Thai Lemongrass Chicken Skewers

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped (or 2 tablespoons lemongrass paste)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 small chili, finely chopped (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a bowl, combine the lemongrass, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, lime juice, brown sugar, chili flakes (if using), vegetable oil, and salt. Stir until the honey and sugar dissolve.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and mix well, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours for more flavor.
3. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and chili (if using). Stir to combine and set aside.
4. Skewer the Chicken:
   Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes before using to prevent burning.
5. Grill the Skewers:
   Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the grill grates or pan with oil. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
6. Serve:
   Remove the skewers from the grill and serve with the dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with chopped cilantro for added freshness.

Tips:

• Chicken Options: Use boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
• Grill Temperature: Ensure the grill is properly heated to get those nice grill marks without overcooking the chicken.
• Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for even more intense flavor.

Enjoy your fragrant and flavorful Thai Lemongrass Chicken Skewers!