Description
Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a vibrant and aromatic dish featuring juicy, marinated chicken breasts infused with fresh lemongrass, garlic, lime, and fish sauce. Grilled or pan-seared to perfection, this recipe offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and zesty flavors. Perfect served over rice or alongside vegetables, it’s a quick and healthy meal that embodies the fresh and bold flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons lemongrass, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine finely chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, and lime juice. Stir thoroughly to create a well-blended marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. For more intense flavor, marinate overnight.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute within the meat, resulting in tender and moist chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Slice the chicken as desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables for a balanced and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the depth of flavor but a minimum of 30 minutes works well for a quicker meal.
- If you don’t have fresh lemongrass, you can substitute with lemongrass paste or powder, adjusting quantity to taste.
- To keep this dish gluten-free, ensure that the soy sauce used is gluten-free.
- You can cook the chicken using either a grill or skillet depending on your preference or available equipment.
- For an added smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill if available.
