Vietnamese-Style Lemongrass Chicken Skewers

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

Tender chicken marinated in fragrant lemongrass and garlic, grilled to perfection and served with a zesty dipping sauce. This vietnamese-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs finely minced lemongrass stalks, minced garlic cloves, fish sauce 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, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cut 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 marinated chicken pieces onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from heat and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and optional 1/2 tsp chili flakes. Serve immediately with lime wedges and dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese-Style 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-Style 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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese-Style 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-Style 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-Style Lemongrass 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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