongrass are woody and tough, making it essential to finely chop or bruise them before use to release their oils. Whether you’re using fresh stalks or frozen pre-chopped lemongrass, this herb gives the chicken a distinct flavor that’s both refreshing and aromatic.
Lemongrass is readily available in most Asian grocery stores. When buying fresh lemongrass, look for firm stalks with a light yellow color at the base, and avoid any that appear dried out or have brown spots. To store lemongrass, you can keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze it for longer shelf life.
How to Perfectly Grill Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Grilling lemongrass chicken is an art that requires attention to detail. Since the marinade contains sugar, it’s essential to cook the chicken over medium heat to avoid burning. While high heat may give you a nice sear, the sugar in the marinade can quickly burn, which is why medium heat is recommended. The chicken should be grilled for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. For boneless chicken thighs, this time is usually sufficient to achieve a perfectly cooked, juicy result.
Another tip for perfect grilling is to remove the aromatics—such as chopped lemongrass and garlic—from the chicken before placing it on the grill. This will prevent them from burning during the cooking process while still allowing their flavors to penetrate the meat during marination. Before grilling, lightly coat the chicken with oil to prevent sticking to the grill.
Creative Ways to Serve Lemongrass Chicken
Vietnamese lemongrass chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways to suit various tastes and occasions. The most common way to enjoy this dish is by pairing it with jasmine rice or vermicelli noodles. You can also add some fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and a drizzle of nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce) to enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
For a more exciting take, try incorporating the grilled chicken into fresh spring rolls (goi cuon). These rice paper rolls can be filled with lemongrass chicken, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs like Thai basil, and a selection of crunchy vegetables like carrots and cucumber. Serve them with nuoc cham or peanut sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Lemongrass chicken also makes a delicious filling for banh mi sandwiches. Simply use a baguette and layer in the chicken along with pickled vegetables (daikon and carrots), fresh herbs, and a smear of pate or mayonnaise. The combination of the crispy bread, juicy chicken, and tangy pickles is a mouthwatering experience.
Pairing Lemongrass Chicken with Vietnamese Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce
No Vietnamese meal is complete without nuoc cham—an essential dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with lemongrass chicken. This sauce is a blend of fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and sometimes a bit of chili for a kick. Its balance of salty, sour, sweet, and spicy makes it the perfect accompaniment to this grilled chicken dish. Simply drizzle the nuoc cham over your chicken or use it as a dip for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Success: Making the Most of Your Lemongrass Chicken
To elevate the flavors of your lemongrass chicken, consider using dark meat like chicken thighs or drumsticks. These cuts are more flavorful and juicy, ensuring that the grilled chicken remains moist even after cooking. Boneless chicken cuts also help reduce cooking time, making the process quicker and more convenient.
When grilling, don’t rush the cooking process. Low and slow grilling ensures that the chicken gets crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. If you don’t have a grill, a cast-iron skillet or stovetop pan works well for making lemongrass chicken indoors.
If you want to spice things up, add some chopped Thai chilies or a dash of sriracha to the marinade for extra heat. On the other hand, you can omit the chili for a more mild version that everyone can enjoy.
Conclusion: A Flavorful and Versatile Dish
Vietnamese lemongrass chicken is a delightful dish that brings the essence of Vietnamese flavors to your kitchen. With its aromatic lemongrass, savory garlic, and tangy fish sauce marinade, this chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your grilling repertoire. Whether served with rice, noodles, in sandwiches, or fresh spring rolls, it’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
By following a few simple tips, you can create a perfectly grilled, juicy chicken that will impress your family and friends. And with its many serving options, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Don’t forget to pair it with the signature nuoc cham dipping sauce for the ultimate experience.
So, fire up the grill, grab your lemongrass, and get ready to enjoy this flavorful Vietnamese classic!