Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with fresh, vibrant flavors.
Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
High in protein and naturally satisfying.
Pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or salads.
Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
Fresh lemongrass, finely minced
Garlic cloves, minced
Shallot, finely chopped
Soy sauce
Fish sauce
Brown sugar or honey
Lime juice
Vegetable oil
Black pepper
Salt
Optional red pepper flakes
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

Prepare the lemongrass by removing the tough outer layers and finely mincing the tender inner portion.
In a large bowl, combine the lemongrass, garlic, shallot, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, oil, black pepper, and salt.
Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 4–8 hours.
Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
Grill or cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until fully cooked and lightly charred.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 1–8 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 8 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Use chicken wings, drumsticks, or bone-in thighs for extra flavor.
Add fresh ginger to the marinade for additional warmth and complexity.
Make it spicy with sliced chilies or chili paste.
Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce.
Add a splash of coconut milk for a richer marinade.
Serve in lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.
Use the same marinade for shrimp, pork, or tofu.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
Microwave individual portions in short intervals until heated through.
Add a small splash of water to help maintain moisture during reheating.

FAQs

What part of lemongrass should I use?

Use the tender lower portion of the stalk after removing the tough outer layers.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, both work well, although chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 1 hour is recommended, but 4–8 hours provides the best flavor.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes or until fully cooked.

Is fish sauce necessary?

Fish sauce adds authentic depth of flavor, but you can substitute additional soy sauce if needed.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, the marinade can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What side dishes pair well with Lemongrass Chicken?

Steamed rice, rice noodles, fresh salads, stir-fried vegetables, and cucumber salad are all excellent choices.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, place the chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), and the juices should run clear.

Can I make this recipe with tofu?

Absolutely. Firm tofu absorbs the marinade well and makes a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Conclusion

Lemongrass Chicken is a wonderfully aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with the fresh citrusy flavor of lemongrass and savory seasonings. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, it’s a recipe that works equally well for casual family dinners and special occasions. Serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a satisfying meal that brings bold Southeast Asian-inspired flavors to your table.

Lemongrass Chicken

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Lemongrass Chicken is a fragrant Southeast Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken marinated in fresh lemongrass, garlic, shallots, and savory seasonings. The result is a flavorful, aromatic meal that pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Grill
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Remove the tough outer layers of the lemongrass and finely mince the tender inner portion.
In a large bowl, combine the lemongrass, garlic, shallot, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar or honey, lime juice, vegetable oil, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if using.
Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 to 8 hours.
Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard excess marinade.
Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until fully cooked and lightly charred.
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Notes

Chicken thighs provide the juiciest results, but chicken breasts work well too.
For extra flavor, add fresh grated ginger to the marinade.
The chicken can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes instead of grilling.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This marinade also works well with shrimp, pork, or firm tofu.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 145 mg