Tiki-Style Grilled Chicken with Lemongrass Marinade
Tender chicken marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, ginger, and coconut, grilled to perfection for a Tiki-inspired meal. This asian-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes blends chicken thighs, stalks lemongrass, fresh ginger 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 300 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
- 3 stalks lemongrass
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mince 3 stalks lemongrass, 1 tbsp fresh ginger, and 2 garlic cloves; mix with 2 tbsp coconut aminos, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 2: Place 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a resealable bag, pour marinade over, and massage to coat; refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F/190°C); remove chicken from marinade, discarding excess.
- Step 4: Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and edges are slightly charred.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tiki-Style Grilled Chicken with Lemongrass Marinade take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Tiki-Style Grilled Chicken with Lemongrass Marinade?
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 Tiki-Style Grilled Chicken with Lemongrass Marinade?
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 Tiki-Style Grilled Chicken with Lemongrass Marinade 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 Tiki-Style Grilled Chicken with Lemongrass Marinade?
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
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.