Charred Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken marinated in lemongrass and garlic, grilled to smoky perfection and served with a tangy Vietnamese fish sauce dipping sauce. This Vietnamese recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, lemongrass stalks, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces with 3 stalks finely minced lemongrass, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, and 1 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare nuoc cham dipping sauce by stirring together 1/4 cup water, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp minced garlic, and 1 tsp chopped fresh chili if desired. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot chicken skewers alongside the prepared nuoc cham dipping sauce for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Charred Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce?

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 Charred Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce?

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 Charred Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce 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 Charred Lemongrass Chicken Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce?

Vietnamese vietnamese 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.

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