Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe for Flavorful Meals

Aromatic lemongrass chicken tantalizes taste buds with its vibrant, zesty profile that dances between sweet and savory dimensions.

Fragrant herbs and bold spices reimagine ordinary poultry into an extraordinary culinary experience that speaks directly to your adventurous palate.

Southeast Asian cuisine brings remarkable depth through carefully balanced ingredients that elevate simple proteins into complex flavor narratives.

Traditional cooking techniques unlock subtle nuances within each carefully selected component, creating a harmonious melody of taste sensations.

Bright citrusy notes intertwine with robust seasoning, promising a meal that feels both comforting and excitingly fresh.

Delicate marinades infuse tender meat with layers of intricate regional influences, celebrating generations of refined culinary wisdom.

Cooking this dish connects you to rich cultural traditions that have perfected flavor combinations over centuries.

Cooking Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken from Start to Finish

Step 1: Create Aromatic Marinade

• Garlic
• Shallot
• Lemongrass

• Fish sauce
• Soy sauce
• Sugar
• Water

Submerge chicken in the marinade, letting it soak for 30 minutes to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Prepare Grilling Station

Remove chicken from marinade, discarding excess liquid.

Lightly coat chicken with cooking oil.

Preheat grill to medium heat.

Step 3: Master the Grill Technique

Place chicken on grill, skin side down.

Cook for 2-3 minutes.

Flip chicken and close grill lid.

Continue cooking for 5-8 minutes until fully cooked.

Step 4: Whip Up Zesty Dipping Sauce

Combine nuoc cham sauce ingredients.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Slice grilled chicken.

• Vermicelli noodles or rice
• Fresh vegetables
• Nuoc cham dipping sauce

Enjoy your Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken!

Pro Hacks for Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator to deeply infuse the lemongrass and aromatics for a more intense taste profile.
• Perfect Chicken Texture: Pat chicken dry before grilling to ensure crispy skin and beautiful caramelization, preventing steaming instead of searing.
• Balance Grilling Heat: Use medium heat to prevent burning while allowing the chicken to cook evenly and develop a rich golden-brown exterior.
• Enhance Herb Freshness: Chop lemongrass, garlic, and shallots as finely as possible to release maximum essential oils and aromatic compounds.
• Dipping Sauce Perfection: Taste and adjust nuoc cham sauce just before serving, balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements for a vibrant flavor experience.

Storing and Reheating Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken the Right Way

• Refrigeration: Store leftover lemongrass chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate chicken from sauce to maintain its crispy texture.
• Reheating: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve moisture and prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the meat tender. Alternatively, use the microwave with a damp paper towel covering the chicken, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Flavors That Match Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: The bright, citrusy notes of this white wine complement the lemongrass and herb flavors, cutting through the richness of the grilled chicken.
• Serve with Vietnamese Iced Coffee: The sweet and strong coffee balances the savory and tangy elements of the dish, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the grilled meat.
• Accompany with Fresh Herb Salad: A light, zesty salad with mint, cilantro, and basil enhances the aromatic profile of the lemongrass chicken, adding brightness and texture to the meal.
• Match with Ginger Limeade: This cool, zingy drink mirrors the citrusy and herbal notes in the dish, creating a harmonious and refreshing dining experience.

Fun Twists on Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

• Spicy Lemongrass Kick: Add red chili flakes or fresh chopped Thai chilies to the marinade for a fiery heat that complements the zesty lemongrass.
• Coconut Fusion Edition: Replace water in the marinade with coconut milk to create a creamy, tropical undertone that enhances the chicken's richness.
• Oven-Roasted Alternative: For those without a grill, bake the marinated chicken in a preheated 400°F oven for 25-30 minutes, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Herb Garden Blend: Mix fresh cilantro, mint, and Thai basil into the marinade and garnish the final dish for an aromatic herb-infused version of the classic recipe.

What Makes Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken So Special

• Burst with Bright Flavors: This Vietnamese lemongrass chicken explodes with zesty, aromatic notes from fresh lemongrass, garlic, and a perfectly balanced marinade that infuses deep, complex taste into every bite.
• Master Quick and Easy Grilling: Requiring minimal preparation time and simple grilling techniques, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish that anyone can confidently cook at home with just basic skills.
• Enjoy Versatile Meal Potential: The dish adapts beautifully to multiple serving styles – whether paired with vermicelli noodles, steamed rice, or fresh vegetables, creating a flexible meal that suits different preferences and dietary needs.
• Experience Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine: By using traditional ingredients like fish sauce and lemongrass, home cooks can transport their taste buds to the vibrant street food scenes of Vietnam without leaving their kitchen.

Everything That Goes Into Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

• Chicken: Tender, bone-in or boneless meat perfect for absorbing marinade flavors.

• Garlic, Shallot, Lemongrass: Fragrant base that infuses deep Vietnamese-style flavor into the chicken.
• Fish Sauce: Classic Vietnamese seasoning that adds umami and saltiness.
• Soy Sauce: Rich, savory element that deepens the marinade's complexity.
• Sugar: Balances and caramelizes during grilling for a subtle sweetness.
• Water: Helps distribute marinade ingredients evenly.

• Lime Juice: Bright, acidic component that adds freshness.
• Chili: Provides a spicy kick and traditional Vietnamese heat.
• Garlic: Adds sharp, pungent flavor to the dipping sauce.
• Sugar: Creates balance between spicy and tangy elements.
• Fish Sauce: Foundational seasoning that gives authentic Vietnamese taste.

• Vermicelli Noodles or Rice: Neutral base that complements the flavorful chicken.
• Fresh Vegetables: Adds crunch, nutrition, and traditional Vietnamese serving style.

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor zesty Vietnamese lemongrass chicken, a melodic blend of aromatic herbs and tender marinated meat. Fragrant garlic, ginger, and lemongrass create a perfect harmony that transports you straight to Hanoi’s bustling street markets.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 8 boneless chicken thighs

Marinade Aromatics:

• 1 stalk lemongrass (approximately 3.5 tablespoons)
• 4 cloves garlic (approximately 2 tablespoons)
• 1 shallot (or small onion, approximately 2 tablespoons)

Marinade Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1.5 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons dark soy sauce (or mushroom soy, or regular soy)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons water

Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce:

• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (approximately 1 lime, or substitute with white vinegar)
• 6 tablespoons hot water

Optional Garnish:

• grated carrots
• 1 birds eye chili pepper

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Instructions

1. Meticulously mince garlic cloves, shallots, and tender lemongrass stalks into fine, aromatic fragments, releasing their intense flavors into a mixing vessel.
2. Whisk together fish sauce, soy sauce, granulated sugar, and cool water until sugar dissolves completely, creating a harmonious marinade with balanced umami and sweet undertones.
3. Submerge chicken pieces thoroughly in the liquid mixture, ensuring each surface is generously coated and infused with the fragrant herbs and seasonings.
4. Allow chicken to absorb marinade flavors at ambient temperature for 30-60 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
5. Preheat grill to medium heat (350-375 degrees Fahrenheit or 175-190 degrees Celsius), creating an ideal cooking environment for even heat distribution.
6. Gently pat chicken pieces dry, removing excess marinade and lightly brushing with neutral cooking oil to prevent sticking and promote beautiful caramelization.
7. Position chicken skin-side down on hot grill grates, cooking for 2-3 minutes until crisp golden-brown edges emerge, then carefully flip to opposite side.
8. Close grill lid and continue cooking for 5-8 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) for food safety.
9. While chicken grills, prepare nuoc cham by combining complementary ingredients, adjusting seasoning to achieve perfect sweet-tangy-savory balance.
10. Once fully cooked, let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to redistribute internal juices, then slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
11. Plate alongside vermicelli noodles or steamed jasmine rice, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve nuoc cham dipping sauce in a separate small bowl.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor infusion, letting the lemongrass and aromatics deeply penetrate the meat.
• Use fresh ingredients like recently harvested lemongrass and just-crushed garlic for vibrant, authentic Vietnamese taste.
• Grill chicken skin-side down first to render fat and create a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juiciness.
• Let chicken rest after grilling to redistribute internal juices, ensuring each bite remains tender and succulent.
• Nuoc Cham sauce provides a tangy, sweet-sour balance that complements the rich, grilled chicken perfectly.
• Serve immediately with cold rice noodles or steamed rice to enjoy the optimal temperature and texture contrast.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg