There’s something magical about the way flavors meld together in Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken. Imagine succulent chicken marinated to perfection, kissed by the vibrant zest of lemongrass, and infused with a medley of spices that dance on your palate. creamy chicken enchilada dip spicy Mediterranean chicken The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have your neighbors knocking on the door, begging for a taste.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience filled with memories of family gatherings and summer cookouts, where laughter mingles with delicious scents. Picture yourself grilling up Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken for a flavor explosion that will leave everyone asking for seconds. spicy hot honey chicken biscuits It’s perfect for any occasion—be it a casual weeknight dinner or your next backyard barbecue. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Peanut Chicken Recipe recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This simple recipe requires minimal prep time and offers maximum flavor impact
- The vibrant colors make it visually stunning, perfect for impressing guests
- You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preference
- Ideal for grilling but also versatile enough for stir-frying or baking!
One unforgettable evening, I served this dish to friends who thought they were just getting a regular chicken dinner. Their eyes lit up after the first bite, and suddenly we were discussing travel plans to Vietnam while devouring every last piece. For more inspiration, check out this Savory Chicken Lo Mein recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
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Lemongrass Stalks: Choose fresh stalks that are firm and fragrant; they bring out the authentic flavors.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for adding depth; go for whole cloves instead of pre-minced.
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Fish Sauce: A key ingredient in Vietnamese cooking; it adds umami richness that elevates the dish.
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Sugar: Brown sugar works beautifully here to balance the savory flavors with a hint of sweetness.
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Vegetable Oil: Use this for marinating and grilling; it helps achieve that perfect char.
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Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the marinade and adds zesty freshness.
For the Sauce:
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Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce; this allows better control over saltiness in your dish.
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Red Chili Flakes: Sprinkle these in if you like heat; they add a lovely kick without overpowering the flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Marinade: Start by finely mincing lemongrass, garlic, and mixing them with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and oil. The aroma will be irresistible!
Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a bowl or bag with marinade. Let them soak up all those fantastic flavors for at least 30 minutes—or overnight if you’re feeling ambitious.
Preheat Your Grill : Get your grill nice and hot—around 400°F (200°C) is ideal for achieving those beautiful grill marks while keeping the chicken juicy.
Grill Time!: Place marinated chicken on the grill. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sizzling sound is music to your ears!
Rest Before Serving : Remove chicken from grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps retain moisture; trust me, it’s worth it!
Slice & Serve : Slice grilled chicken and serve with rice or fresh veggies. creamy butter chicken Drizzle any leftover marinade as a flavorful sauce on top—your taste buds will thank you!
With each step infused with love and attention to detail, you’ll create an unforgettable culinary masterpiece that brings joy at every meal!
You Must Know
- Grilling Vietnamese lemongrass chicken is all about balancing flavors
- The marinade packs a punch, so let it work its magic overnight for the best results
- The aroma alone will have your neighbors peeking over the fence in envy
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour, preferably overnight. Grill on medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring juicy perfection.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp. Adding chili for extra heat can elevate this dish to new flavor heights.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on a skillet to retain juiciness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh lemongrass for vibrant flavor; dried won’t cut it here
- Make sure to pound it well to release essential oils, enhancing your marinade
- Always preheat your grill for optimal cooking temperature and those perfect char marks!
Sharing a meal made with this recipe sparked a delightful conversation with friends about our favorite family dishes, reminding me how food brings us together.

FAQ
What is the best way to prepare lemongrass?
Trim the ends and smash the stalks with a knife to release flavors effectively.
Can I use other meats for this recipe?
Yes! Pork or beef also work great with this flavorful marinade.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least one hour; overnight is even better for maximum flavor infusion.
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken, a delightful dish that combines succulent chicken marinated in fragrant lemongrass, garlic, and spices. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe delivers an explosion of taste with every bite. Ideal for grilling, stir-frying, or baking, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 stalks fresh lemongrass
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by finely mincing lemongrass and garlic. Mix them with fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.
- Place chicken breasts in the marinade and let soak for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400°F/200°C).
- Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with rice or fresh veggies and drizzle any leftover marinade on top.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 grilled chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg




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