Vietnamese Lemongrass Grilled Chicken, also known as Ga Nuong Sa, is a beloved street-food classic from Vietnam that is famous for its bold aroma, smoky char, and irresistible balance of sweet, savory, and citrusy flavors. Lemongrass is the heart of this dish—it infuses the chicken with a bright, fresh fragrance that instantly transports you to bustling Vietnamese food stalls.

Combined with garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, and caramelized sugar, the chicken becomes deeply flavorful, juicy on the inside, and beautifully charred on the outside. This dish is simple in ingredients but extraordinary in taste, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and outdoor grilling gatherings.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Vietnamese Lemongrass Grilled Chicken because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The marinade works like magic—lemongrass adds freshness, fish sauce adds umami, and caramelized sugar adds irresistible depth.

I also love how versatile it is: it works as a rice bowl topping, sandwich filling, salad protein, or party grilled dish. Every time I grill it, the aroma alone makes everyone hungry before the chicken even hits the plate.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

One of the most iconic Vietnamese grilled dishes
Bursting with fresh lemongrass aroma and smoky flavor
Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and citrusy taste
Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients
Great for meal prep, parties, and summer grilling
Works with rice, noodles, salads, and sandwiches

If you love bold Southeast Asian flavors but want something grilled instead of saucy, this dish is an absolute must.

Recipe Overview

Dish Name: Vietnamese Lemongrass Grilled Chicken
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 2–8 hours
Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: About 2½ hours
Servings: 4
Calories (Approx): 360–400 calories per serving

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

600 g boneless chicken thighs or breast
3 tbsp fresh lemongrass (finely minced)
1 tbsp garlic (minced)
1 tbsp shallots or onion (minced)
1½ tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1½ tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar
1 tbsp honey (optional for glaze)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)

Optional Garnish

Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Sliced red chilies

Cooking Directions (Quick Overview)

Marinate chicken with lemongrass mixture.
Rest for at least 2 hours.
Grill chicken until smoky and charred.
Rest briefly, slice, and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut chicken into medium-sized pieces or keep whole thigh fillets depending on your serving style. Pat dry for better marinade absorption.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemongrass Marinade

In a bowl, combine minced lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, oil, black pepper, and chili flakes. Mix until well blended.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add chicken to the marinade and mix thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Heat a grill pan, outdoor grill, or heavy frying pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until beautifully charred and fully cooked.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice if needed and prepare for serving.

How to Serve Vietnamese Lemongrass Grilled Chicken

Serve over steamed jasmine rice
Pair with Vietnamese broken rice (Com Tam)
Add to rice noodle bowls (Bun Ga Nuong)
Serve inside banh mi sandwiches
Pair with pickled carrots & daikon
Add nuoc cham dipping sauce on the side
Garnish with cilantro, lime, and chilies

Recipe Tips

Always use fresh lemongrass for best aroma
Chicken thighs stay juicier than breast
Let chicken rest after grilling to retain moisture
Don’t overcook—slight char is perfect, not burning
Brush leftover marinade during grilling for deeper flavor

Variations (In Detail)

1. Lemongrass Chicken Skewers

Thread marinated chicken onto skewers for party-style serving.

2. Air-Fryer Lemongrass Chicken

Air-fry at 180°C (360°F) for 12–14 minutes, flipping once.

3. Spicy Lemongrass Chicken

Add extra chili paste or fresh Thai chilies to the marinade.

4. Lemongrass Tofu (Vegetarian Version)

Use firm tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken.

5. Lemongrass Chicken Rice Bowl

Serve sliced chicken over rice with fried egg, pickles, and fish sauce drizzle.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

Refrigerate grilled chicken in airtight container for up to 4 days
Store extra marinade separately for up to 3 days

Freezing:

Freeze raw marinated chicken for up to 2 months
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 1 month
Thaw overnight and reheat on grill or pan

Special Equipment Needed

Grill or grill pan
Mixing bowls
Knife and cutting board
Tongs
Measuring spoons

Optional: Skewers, air fryer, or outdoor grill.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What does lemongrass taste like?
It tastes citrusy, herbal, and lightly peppery—very fresh and aromatic.

Q2. Can I use lemongrass paste instead of fresh?
Yes. Use about 1 tablespoon paste for 3 tablespoons fresh lemongrass.

Q3. Can I bake this chicken?
Yes. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q4. Is Vietnamese lemongrass chicken spicy?
Traditionally mild. You control the heat with chilies.

Q5. Is this recipe healthy?
Yes—high in protein, low in carbs, and lightly grilled.

Conclusion

Vietnamese Lemongrass Grilled Chicken is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. With its smoky char, juicy texture, and signature citrus-herbal aroma, this dish delivers authentic Vietnamese street-food magic straight to your home kitchen. It’s light yet satisfying, bold yet balanced, and versatile enough for rice bowls, noodle plates, salads, and sandwiches. Whether you’re firing up the grill for guests or cooking a quick weekday dinner, this recipe guarantees flavor, fragrance, and satisfaction in every bite. Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of your most-loved grilled chicken recipes.