Spicy Lemongrass and Chili Grilled Chicken Skewers

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

Tender chicken marinated in a spicy lemongrass and chili blend, grilled on skewers until smoky and served with fresh herbs and lime. This vietnamese-inspired chicken ready in about 82 minutes pairs finely minced lemongrass stalks, deseeded and finely chopped red chili, minced 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: 70 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb chicken thigh pieces with 2 finely minced lemongrass stalks, 2 finely chopped red chilies, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  3. Step 3: Thread marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, evenly distributing the meat.
  4. Step 4: Grill skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Serve skewers garnished with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Lemongrass and Chili Grilled Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 82 minutes (70 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 Spicy Lemongrass and Chili Grilled 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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Lemongrass and Chili Grilled 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 Spicy Lemongrass and Chili Grilled 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 Spicy Lemongrass and Chili Grilled Chicken Skewers?

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.

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