Grilled Lemongrass Chicken: Easy Camping Recipe in 27 Minutes

Name: Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Thighs
Prep time: PT-485200H21M15S
Cook time: PT-485200H21M15S
Total time: PT-485200H21M15S
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 2 stalks fresh lemongrass (minced); 3 cloves garlic (pressed); 1 small shallot (finely chopped); 2 tbsp fish sauce (single‑serve packets work great); 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or peanut); ¼ tsp black pepper

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Grilled lemongrass chicken is a Southeast Asian favorite that cooks in about 10–12 minutes over a campfire or portable grill. I’ve found it perfect for the outdoors—quick to prep, easy to pack, and packed with bright, tangy‑sweet flavor.

Whether you’re around a charcoal fire or using a camp stove, this lemongrass chicken recipe turns simple ingredients into a crowd‑pleasing meal. If you’re looking for a Vietnamese chicken dish that fits right in with your camping recipes, this outdoor grilling option with a quick marinade will become one of your top picks.

Contents Include

1 Ingredients & Simple Marinade
2 Step‑by‑Step Grilling Instructions
3 Serving Suggestions & Side Ideas
4 Tips, Variations & Storage Ideas
5 FAQs about Grilled Lemongrass Chicken
6 Final Words for Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Thighs
7 Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Thighs

Ingredients & Simple Marinade

Here’s everything you need for lemongrass chicken ingredients and a basic chicken marinade. I’ve suggested camping‑friendly swaps to keep packing light.

Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Marinade components

2 stalks fresh lemongrass (minced)
3 cloves garlic (pressed)
1 small shallot (finely chopped)
2 tbsp fish sauce (single‑serve packets work great)
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp oil (vegetable or peanut)
¼ tsp black pepper

I use lemongrass for brightness, garlic and shallot for depth, fish sauce for that savory kick, sugar to balance salt, and oil to help everything stick. These simple items shine when you’re camp cooking.

lemongrass chicken marinating in glass container

See also: Grilled Short Rib Patties

Step‑by‑Step Grilling Instructions

Follow these steps for how to grill lemongrass chicken to perfection.

1. Preheat your grill or camp stove to medium‑high heat. If using charcoal grill, wait until coals are ashed over.

2. Arrange chicken on oiled grates. Grill each side 4–5 minutes until char marks appear.

placing marinated chicken on oiled grill grates

3. Move chicken to indirect heat and cook another 2–3 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F.

moving grilled chicken to indirect heat zone

4. Flip only once for even cooking. Brush any leftover marinade onto chicken halfway through.

flipping grilled chicken thigh with tongs

Alternative: For no‑grill setups, wrap chicken in foil and cook over coals or on your camp stove for 8–10 minutes per side.

Essential note: Always check with a meat thermometer. Proper heat and timing are key to juicy results.

Learn more: Thai Grilled Sticky Rice in Banana Leaf

Serving Suggestions & Side Ideas

Here’s how I serve serving grilled lemongrass chicken on the trail:

Base: Instant jasmine rice or rice noodles
Quick pickles: Thinly sliced cucumber and carrot in vinegar
Herbs: Zip‑locked mint and cilantro
Garnish: Lime wedges
Sauce: Nuoc cham dipping sauce

plated grilled lemongrass chicken with rice and herbs

These portable sides pack easily and taste fresh. The nuoc cham sauce adds that tangy contrast to the savory chicken.

Tips, Variations & Storage Ideas

As someone who camps regularly, these lemongrass chicken tips help me stay flexible:

Marinade variations:

Marinate at least 2 hours—or up to overnight—for bold flavor.
Swap fish sauce for soy or tamari for a gluten‑free substitution.
Try pork or shrimp instead of chicken for variety.

Cooking tips:

Use boneless thighs for extra moisture.
Oil grates to prevent sticking.
Flip once to keep juices locked in.

Storage:

Pack leftovers in air‑tight containers.
Keep chilled in a cooler for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently over low heat to retain juiciness.

FAQs about Grilled Lemongrass Chicken

How long should I marinate the chicken?

I recommend marinating for at least 2 hours to let flavors develop. If you have time, an overnight soak in the fridge deepens the lemongrass and garlic notes. Avoid extending beyond 24 hours, as the acid in fish sauce can start to break down the meat’s texture.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can swap thighs for breast, but breasts cook faster and can dry out if overgrilled. Slice breasts into even strips and reduce cooking time by a minute or two per side. Keep an eye on internal temperature—165 °F—and rest the meat to retain moisture.

What is the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Place cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate up to four days. To reheat, warm gently on low heat in a covered pan or in foil over coals for about 5 minutes. This gentle method preserves juiciness and prevents overcooking.

Can I make this on a stovetop or in the oven?

Absolutely. For stovetop, cook in a hot, oiled skillet—3–4 minutes per side—then finish covered on low heat. In the oven, bake at 400 °F on a foil‑lined pan for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F.

How do I make a gluten‑free version?

To go gluten‑free, swap fish sauce for tamari or a certified gluten‑free soy sauce. Check your sugar and oil labels to ensure they’re free of additives. All other ingredients—lemongrass, garlic, shallot—are naturally gluten‑free and keep the flavor profile intact.

Final Words for Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Thighs

I’m very happy to share how this grilled lemongrass chicken thighs recipe brings bright, tangy‑sweet flavor to any camping trip with minimal gear and fuss. You can adjust ingredients based on what you pack or swap proteins to fit your taste.

After your next cook‑out, I’d love to see your photos—feel free to tag OutdoorTrekz.com or upload your snapshots to our campsite gallery. This outdoor cooking favorite will soon become a staple at every adventure. Enjoy, and happy grilling!