Lemongrass chicken is a delightful dish that bursts with flavor, transporting you to a sunny Southeast Asian market with every bite. Picture tender chicken bathed in a zesty marinade, infused with the aromatic essence of lemongrass and the subtle sweetness of coconut. It’s the kind of meal that makes your taste buds do a happy dance!
I still remember the first time I tried lemongrass chicken at a friend’s backyard barbecue. The sun was shining, laughter filled the air, and that incredible aroma wafted through the neighborhood. It was love at first bite! Whether you’re hosting a summer soirée or enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish promises to elevate any occasion with its vibrant flavors and stunning presentation.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This lemongrass chicken is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The explosion of citrusy flavors will wow your taste buds while visually impressing guests
- You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or serve it over rice
- It’s incredibly versatile, whether you grill it or bake it for an easy weeknight meal
Ingredients for Lemongrass Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Lemongrass: Look for firm stalks with a bright green color; they add an unmistakable citrus aroma.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic brings robust flavor; choose plump ones for the best taste.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and spice; peel and grate just before use for maximum flavor.
For the Marinade:
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
Coconut Sugar: This gives a subtle sweetness; feel free to substitute brown sugar if needed.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the dish, balancing out the rich flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Lemongrass Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, coconut sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and finely chopped lemongrass until well combined. This fragrant mixture will soak into our chicken like magic!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour in the marinade. Seal or cover tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour—or overnight if you’re feeling ambitious—for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). If grilling isn’t on your agenda today, you can also bake them in an oven set at the same temperature.
Step 4: Grill (or Bake) the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade (don’t toss that marinade just yet!) and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C). If baking, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
Step 5: Make a Quick Sauce
While your chicken cooks, take that leftover marinade and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat for about five minutes until thickened slightly—this will be your delicious sauce!
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer your beautifully grilled chicken onto plates and drizzle generously with that luscious sauce you just made. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added flair.
And there you have it—your lemongrass chicken masterpiece! Serve hot alongside jasmine rice or colorful stir-fried veggies for an unforgettable meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
You Must Know
- This amazing lemongrass chicken recipe offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the lemongrass chicken to let those flavors soak in. While it marinates, prepare your rice or noodles. Sear the chicken until golden brown, then finish cooking it in the oven for tender perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the lemongrass for ginger if you’re in a pinch. Try adding some chili flakes for heat or toss in fresh vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas to create a colorful stir-fry.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover lemongrass chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness
- Don’t skip searing; it adds a delicious crust that locks in moisture
- Always taste as you go; adjusting flavors is key to perfection
When I first tried making lemongrass chicken, my friends declared it “the best dish ever.” I still cherish that moment when they practically licked their plates clean!
FAQs :
What is Lemongrass Chicken?
Lemongrass chicken is a flavorful dish that features chicken marinated in a combination of fresh lemongrass, garlic, and various spices. This dish is popular in Southeast Asian cuisine, especially in Vietnamese and Thai cooking. The unique aroma and citrusy taste of lemongrass elevate the chicken, making it tender and fragrant. It’s typically grilled or stir-fried and can be served with rice or noodles for a delicious meal.
How do I prepare Lemongrass for cooking?
To prepare lemongrass for cooking, start by removing the tough outer layers until you reach the tender core. Trim the ends and cut the stalk into smaller pieces if necessary. You can either bruise the stalks with a knife to release more flavor or chop them finely for marinades. Using fresh lemongrass will provide the best flavor for dishes like lemongrass chicken.
Can I use dried lemongrass in Lemongrass Chicken?
While fresh lemongrass is ideal for preparing lemongrass chicken, you can use dried lemongrass as a substitute in a pinch. However, keep in mind that dried versions may not deliver the same vibrant flavor as fresh. If using dried lemongrass, reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated. Soak it in warm water before adding it to your marinade to help revive its flavor.
What are some side dishes that pair well with Lemongrass Chicken?
Lemongrass chicken pairs excellently with various side dishes. Consider serving it with jasmine rice or coconut rice to complement its flavors. Stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy or bell peppers, provide a colorful and nutritious addition. You can also serve it alongside a light salad with lime dressing or rice noodles tossed in sesame oil for a refreshing meal.
Conclusion for Lemongrass Chicken :
Lemongrass chicken is an exquisite dish that balances aromatic flavors with succulent meat. By using fresh lemongrass, you can enhance your culinary experience while enjoying this Southeast Asian classic. Preparation methods like grilling or stir-frying allow you to experiment with different textures and tastes. Serve it with complementary sides like rice or vegetables to create a well-rounded meal that delights your palate and impresses your guests. Enjoy making this vibrant dish at home!
Lemongrass Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Lemongrass chicken is a vibrant and aromatic dish that delivers the essence of Southeast Asia right to your dining table. This recipe features succulent chicken marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lemongrass, garlic, and ginger, resulting in a delightful explosion of flavors. Perfect for grill parties or cozy dinners, this dish is versatile and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- Juice of 2 limes
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, coconut sugar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass until well combined.
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least one hour (or overnight).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F). Alternatively, preheat the oven to the same temperature for baking.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). If baking, place on a lined baking sheet and cook for about 25-30 minutes.
- While cooking, bring leftover marinade to a boil in a saucepan for about five minutes until slightly thickened.
- Serve grilled chicken drizzled with sauce and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
