Why You’ll Love Vietnamese Grilled Chicken Meal Prep Recipe
This Vietnamese Grilled Chicken Meal Prep is a simple way to enjoy restaurant-style flavors at home. The aromatic lemongrass marinade gives the chicken a bright, savory taste while keeping it juicy and flavorful after grilling.
It’s also perfect for preparing ahead of time. With just a short marinade and quick grilling process, you can make several portions that are ready for lunches or dinners throughout the week. The chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, making it easy to customize based on your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 Tbsp lemongrass, thinly sliced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce paste (add 3 Tbsp first, then 3 Tbsp later)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp oil
- 2 chicken breasts, halved into 4 pieces
- Mixed greens, optional, for serving
- Rice, optional, for serving
- Pickled carrots, optional, for serving
- Scallion garnish, optional, for serving
Directions
- In a bowl, combine the sliced lemongrass, minced shallot, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce paste, garlic powder, and oil. Mix well until all ingredients are combined, then add the remaining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce paste.
- Reserve a spoonful or two of the marinade to use for brushing the chicken while grilling.
- Coat the chicken pieces with the remaining marinade, making sure they are evenly covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the grill. Grill the chicken for about 6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Brush with the reserved marinade while grilling as needed.
- Serve the grilled chicken with rice, mixed greens, pickled carrots, and scallion garnish.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Marinating time: 30 minutes (or overnight)
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: About 42 minutes
Variations
- Add a little honey or brown sugar to the marinade for a slightly sweeter Vietnamese-style flavor.
- Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Add a splash of lime juice to the marinade for extra freshness.
- Serve the chicken in lettuce wraps instead of with rice for a lighter meal.
- Add sliced cucumbers, herbs, or extra vegetables for a more colorful meal prep bowl.
- Use the grilled chicken in sandwiches, salads, or noodle bowls for variety throughout the week.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to help keep it moist. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work very well in this recipe. They are naturally more tender and flavorful, making them a great substitute for chicken breasts.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should marinate for at least 30 minutes, but leaving it overnight will allow the flavors to fully develop.
Can I cook this chicken without a grill?
Yes. You can cook the chicken in a grill pan, skillet, or bake it in the oven until it reaches the proper internal temperature.
What is soy sauce paste?
Soy sauce paste is a thicker, more concentrated soy-based seasoning that adds rich flavor and a slightly deeper color to dishes. If unavailable, you can use a thick soy-based sauce substitute.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes. This recipe is designed for meal prep. Cook the chicken in advance and portion it with your preferred sides for easy meals throughout the week.
What sides go well with Vietnamese grilled chicken?
Rice, mixed greens, pickled carrots, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and noodles all pair nicely with this chicken.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes. Place the chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before grilling.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is ready when it is cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature. The meat should be firm and no longer pink in the center.
Can I make this recipe less salty?
Yes. Reduce the amount of soy sauce paste or use a lower-sodium soy-based seasoning to adjust the salt level.
What makes this recipe good for meal prep?
The chicken stays flavorful after cooking, stores well, and can be combined with different sides to create quick and satisfying meals.
Conclusion
Vietnamese Grilled Chicken Meal Prep is a flavorful, practical recipe that brings fresh Vietnamese-inspired flavors to your weekly meal routine. The fragrant lemongrass marinade, juicy grilled chicken, and customizable serving options make it a versatile dish that is easy to prepare and enjoy throughout the week.
Vietnamese Grilled Chicken Meal Prep
This Vietnamese grilled chicken meal prep features juicy marinated chicken with lemongrass, shallots, and savory soy flavors. Serve it with rice, greens, and pickled vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp lemongrass, thinly sliced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce paste (add 3 Tbsp first, then 3 Tbsp later)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp oil
- 2 chicken breasts, halved into 4 pieces
- Mixed greens, optional
- Rice, optional
- Pickled carrots, optional
- Scallion garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix lemongrass, shallot, 3 Tbsp soy sauce paste, garlic powder, and oil. Once combined, add the remaining soy sauce paste.
- Set aside a spoonful or two of marinade to brush onto the chicken while grilling.
- Coat chicken with the remaining marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat grill. Grill chicken for about 6 minutes per side or until fully cooked, brushing with reserved marinade as needed.
- Serve with rice, mixed greens, pickled carrots, and scallion garnish.
Notes
- Chicken can be marinated overnight for deeper flavor.
- Store cooked chicken in meal prep containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Serve with your preferred grains and vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
