Grilled Lemongrass-Marinated Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in a fragrant lemongrass and garlic mixture, grilled to smoky perfection for a flavorful Southeast Asian-inspired dish. This asian-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless 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 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless chicken thighs
- 2, white parts finely chopped lemongrass stalks
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 finely chopped lemongrass stalk white parts, 5 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds cubed boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
- Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks with a slightly charred aroma.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with steamed rice or a fresh cucumber salad.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Lemongrass-Marinated Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Lemongrass-Marinated 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemongrass-Marinated 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 Grilled Lemongrass-Marinated 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 Grilled Lemongrass-Marinated 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
- ★★★★★
Perfect balance of citrus and spice. Cooked to perfection on the grill.
- ★★★★★
The lemongrass flavor was amazing! My family loved these skewers at our barbecue.
- ★★★★★
A standout dish for my summer cookout. The marinade really infused the chicken.
