Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Skewers

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

Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in fragrant lemongrass and fish sauce, served with a fresh herb dipping sauce for a bright, savory bite. This vietnamese-inspired grilling ready in about 25 minutes pairs finely minced fresh lemongrass stalks, fish sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 10 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 finely minced lemongrass stalks, 3 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb chicken thigh pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Step 5: For the dipping sauce, mix 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup chopped mint, and 1 small thinly sliced red chili if using, with a squeeze of lime juice. Serve alongside skewers for a fresh finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass 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 fish sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Skewers?

Vietnamese 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.

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