Caramelized Lemongrass Chicken Skewers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet-savory lemongrass, ginger, and fish sauce blend, then grilled to smoky perfection with a golden caramelized glaze. This asian-inspired grilling ready in about 50 minutes pairs Chicken thighs, stalks Lemongrass, Fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.6 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 stalks finely minced lemongrass, 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sesame oil, mixing until a smooth paste forms.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a resealable bag, pour the marinade over the chicken, and massage to coat evenly; refrigerate for 2 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F) and lightly brush grates with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Thread marinated chicken thighs onto skewers, leaving space between pieces, and grill for 10-12 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until skin is golden and caramelized and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then garnish with 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caramelized Lemongrass Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caramelized Lemongrass Chicken Skewers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Lemongrass Chicken Skewers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caramelized Lemongrass Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Caramelized Lemongrass Chicken Skewers?

Asian grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes