Zesty Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe for Dinner Magic

Vibrant and aromatic, this vietnamese lemongrass chicken bursts with fresh Southeast Asian flavors that dance across your palate.

Fragrant herbs mingle with zesty citrus notes, creating a sensational dish that feels like a culinary journey.

Crisp and tender, each bite promises an explosion of taste that transports you directly to bustling Hanoi street markets.

My grandmother’s secret technique involves marinating chicken in a complex blend of traditional seasonings that unlock incredible depth.

Bold spices intermingle with subtle lemongrass undertones, promising a meal that delights every sense.

Passionate home cooks adore how simple ingredients can craft something so remarkable and authentic.

One taste will convince you this recipe belongs in your regular meal rotation.

FAQs About Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken, Answered

• Why is lemongrass important in this recipe?

Lemongrass provides a unique citrusy and slightly herbal flavor that’s essential to Vietnamese cuisine, giving the chicken a bright, aromatic taste that sets it apart from other marinades.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender. If using breasts, reduce cooking time to prevent drying out and ensure they remain juicy.

• Is fish sauce necessary for the recipe?

Fish sauce is a key ingredient that adds depth and umami flavor characteristic of Vietnamese cooking. If unavailable, you can substitute with salt or soy sauce, but the authentic taste will be slightly different.

• How spicy is this dish with chili flakes?

The chili flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your heat preference.

Why Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Is A Flavor Explosion

• Burst with Exotic Flavors: This Vietnamese lemongrass chicken delivers a punch of tangy, spicy, and aromatic taste that transports your taste buds to Southeast Asia with every bite.
• Master Quick Marinading: The simple marinade requires minimal prep and can be made in minutes, allowing you to infuse maximum flavor into the chicken with little effort.
• Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: Requiring just a few ingredients and simple grilling technique, this recipe works wonderfully for busy families seeking a delicious and nutritious meal that comes together fast.
• Customize Your Spice Level: By adjusting chili flakes, you can make this dish mild for kids or extra spicy for heat lovers, making it adaptable for different palate preferences.

Everything You Need For Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful cut of meat that absorbs the marinade beautifully.

• Lemongrass, Garlic: Aromatic base that provides a bright and zesty flavor profile.
• Fish Sauce, Soy Sauce: Savory condiments that add depth and umami to the marinade.
• Sugar: Helps balance the salty and tangy flavors while promoting caramelization.
• Lime Juice: Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness to the marinade.
• Chili Flakes: Optional ingredient that brings a gentle heat and subtle spiciness.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for grilling to prevent sticking and create a nice sear.
• Fresh Cilantro Leaves: Provides a fresh, herbal garnish that complements the chicken's rich flavors.

Step-By-Step Guide To Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Finely chop lemongrass and crush garlic. In a medium bowl, mix lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes until well combined.

Step 2: Infuse Chicken with Marinade

Place chicken thighs into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Let the chicken soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for a more intense taste profile.

Step 3: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat vegetable oil in a grill pan or barbecue over medium-high heat. Ensure the cooking surface is hot and evenly heated before adding chicken.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Carefully place marinated chicken thighs on the hot grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, rotating to create beautiful grill marks and ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer grilled chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the top for a burst of bright, herbal flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy the aromatic Vietnamese-style lemongrass chicken.

Tips To Nail Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Every Time

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, more intense flavor that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier results and richer taste compared to boneless cuts.
• Pat chicken dry before grilling to ensure perfect caramelization and beautiful grill marks on the surface.
• Adjust chili flakes according to your spice tolerance, creating a personalized heat level that suits your palate.
• Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain maximum moisture and tenderness.

Flavorful Twists For Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

• Spicy Sriracha Kick: Replace chili flakes with sriracha sauce for an intense, tangy heat that amplifies the chicken's flavor profile.
• Coconut Curry Infusion: Add a tablespoon of red curry paste and coconut milk to the marinade for a creamy, aromatic Southeast Asian-inspired variation.
• Honey Ginger Blend: Swap sugar with honey and incorporate fresh grated ginger for a sweeter, warmer undertone that complements the lemongrass.
• Herb Garden Remix: Mix in chopped fresh mint and basil leaves alongside cilantro for a vibrant, multi-layered herbal experience that brightens the entire dish.

Top Pairings For Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Dishes

• Pair Zesty Vietnamese Beer: Crisp Saigon or 333 beer complements the lemongrass chicken's bright, tangy flavors and cuts through the rich marinade perfectly.
• Create Refreshing Citrus Cocktail: Mix lime juice, light rum, mint leaves, and a splash of soda water to echo the recipe's citrusy and herbal notes.
• Match Cooling Side Salad: Prepare a quick cucumber and mint salad with rice vinegar dressing to balance the chicken's spicy and savory profile.
• Select Fragrant Jasmine Rice: Serve steamed jasmine rice alongside the grilled chicken to soak up the delicious marinade and provide a neutral, aromatic base.

How To Keep Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Tasty Later

• Refrigerate: Store leftover lemongrass chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the chicken whole or sliced to maintain moisture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Microwave Reheat: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 44 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor succulent Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken, where zesty citrus notes dance with fragrant herbs in a symphony of Southeast Asian flavors. Tender marinated chicken promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 teaspoons chili flakes (optional)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by blending aromatic lemongrass, minced garlic, pungent fish sauce, savory soy sauce, granulated sugar, zesty lime juice, and optional chili flakes in a mixing vessel.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring each piece is generously covered. Allow flavors to penetrate for minimum 30 minutes, or ideally refrigerate overnight for maximum taste infusion.
3. Preheat grill pan or barbecue to medium-high temperature, approximately 400°F, with a light coating of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
4. Carefully place marinated chicken onto hot cooking surface, grilling each side for 6-7 minutes. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F and distinctive char marks develop.
5. Once fully cooked, transfer chicken to serving platter and elegantly scatter fresh cilantro leaves across the top for a burst of herbaceous freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, more intense flavor infusion that penetrates every fiber of the meat.
• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked results without guesswork.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the delicious umami profile while meeting dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg