Description
Grilled Lemongrass Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish that features tender chicken marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and a touch of sweetness. Grilled to perfection, this dish offers a balance of savory, sweet, and citrusy flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, it’s simple to make and pairs beautifully with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
2 stalks lemongrass, tender white parts only, roughly chopped (*see notes for guidance)
2 small shallots, peeled and roughly chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
1 green chili (jalapeño), roughly chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar (or any other sweetener of choice)
2 tablespoons avocado oil (or any neutral-flavored oil)
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Chicken:
2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
Instructions
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Prepare the Marinade: In a mini chopper or food processor, combine the lemongrass, shallot, garlic, chili, fish sauce, brown sugar, oil, soy sauce, and salt. Blend until smooth. Alternatively, finely chop all ingredients by hand and combine with the rest of the marinade ingredients.
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Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes, or marinate for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
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Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6 minutes on one side until grill marks appear, then flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
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Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a platter. Garnish with lime wedges and sliced scallions if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
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Lemongrass Preparation: To prepare lemongrass, peel away the tough outer layers, then trim the bottom and slice the tender white parts into thin rounds. If using a food processor, it will finely chop the lemongrass for the marinade.
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Alternative Protein: You can also use boneless chicken breasts or tofu for this marinade.
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Adjust Spice: For more heat, increase the number of chilies or add chili flakes to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
