Name: Lemongrass Garlic Grilled Chicken: 7 Flavorful Secrets
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 44 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 stalks Fresh lemongrass (minced); 4 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 small Shallot (chopped); 2 tbsp Fish sauce; 2 tbsp Light soy sauce; 1 tbsp Brown sugar; 1 tbsp Honey; 2 tbsp Neutral oil (e.g., canola or grapeseed); 1 tsp Ground turmeric; 1 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground); 1 optional Red chili (sliced); 1 tbsp Granulated sugar; 2 tbsp Hot water (to dissolve the sugar); 2 tbsp Fish sauce; 1 tbsp Fresh lime juice; 1 clove Garlic (minced); 1 optional Red chili (thinly sliced); 1 optional Rice vinegar; 2 cups Cooked jasmine rice; 1 medium English cucumber (sliced); 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro (chopped); 1/4 cup Fresh mint (chopped); 1/4 cup Scallions (sliced); 2 each Lime wedges; 1/4 cup Optional toasted peanuts (chopped)

Jump to Recipe

Lemongrass Garlic Grilled Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that brings exciting flavors to your summer gatherings. This dish features juicy, marinated chicken thighs infused with the delightful aroma of lemongrass and garlic. Perfect for barbecues or family dinners, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Lemongrass Garlic Grilled Chicken

This lemongrass chicken recipe is not just delicious; it’s incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall for this dish:

Healthy Option: This dish is gluten-free and packed with protein, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic and lemongrass creates a unique flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds.
Quick Prep Time: With just 30 minutes of marinating time, you can have this dish ready in no time.
Versatile Serving: Serve it with rice or as a filling for wraps—the options are endless!
Perfect for Gatherings: This grilled chicken with lemongrass is ideal for summer barbecues or family gatherings.
Kid-Friendly: Its savory flavor appeals to both adults and children alike.

Ingredients for Lemongrass Garlic Grilled Chicken

Gather these items:

1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 stalks Fresh lemongrass (minced)
4 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 small Shallot (chopped)
2 tbsp Fish sauce
2 tbsp Light soy sauce
1 tbsp Brown sugar
1 tbsp Honey
2 tbsp Neutral oil (e.g., canola or grapeseed)
1 tsp Ground turmeric
1 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
1 optional Red chili (sliced)
1 tbsp Granulated sugar
2 tbsp Hot water (to dissolve the sugar)
2 tbsp Fish sauce
1 tbsp Fresh lime juice
1 clove Garlic (minced)
1 optional Red chili (thinly sliced)
1 optional Rice vinegar
2 cups Cooked jasmine rice
1 medium English cucumber (sliced)
1/4 cup Fresh cilantro (chopped)
1/4 cup Fresh mint (chopped)
1/4 cup Scallions (sliced)
2 each Lime wedges
1/4 cup Optional toasted peanuts (chopped)

How to Make Lemongrass Garlic Grilled Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare lemongrass: Trim the tough ends and peel the outer layers. Mince finely or pulse in a food processor.
Step 2: Whisk marinade: In a bowl, combine minced lemongrass, garlic, shallot, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, oil, turmeric, black pepper, and optional chili. Reserve 2 tbsp for glazing later.
Step 3: Marinate chicken: Add chicken thighs to the marinade and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Step 4: Preheat grill: Preheat the outdoor grill to medium-high (425–450°F / 220–230°C) and oil the grates.
Step 5: Grill chicken: Grill on direct heat for 5–7 minutes per side until lightly charred. Use reserved marinade to brush on during the last minute.
Step 6: Mix dipping sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in hot water, then add fish sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and chili. Adjust to taste.
Step 7: Serve chicken: Slice grilled chicken against the grain into thick strips. Serve over jasmine rice, with cucumber slices, herbs, scallions, and lime. Don’t forget the dipping sauce!
Step 8: Alternative cooking: If grilling isn’t an option, broil chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until charred or cook in a skillet over medium-high.

Pro Tips for the Best Lemongrass Garlic Grilled Chicken

Keep these in mind:

For a deeper flavor, marinate for up to 24 hours.
Make sure your grill is properly preheated to achieve the best char.
Use fresh herbs like cilantro and mint for a refreshing garnish.
Consider adding a touch of sesame oil for a nutty flavor in the marinade.

Best Ways to Serve Lemongrass Garlic Grilled Chicken

There are countless ways to enjoy this dish. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Serve over fluffy jasmine rice with a side of steamed vegetables.
Wrap in lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb meal.
Create skewers with grilled chicken and seasonal veggies for a vibrant platter.

How to Store and Reheat Lemongrass Garlic Grilled Chicken

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. This method helps maintain the juicy texture of the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemongrass Garlic Grilled Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect Lemongrass Garlic Grilled Chicken?

The secret lies in the marinade! Allow the chicken to soak up the flavors of the garlic and lemongrass for at least 30 minutes. This enhances the taste and tenderness, making your grilled chicken a standout dish.

Can I make Lemongrass Garlic Grilled Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken the night before and grill it fresh when you’re ready to serve. This not only saves time but also maximizes the flavor infusion.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Lemongrass Garlic Grilled Chicken?

To avoid drying out the chicken, ensure you don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Additionally, letting it rest for a few minutes after grilling will keep it juicy.

Variations of Lemongrass Garlic Grilled Chicken You Can Try

Here are some delightful variations to change things up:

For a spicy kick, add extra red chili to your marinade for a spicy lemongrass garlic chicken dish.
Try using chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
Experiment with different herbs like basil or mint for a unique twist.
Make lemongrass garlic chicken skewers for a fun party appetizer!

For more delicious recipes, check out our healthy options and quick prep meals.

Lemongrass Garlic Grilled Chicken: 7 Flavorful Secrets - Lemongrass Garlic Grilled Chicken - additional detail

To learn more about the benefits of lemongrass, visit Healthline.

For additional tips on grilling, check out our guide on grilling techniques and marinades.