Description
Delicious and aromatic Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken featuring tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and spices, then grilled to perfection with a smoky char.
Ingredients
Scale
Lemongrass Chicken Marinade:
- 1 stalk lemongrass (approx. 3 and 1/2 tablespoons, finely chopped)
- 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
Chicken:
- 8 boneless chicken thighs
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 the chopped lemongrass with the side of a knife to release its oils for maximum flavor.
- 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. Mix thoroughly to create a well-blended, fragrant marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a more intense flavor infusion.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked through and develops a flavorful charred exterior.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
- Serve: Serve the grilled lemongrass chicken hot, paired with steamed rice or wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves for a traditional Vietnamese experience.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if time allows.
- Use fresh lemongrass for authentic taste; if unavailable, substitute with 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste or powder.
- Adjust the honey and lime juice amount to balance sweetness and acidity to your preference.
- Ensure the grill is clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner cuts, though thighs remain juicier.
