Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Reduce the grilling time to about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, and be extra vigilant with your meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

I can't find fresh lemongrass. What can I substitute?

If fresh lemongrass isn't available, look for lemongrass paste in tubes in the produce section (use about 2 tablespoons). In a pinch, you can substitute 1 tablespoon lemon zest plus 1 teaspoon grated ginger, though the flavor profile will be different.

Is fish sauce necessary? It smells strong!

Fish sauce smells potent on its own but transforms when combined with other ingredients. It's key for authentic flavor, but if you must substitute, use an extra tablespoon of soy sauce plus 1/4 teaspoon salt. The depth of flavor won't be quite the same, but your chicken will still be delicious.

How can I tell when lemongrass is fresh?

Fresh lemongrass should feel firm, not rubbery or dry. The stalks should be pale green to white at the bottom, with no brown spots or discoloration. They should have a bright, citrusy scent when you crush the end slightly.

Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

Name: Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 2 stalks lemongrass (tender white part only); 1 large shallot (thinly sliced, skin removed); 4 large garlic cloves; 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice; Zest of 1 lime; 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 teaspoons fish sauce; 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Description

This Grilled Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a delightful blend of lemongrass, lime, garlic, and soy sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or summer barbecue, this recipe brings out the vibrant essence of Vietnamese cuisine. The juicy chicken with its smoky grilled edges pairs excellently with a side of rice or a refreshing salad.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Marinade

2 stalks lemongrass (tender white part only)
1 large shallot (thinly sliced, skin removed)
4 large garlic cloves
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Zest of 1 lime
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons fish sauce

For the Chicken

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

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Instructions

Make the Marinade
Place the lemongrass, shallot, garlic, lime juice, lime zest, brown sugar, vegetable oil, soy sauce, and fish sauce into a food processor. Process everything together until the mixture becomes smooth. This marinade will pack every bite of chicken with flavor.
Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs into a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Toss to combine thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken for at least 4 hours or, for best results, overnight. This resting time allows the chicken to fully absorb the marinade flavors.
Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Brush the grill grate with oil to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the remaining liquid. Grill the chicken thighs for approximately 6 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safely cooked while maintaining juicy texture and flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, let the chicken sit for 1 minute to lock in the juices. Serve immediately alongside your favorite sides like steamed rice or a fresh cucumber salad.

Notes

Prep Lemongrass Properly: Trim off the root and the tougher green parts of the stalk. Remove the hard layers until you reach the tender white part. Slice it finely before blending.
Marinate Overnight: If possible, let the chicken marinate overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor infusion.
Brush the Grill with Oil: Prevent sticking by oiling the grill grates or pan. This makes way for a smooth cooking process.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfect results, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Slice Shallots Thin: This ensures they blend seamlessly with other marinade ingredients.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 290kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 125mg