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Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

This Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken features marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection, infused with aromatic lemongrass and spices.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • BBQ Grill

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 8 thighs boneless chicken

Lemongrass Chicken Marinade

  • 1 stalk lemongrass approx. 3½ tablespoons
  • 4 cloves garlic approx. 2 tablespoons
  • 1 small shallot or small onion, approx. 2 tablespoons
  • 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 fresh lime juice approx. 1 lime, or substitute with white vinegar
  • 6 tablespoons hot water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • grated carrots optional for color
  • 1 pepper birds eye chili optional, for some spiciness

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade

  • Finely chop or grate the garlic and shallot. You can also blitz this in a food processor with the lemongrass.
  • Remove the first outer layer of the lemongrass stalk, cut off the dry tips at the top and the thick hard base at the end. Use the tender light yellow parts.
  • Chop the lemongrass finely or blitz it in a food processor with the chopped shallots and garlic.

Marinate the Chicken

  • Add the aromatics to a bowl with the chicken and the rest of the marinade ingredients. Marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature or overnight for best flavor.
  • If desired, add sriracha or a finely chopped Thai chili to the marinade for spiciness.

Prepare for Grilling

  • Remove as much aromatics from the chicken before grilling to prevent burning. Coat the chicken with oil.

Grill the Lemongrass Chicken

  • Set the BBQ to medium heat. Place chicken skin side down first and let it sear for about 2-3 minutes (lid up).
  • Flip the chicken, close the lid, and cook for about 5-8 minutes.
  • Check if chicken is done. Flip again for more char if desired.
  • Cook for about 12-15 minutes for a ¼ inch thick piece of boneless dark meat chicken.
  • Remove chicken from BBQ and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into pieces.

Notes

This recipe is best enjoyed with the nuoc cham dipping sauce on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 24gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 400mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg
Keyword Asian cuisine, Chicken Thighs, Grilled Chicken, marinated chicken, Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
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