Description
Indulge in the bold and aromatic flavors of Vietnam with this Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken recipe. Succulent, tender chicken thighs are marinated in a vibrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, shallots, lime, soy sauce, and fish sauce, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or fresh salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 2 stalks lemongrass (tender white part only)*
- 1 large shallot (1/4 inch sliced, skin removed)
- 4 large cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (fresh squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
Protein
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade
Place the lemongrass, shallot, garlic, lime juice, lime zest, brown sugar, vegetable oil, soy sauce, and fish sauce into a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth, ensuring the ingredients are well combined. - Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs into a large bowl. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are evenly coated. Toss to combine, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or up to overnight for best results. - Preheat the Grill
When ready to cook, prepare your grill over medium-high heat. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. - Grill the Chicken
Cook the chicken thighs for approximately 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Discard any leftover marinade. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a minute to ensure the juices remain locked in. - Serve
Serve the grilled chicken immediately with your choice of sides such as jasmine rice, fresh greens, or herbed noodles.
Notes
- Preparing Lemongrass: To access the tender white part, cut off 1 inch from the root and about 3 inches from the top of the stalk. Peel away the tough outer layers until you get to the softer white center.
- Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances the depth of flavor.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to achieve the perfect 165°F internal temperature for juicy, fully cooked chicken.
- Oil the Grill: Brushing the grill grates with oil prevents sticking and ensures cleaner cooking.
- Rest Time: Resting the chicken post-grill keeps it tender and juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16h
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 120mg