Lemongrass-Grilled Chicken Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce
Juicy chicken marinated with fragrant lemongrass and spices, grilled to perfection and served with a tangy Vietnamese dipping sauce. This vietnamese-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends stalks lemongrass stalks, minced, garlic cloves, minced, fish sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 stalks lemongrass stalks, minced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 skewers wooden skewers, soaked in water
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp chopped fresh chili
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot (optional, for serving)
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb chicken thigh pieces with 2 minced lemongrass stalks, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly and marinate covered in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: While marinating, soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Prepare the nuoc cham dipping sauce by whisking together 3 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup water, 2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp chopped fresh chili, and 1 minced garlic clove until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Step 4: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers evenly.
- Step 5: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 6: Serve the lemongrass chicken skewers hot with the nuoc cham dipping sauce and 1/4 cup shredded carrot on the side for a fresh crunch.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemongrass-Grilled Chicken Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Lemongrass-Grilled Chicken Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemongrass-Grilled 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 Lemongrass-Grilled 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 Lemongrass-Grilled Chicken Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce?
Vietnamese chicken 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.
