Description
This Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and spices, then perfectly grilled to achieve a delicious charred and juicy finish. Ideal for a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner served with steamed rice or crispy lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 8 boneless chicken thighs
Lemongrass Chicken Marinade
- 1 stalk lemongrass (approx. 3 and 1/2 tablespoons), finely chopped and smashed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the lemongrass: Cut off the root end of the lemongrass, remove the tough outer layers, then finely chop the stalk into small pieces. Smash it with the side of a knife to release its aromatic oils.
- Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the minced lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, vegetable oil, black pepper, and salt until well mixed.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
- Preheat the grill: Set the grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and nicely charred on the outside.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices and enhance flavor.
- Serve: Serve the grilled lemongrass chicken with steamed rice or wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves for a classic Vietnamese-style meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- If a grill isn’t available, an indoor grill pan or broiler can be used.
- Adjust the honey amount to taste for sweetness preference.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
