Sam Craving something zesty, juicy, and refreshingly aromatic? This lemongrass chicken recipe brings the bold, citrusy charm of Southeast Asian cuisine right to your plate. With its deeply flavorful marinade of minced lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, and soy, every bite is infused with authentic Vietnamese flair. Whether you choose to grill it for that smoky sear, pan-fry it for crispy edges, or bake it for ease, this dish promises mouthwatering results every time.
Lemongrass chicken is beloved in Vietnamese and Thai households, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s so popular. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also flexible—you can serve it over rice, in a noodle bowl, wrapped in lettuce, or as part of a hearty salad. The combination of juicy chicken and aromatic lemongrass makes it irresistible. And best of all? It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and fits right into meal prep or family-style dining.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to master the perfect lemongrass chicken at home—marinade tips, cooking options, expert techniques, and reader-loved FAQs.
RECIPE OVERVIEW
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine: Vietnamese / Southeast Asian
Serving Size: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes (+marinating time)
Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (a.k.a. What You’re Really Eating!)
This high-protein dish is low in carbs and packed with healing herbs and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
- Calories: ~320 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Mood Boost Factor: Lemongrass = instant refreshment and digestive balance
Budget Breakdown
- Chicken thighs (1.5 lbs): ~$6.00
- Lemongrass stalks (3): ~$1.50
- Garlic, shallots, marinade condiments: ~$2.00
- Rice or salad for serving: ~$1.50
- Total Cost: ~$11.00
- Cost per Serving: ~$2.75
Why You’ll Love This Lemongrass Chicken
- Quick marinade that packs BIG flavor
- Juicy results whether grilled, pan-seared, or baked
- Gluten-free and dairy-free with clean ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep, BBQs, or weekday dinners
- Tastes even better the next day!
Behind the Recipe
I first discovered the vibrant flavors of lemongrass chicken while exploring food markets in Vietnam. The aroma of sizzling chicken over open flames, infused with the earthy fragrance of lemongrass and garlic, immediately caught my attention. I tasted it—and I was hooked. The bold, citrusy marinade combined with smoky charred edges was unforgettable.
This recipe captures that authentic flavor using ingredients you can find at most grocery stores. After many tests with different cuts of chicken, marinades, and cook methods, I finally nailed this foolproof, weeknight-friendly version.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 stalks lemongrass, finely minced (white part only)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Optional garnish: lime wedges, chopped cilantro, chili slices
💡 Pro Tip: Use a food processor to blitz the marinade ingredients quickly and evenly.
Ingredient Spotlight: Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tall tropical plant with a lemony aroma and flavor. It’s widely used in Southeast Asian cuisines and known for its medicinal benefits. According to Medical News Today, it’s rich in antioxidants, supports digestion, and may reduce inflammation. Always use the white part of the stalk, and mince it finely to avoid tough, stringy bites.
How to Make Lemongrass Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix together minced lemongrass, garlic, shallot, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, oil, and black pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method
Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through.
Pan-searing: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown.
Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the chicken and serve over jasmine rice, vermicelli noodles, or a crisp salad. Garnish with fresh herbs and lime.
Pro Tips for Success
- Marinate overnight for the most flavorful results
- Use chicken thighs for maximum juiciness
- Grill over charcoal for smoky, street-food style flavor
- Slice thinly for rice bowls or lettuce wraps
Easy Variations
- Lemongrass Chicken Skewers: Thread marinated chicken cubes onto skewers for grilling or broiling
- Meal-Prep Bowls: Serve with pickled carrots, cucumber, and brown rice
- Spicy Lemongrass Chicken: Add minced red chili or a splash of chili oil
- Low-Carb Version: Serve with cauliflower rice, lettuce wraps, or over a bed of greens
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken or marinated raw chicken for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Microwave gently or warm in a skillet over medium heat
🍽️ Make It a Meal 🍜
This lemongrass chicken pairs beautifully with:
- ✅ Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
- ✅ Thai Mango Salad
- ✅ Garlic Coconut Rice or Sticky Jasmine Rice
- ✅ Cucumber Mint Yogurt Dip
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is lemongrass chicken made of?
A: It’s made with chicken marinated in a blend of minced lemongrass, garlic, shallot, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper.
Q: What does lemongrass taste like?
A: Lemongrass has a citrusy, floral flavor with hints of mint and ginger. It adds brightness and aroma to any dish.
Q: Can I substitute dried lemongrass?
A: Fresh is ideal, but you can rehydrate dried lemongrass in warm water and mince it finely. Expect slightly milder flavor.
Q: How long should I marinate lemongrass chicken?
A: At least 30 minutes, but overnight is best for full flavor absorption.
Q: Can I bake lemongrass chicken instead of grilling?
A: Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
Q: Is lemongrass chicken healthy?
A: Yes, it’s high in protein, low in carbs, and packed with antioxidant-rich herbs. It fits into most healthy meal plans.
Q: What do I serve lemongrass chicken with?
A: It goes well with jasmine rice, rice noodles, salad greens, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Final Thoughts
This lemongrass chicken recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, flavorful, healthy, and flexible. From its fragrant marinade to its crispy golden edges, it captures the soul of Vietnamese street food while staying home-cook friendly. Whether you serve it in a bowl, on a skewer, or wrapped in lettuce, you’ll be amazed at how much flavor a few fresh ingredients can deliver.
Try it once, and it’ll become a regular rotation in your kitchen—bold, bright, and bursting with Southeast Asian magic.
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📌 Pin This Recipe: Lemongrass Chicken (Grilled, Baked, or Pan-Seared!)
Juicy lemongrass chicken packed with bold Southeast Asian flavor! Marinated with garlic, shallot, and fish sauce—ready to grill or pan-fry!
Lemongrass Chicken: Zesty, Fragrant, and Bursting with Southeast Asian Flavor
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 stalks Lemongrass, finely minced (white part only)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Shallot, minced
- 2 tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- Optional garnish: lime wedges, chopped cilantro, chili slices
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:In a bowl, mix together minced lemongrass, garlic, shallot, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, oil, and black pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
- Choose Your Cooking Method:Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through.Pan-searing: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown.Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve and Enjoy:Slice the chicken and serve over jasmine rice, vermicelli noodles, or a crisp salad. Garnish with fresh herbs and lime.
