After a long day on the trail, nothing hits quite like the scent of lemongrass drifting over a campfire. These Lemongrass Chicken Drumsticks have become our family’s most-requested camping meal — marinated overnight in a bold blend of fish sauce, dark soy, brown sugar, and fragrant lemongrass, then grilled until the skin is gloriously crispy and caramelized. The best part: all the work happens at home. At the campsite, you just fire up the grill.

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This post features a lemongrass chicken recipe using the drumstick cut that’s perfect for summer grilling or family camping trips. A flavourful lemongrass marinade with fish sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and grated onion makes every bite irresistible.

Why Try This Lemongrass Chicken Drumstick Recipe?

Cooking at home means you can take the time to let flavours develop, and this recipe benefits from an overnight marinade that ensures every bite is packed with savoury, aromatic goodness.

The combination of lemongrass, soy sauce, and fish sauce creates a balance of umami, sweetness, and depth, making this dish a household favourite. Minimal work, maximum flavour — this lemongrass chicken drumstick is the definition of gourmet campfire food without the effort. I’ve shared this recipe countless times, even with neighbouring tents at the campground!

Savory grilled chicken wings served with fresh herbs and pickled onions on a tropical leaf, with hearty soup and roasted plantains in the background.

Juicy grilled chicken drumsticks cooking on barbecue grill with flames, side of baked cheese and green olives in a cast iron skillet.

Key Ingredients

Ingredients

Lemongrass

The star of this marinade. Finely chop or grind the tender inner stalks for maximum fragrance. If fresh lemongrass isn’t available, lemongrass paste is a convenient substitute that works beautifully.

Fish Sauce

Brings an authentic umami depth that is essential to Southeast Asian marinades. Use a good-quality fish sauce — Red Boat fish sauce is our preferred brand for its clean, pure flavour.

Dark Soy Sauce

Provides deep colour and rich umami. It’s what gives the chicken skin that beautiful dark, caramelized finish on the grill.

Brown Sugar

Helps caramelize the skin beautifully when grilled and balances the saltiness of the fish sauce and soy. Don’t substitute with white sugar — the molasses in brown sugar adds a richer depth.

Grated Onion

Adds moisture and sweetness to the marinade, and the enzymes in the onion help tenderize the chicken. Grate it finely so it integrates fully into the marinade rather than sitting in chunks.

Why the Drumstick Cut?

Drumsticks are the perfect cut for this lemongrass chicken recipe because they are juicy, flavourful, and ideal for grilling over an open fire. The bone helps retain moisture, preventing the meat from drying out, while the skin crisps up beautifully, creating a delicious caramelized crust. Plus, drumsticks are easy to handle — no forks and knives, just grab and enjoy!

We love to add pickled red onions on top of the chicken — get the recipe for Mexican Pickled Red Onion here. The brightness of the pickled onions cuts through the richness of the glaze perfectly.

A Must-Try Recipe for Camping

This recipe is perfect for camping because it takes the stress out of outdoor cooking. Simply marinate the chicken overnight, freeze it, and by the time it thaws at the campsite, it’s ready for the grill or fire. The open flame adds a beautiful caramelization, creating a crispy, smoky skin that’s absolutely irresistible.

Pair these with our Easy Camping Shrimp Pasta for a full campfire feast the whole family will love.

Succulent grilled chicken and roasted vegetables on a barbecue grill, perfect for outdoor dining.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the deeper the flavours penetrate the meat. For camping, we marinate the night before, freeze the chicken in the marinade bag, and it thaws perfectly by dinner time at the campsite.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the drumsticks on a wire rack over a baking sheet and roast for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway, until the skin is dark and caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). You can finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness.

What if I can’t find fresh lemongrass?

Lemongrass paste is a great substitute and is much easier to find in most grocery stores. Use about 1 tablespoon of paste for every stalk of fresh lemongrass. You can also find it online — we recommend this lemongrass paste which works beautifully in this marinade.

Can I use chicken thighs or breasts instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely. Bone-in thighs are the closest substitute and will give a similar juicy result. Boneless thighs will cook faster — check at 25 minutes. Chicken breasts work too but are more prone to drying out; marinate them for the full overnight period and keep a close eye on the internal temperature.