Dinner

Grilled Lemongrass Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Bylina moretti December 19, 2025December 19, 2025

Introduction

Grilled Lemongrass Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. The combination of fresh lemongrass, garlic, and citrus creates a vibrant marinade that makes the chicken tender and delicious.

The dish shows several pieces of golden brown chicken cooked with a shiny glaze, piled in the center of a white plate. The chicken pieces are mixed with green herbs and small slices of red chili peppers on top. The texture of the chicken looks tender and moist with a slightly sticky sauce coating it. At the back of the plate, there are thin slices of cucumber adding a fresh green color contrast. The whole scene is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 stalks of fresh lemongrass, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Trim the ends of the lemongrass stalks and remove the tough outer layers. Finely chop the tender part.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, vegetable oil, and chili flakes. Mix well to make the marinade.
Step 3: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for deeper flavor.
Step 4: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice char marks.
Step 6: Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
Step 7: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes to retain the juices.
Step 8: Slice the chicken into strips if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, grill over charcoal instead of gas.
If fresh lemongrass is unavailable, substitute with 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste.
Add a touch of honey to the marinade for a sweeter glaze.
Serve with steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover grilled lemongrass chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the meat. This chicken also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a dark round plate with several pieces of golden-brown chicken wings coated in a shiny sauce. The wings are garnished with small chopped green herbs and thin slices of bright red chili peppers spread evenly on top. At the back of the plate, there are slices of fresh green cucumber placed as a side. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand holding a piece of chicken wing is visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and be less moist than thighs. Watch cooking time closely to avoid drying out.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

While 30 minutes is enough to impart flavor, marinating up to 4 hours or overnight will deepen the taste. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours as the acidity from lime juice may start to break down the meat texture.