Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers

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Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers: A Family Favorite for Every Occasion

If there’s one dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine and the warmth of family gatherings, it’s Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers. For my family, this recipe has always been more than just a meal—it’s a tradition, a celebration, and a way to bring everyone together. Whether served during a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast, these skewers never fail to impress.

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Lemongrass chicken is a staple of Vietnamese street food and home cooking, celebrated for its bold, aromatic flavors and versatility. The dish combines the tangy zest of lemongrass with savory marinades, creating a perfect balance of flavors that’s both refreshing and hearty. Traditionally, it’s grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky depth that enhances the natural sweetness of the chicken.

For my family, this dish has been a centerpiece at gatherings for generations. While the traditional recipe often features a charcoal grill, I’ve adapted it an air fryer but you can totally make this on the grill as well.

Lemongrass chicken has gained international recognition for good reason. Its versatility allows it to be served as a main dish over rice, paired with vermicelli noodles, or wrapped in rice paper rolls.

For families like mine, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The skewers are easy to prepare, fun to eat, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re entertaining guests or preparing a quick meal, lemongrass chicken skewers are perfect for all occasions.

NOTE: This recipe was adapted from my parents’ recipe. If you want it 100% authentic and not afraid of fish sauce then replace the dark soy sauce with another tbs of fish sauce instead. I like using dark soy sauce because it adds a little more depth, makes it more universally palatable, and adds color to the chicken when grilling or air frying.

RECIPE

For the Marinade:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cubed (or chicken breast)

• 1/3 cup lemongrass, finely chopped (1 or two stalks, lower soft parts only)

• 2 garlic cloves (minced)

• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce

• 2 tbs premium fish sauce

• 1 tbs neutral oil (vegetable or light olive oil)

• 1 tbs sugar

• 2 tbs water

• Black pepper (few grinds on the pepper mill)

• 2 Thai chilis (optional for heat and a little color)

• 1 small shallot (optional)

For Serving:

• Vermicelli noodles

• Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil)

• Crisp vegetables (lettuce, cucumber, pickled carrots)

• Nuoc cham dipping sauce

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken, lemongrass and marinade ingredients. Mix well and let marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

2. Prepare the Skewers: Soak bamboo skewers in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.

3. Cook the Skewers:

   • Air Fryer: Cook at 390°F for 6 minutes. Flip, baste with leftover marinade, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through.

   • Oven: Broil on high for 6-8 minutes per side, basting occasionally.

   • Grill: Cook over medium heat, turning frequently, until charred and cooked through.

4. Serve: Arrange the skewers over vermicelli noodles, add fresh herbs and crisp vegetables, and drizzle with nuoc cham sauce.

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Elevate Your Meal with Taittinger Champagne

No celebration is complete without a glass of bubbly, and Taittinger Champagne is the perfect companion for Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers. This champagne’s crisp, clean finish complements the vibrant, savory flavors of the dish, while its subtle fruit notes balance the tangy, herbal elements.

Taittinger—one of the last family-owned champagne houses—brings more than 90 years of tradition to every bottle. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every sip, making it the ideal choice for pairing with dishes that celebrate heritage and family. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or toasting to everyday joys, this pairing is guaranteed to impress.

Perfect for the Holidays

As we enter the holiday season, these Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Skewers and Taittinger Champagne offer a festive, flavorful duo that’s sure to delight your guests. The skewers are easy to prepare in advance, making them an excellent option for entertaining, and the champagne adds a touch of elegance to any occasion.

So, gather your loved ones, fire up the air fryer (or grill), and pop a bottle of Taittinger. Here’s to celebrating family, tradition, and unforgettable flavors.