Name: Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-492321H43M16S
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless chicken thighs (skinless preferred); 2 stalks lemongrass (white part only), finely minced or smashed and chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 shallot, finely chopped; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey); 1 tbsp lime juice (or rice vinegar); 1 tbsp neutral oil (such as canola or sunflower); 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; Optional: 1 small chili, finely chopped

Description

This Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and lime, then grilled to smoky perfection. Juicy, savory, and slightly sweet, it is a vibrant and satisfying main dish.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs (700g) boneless chicken thighs (skinless preferred)

2 stalks lemongrass (white part only), finely minced or smashed and chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 shallot, finely chopped

2 tbsp fish sauce

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)

1 tbsp lime juice (or rice vinegar)

1 tbsp neutral oil (such as canola or sunflower)

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Optional: 1 small chili, finely chopped

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Instructions

In a bowl, mix the lemongrass, garlic, shallot, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, oil, black pepper, and chili (if using) to create the marinade.
Add the chicken thighs and toss well to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates or pan.
Grill the chicken for 4–6 minutes per side, until nicely charred and fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed jasmine rice or vermicelli noodles, pickled carrots and daikon, fresh herbs, and nuoc cham dipping sauce.

Boneless chicken breast may be substituted; adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.

For oven cooking, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes and broil briefly for extra char.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave in short intervals, covered.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grill
Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 430 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 900 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 42 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg