This lemongrass chicken recipe is a favorite easy dinner.
Chicken thighs are marinated in a delicious lemongrass marinade with fresh lime and ginger. It’s grilled until juicy and tender.
What is Lemongrass Chicken?
Lemongrass chicken is popular in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, among many others. It has a herbaceous, lemony aroma, and this version packs a lot of flavor with the addition of aromatics and fish sauce. It is reminiscent of a favorite dish I enjoy at a local Vietnamese restaurant; it’s flavorful and goes with almost any fresh side.
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!
I Love This Lemongrass Chicken Because…
- The rich and slightly caramelized marinade tastes sweet and savory with the perfect balance of flavors.
- Adding lime juice adds a bright and tangy zing to the dish.
- This juicy, tender chicken is slightly charred on the grill and pairs perfectly with the flavorful sauce.
- It’s the perfect chicken for a fresh and flavorful bowl or wrap.
Ingredients for Lemongrass Chicken
Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe as they are nice and juicy. Chicken breasts can also be used in this recipe as well I’d recommend pounding them to ½-inch thick.
Lemongrass: Lemongrass adds a lovely lemony citrus flavor and is usually sold in long stalks at the grocery store. You can also use lemongrass paste (check the recipe notes). While it’s not exactly the same, a bit of lemon zest can be used in place.
Marinade: The marinade is where all of the flavor for this dish comes from. Fresh ginger adds flavor, fish sauce adds savory umami flavor, and brown sugar adds sweetness and helps the chicken to caramelize.
Variations
Spice up the marinade with extra red pepper flakes, black pepper, Thai basil, sriracha, Thai chili paste, or gochujang.
How to Make Lemongrass Chicken
- Prepare marinade (recipe below).
- Toss chicken in marinade to coat and marinate.
- Grill chicken on medium-high.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How To Prepare 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.
Lemongrass Chickens Pairs Well With…
Garlic Bok Choy Recipe
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
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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.
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In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes if using.
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Add the chicken thighs and toss well to coat. Marinate at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
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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
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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!