Name: Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1/4 cup lime juice, plus extra lime wedges for serving; 3 tablespoons fish sauce; 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or brown sugar); 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or any neutral-flavored oil); 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; 4 small garlic cloves; 2 stalks lemongrass, tender white parts only, roughly chopped; 1 medium shallot, peeled and halved (or half of a small red onion); Black pepper, to taste; 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 5 reviews

If you crave a burst of fresh, zesty flavors combined with tender, juicy chicken, this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers Recipe is your new go-to dish. Infused with a vibrant lemongrass marinade that perfectly balances citrusy lime, savory fish sauce, and a touch of natural sweetness, these skewers bring the true essence of Vietnam straight to your grill or kitchen pan. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a weekend barbecue, or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises an irresistible flavor adventure that’s both easy and impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a clear blender jar, there are about three layers of ingredients visible. The bottom layer is a dark brown liquid, smooth and shiny. On top of this, there are thick small pieces of pale yellow root, mixed with longer light yellow stalks cut into small parts. Resting on these, two medium-sized light purple shallots with smooth skin lie close to each other. The blender jar stands on a clean white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of fresh, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. The simplicity of ingredients makes it accessible, yet their combined impact is nothing short of extraordinary.

Lime juice (1/4 cup): Adds a bright, acidic punch that balances the richness of the chicken and marinade.
Fish sauce (3 tablespoons): Brings authentic umami depth that’s key in Vietnamese cuisine.
Maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Offers a natural sweetness that enhances caramelization on the grill.
Avocado oil (2 tablespoons): A neutral oil with a high smoke point, perfect for grilling chicken evenly.
Low-sodium soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds savory saltiness without overpowering the other flavors.
Garlic cloves (4 small): Imparts warm, aromatic depth that complements the lemongrass.
Lemongrass stalks (2, tender white parts): The star ingredient delivering that signature citrus-herbal fragrance.
Shallot (1 medium): Adds a mild sweetness and subtle sharpness to the marinade.
Boneless chicken (2 pounds, breasts or thighs): Cut into 1-inch pieces for perfect skewering and even cooking.

How to Make Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Combining all the marinade ingredients—lime juice, fish sauce, maple syrup, avocado oil, soy sauce, garlic, lemongrass, and shallot—in a blender or food processor creates a beautifully smooth and aromatic mixture. This marinade is the magic behind the distinct flavors of our Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers Recipe, so blending until smooth ensures the lemongrass distributes evenly and infuses the chicken thoroughly.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Once the marinade is ready, toss the chicken pieces in it, making sure every chunk is well coated. Covering the bowl and letting the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes allows those bold flavors to penetrate deep into the meat, making every bite bursting with taste. If you have more time, marinating a little longer only enhances the complexity.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers—which is perfect for this recipe—soak them in water for about 15 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken evenly, which helps each piece cook uniformly, developing those irresistible grill marks.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for perfect caramelization. Cook the skewers for 10 to 14 minutes, turning once halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should develop a lovely golden-brown crust while staying juicy inside with no pink centers. Using the grill adds a wonderful slight smokiness that balances the tangy marinade.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

After grilling, transfer the skewers to a clean plate and loosely tent with aluminum foil. Resting the chicken for about 5 to 10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring succulent bites every time. Then give an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice and sprinkle thinly sliced green onions for an added pop of freshness and color.

How to Serve Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers Recipe

A white bowl with a black rim holds a colorful dish arranged in layers. At the base, there are thin white noodles forming the bottom layer. On top, on the left side, there are fresh green cucumber slices and shredded pale green cabbage. In the middle left, thin bright orange carrot sticks with chopped peanuts are visible. The right side features two grilled skewers of browned, slightly charred chicken with crushed peanuts sprinkled on them. Fresh green herbs, including mint and cilantro, sit near the bottom right corner along with two lime wedges. A pair of dark brown chopsticks rests on the edge of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly sliced green onions, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and extra lime wedges are excellent garnishes that brighten the dish and invite you to personalize each bite. These simple touches make the skewers look vibrant and boost the overall flavor experience.

Side Dishes

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers pair beautifully with fragrant jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up any leftover marinade drizzle. For a well-rounded meal, serve alongside pickled vegetables, fresh cucumber slices, or a crisp Asian slaw to add crunch and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the skewers as part of a build-your-own rice bowl, complete with herbs, sliced chilies, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. Wrapping the grilled chicken in lettuce leaves with fresh herbs and dipping sauce makes for a refreshing and interactive finger-food option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Storing them properly preserves the marinade’s flavor and keeps the chicken juicy for easy meals or snacks later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked skewers for up to three months without compromising taste or texture. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

For best results when reheating, warm the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps the chicken moist and prevents it from drying out, making leftovers almost as good as fresh off the grill.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully in the Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers Recipe, though thighs tend to stay juicier and are less likely to dry out on the grill.

What if I don’t have fresh lemongrass?

Fresh lemongrass provides the best flavor, but if you can’t find it, frozen lemongrass is a good substitute. Alternatively, use lemongrass paste sparingly, adjusting to taste since it’s more concentrated.

Can I bake or sauté the chicken instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven or sauté it in a hot pan if grilling is not an option. Both methods will yield delicious results, just watch closely to avoid overcooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Fish sauce and the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities.

How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

At least 30 minutes is necessary for good flavor absorption, but if you can marinate it for 2 hours or even overnight, the chicken will be even more flavorful and tender.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors yet incredibly approachable, you have to try this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers Recipe. It’s such a joy to prepare and share—perfect for both casual weeknights and special gatherings. Once you get a taste of this zesty, fragrant chicken, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.