This lemongrass chicken recipe is easy to make. Chicken thighs are coasted ina flavorful lemongrass marinade and grilled until juicy and tender.
What is Lemongrass Chicken?
Lemongrass chicken is popular in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, among many others. This dish is reminiscent of a favorite I enjoy at a local Vietnamese restaurant; it’s flavorful and pairs well with almost any fresh side.
Lemongrass itself is an herb with a light lemon scent and adds great flavor to marinades. Most grocery stores carry stalks of lemongrass near the other fresh herbs. You can also replace it with a lemongrass paste if you’d prefer.
To prepare lemongrass, peel off the tough outer layers and finely chop or mince the tender center. More details on preparation below!
Ingredient Tips for Lemongrass Chicken
- Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are my first choice for this recipe as they are juicy and delicoius. You can use chicken cutlets or breasts. If using chicken breasts, I recommend pounding it to ½-inch thick.
- Lemongrass: Lemongrass is the key ingredient in this recipe, adding a delicate lemon flavor. You can also use lemongrass paste (check the recipe notes). While it’s not the same flavor, a bit of lemon zest can be used as a substitute.
- Aromatics: Garlic and ginger add a lot of flavor to this recipe, dried is not recommended.
- Fish sauce: I love the savory flavor fish sauce adds to the marinade.
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps the chicken to caramelize. It can be replaced with honey.
Variations
Spice up the marinade with extra red pepper flakes, black pepper, Thai basil, sriracha, Thai chili paste, or gochujang.
How To Prepare/Cut Lemongrass
To prepare lemongrass for this recipe, cut the stalk into pieces 3 to 4 inches long and remove the tough, woody outer layers. Finely chop the tender inside portion.
Storing Leftover Lemongrass Chicken
Keep leftover lemongrass chicken in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze portions in zippered bags for up to a month.
Reheat lemongrass chicken in the microwave or air fryer and serve as a new meal with sweet chili sauce, or add leftovers to a quick stir fry or a coconut curry soup.
Did you enjoy this Lemongrass Chicken Recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and rating below.
Lemongrass Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs about 1 ½ lbs
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemongrass minced
- 1 ½ tablespoons minced fresh ginger see notes
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- To prepare lemongrass, cut it into pieces 3 to 4 inches long and remove the tough, woody outer layers. Finely chop the tender inside portion.
- In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add the chicken thighs and toss well to coat. Marinate at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high. Cook the chicken 3 to 4 minutes per side or until it reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Chicken, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Asian© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
So easy and SO good!! Used the lemongrass paste and added the chilli pepper flakes! Definitely a make again recipe!! 5 stars!
I’ve been looking for a good grilled chicken recipe, this is absolutely the best. My family enjoyed the taste of this Lemongrass Chicken. I will make it again. It’s a keeper. Thank you so much!
I didn’t have fish sauce so I substituted oyster sauce. It was very good. I will make this recipe again.
Hello Becky. I am happy to hear that you enjoyed this lemongrass chicken recipe.
Happy birthday Holly!
Where I’m from this dish is very popular it’s called “inasal” it’s one of my favorite thanks for posting the recipe. By the way, I received your book today from Amazon .. really excited to try some of these recipes.
Thanks!
Lina
Thank you Lina, it’s a family favorite for us too, thank you for sharing the name of this where you live. I hope you enjoy the recipes in Everyday Comfort!!
I love lemongrass, so this recipe is happening on this week’s menu. I wanted to add that I received your new cookbook, in kindle version, last night. I stayed up far too late, drooling over all the photos. What a gorgeous cookbook. I have to bookmark so many of them, as they are recipes that I’d definitely love. Great job! I wish you all the success that you have earned.
That is so sweet of you! I am glad you are loving the cookbook as much as we are!