Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with the refreshing and citrusy notes of lemongrass. A popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine, this recipe highlights the vibrant flavors of lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, creating a savory and fragrant chicken that’s perfect for any meal. Served with steamed rice or noodles, it offers a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

This recipe is relatively simple to make, yet it delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re familiar with Vietnamese cuisine or new to it, Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is easy to prepare and offers a delicious taste of Southeast Asia right at home. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, provide helpful tips, and suggest variations to try.

Why You’ll Love Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

• Vibrant and Refreshing Flavor: Lemongrass provides a unique citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken, creating a bright and aromatic dish.
• Tender and Juicy Chicken: The marinated chicken absorbs all the flavors from the lemongrass and seasonings, making it incredibly juicy and tender.
• Balanced Taste: The combination of fish sauce, lime, and sugar brings together savory, sweet, and sour notes, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
• Versatile: Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken can be served in a variety of ways—over rice, noodles, or in wraps, making it a versatile dish that fits any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on portion size and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 10-12g
• Carbohydrates: 8-10g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3-5g

Ingredients

For the Lemongrass Chicken Marinade:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 3 stalks of fresh lemongrass (or 2 tablespoons of lemongrass paste)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for marinating)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)

For Cooking the Chicken:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
• Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for garnish)

Special Equipment

While this dish doesn’t require too many specialized tools, there are a few items that can make preparation and cooking easier:

1. Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife is essential for finely chopping the lemongrass and garlic, which will release their flavors into the marinade.
2. Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board is essential for chopping and preparing the ingredients.
3. Large Mixing Bowl: A large bowl is needed to combine the marinade ingredients and coat the chicken.
4. Skillet or Grill Pan: A large skillet or grill pan will give the chicken a nice sear while cooking. You can also use a grill if you prefer.
5. Tongs: Tongs are useful for flipping the chicken in the skillet to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Lemongrass and Garlic

Start by preparing the lemongrass. If you’re using fresh lemongrass, trim the tough ends off and peel away the outer layers until you reach the tender inner stalks. Then, finely chop the lemongrass into small pieces. If using lemongrass paste, you can skip this step and use 2 tablespoons of the paste directly.

Mince the garlic cloves and set them aside.

2. Make the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, vegetable oil, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Stir everything together until the sugar has dissolved and the marinade is well-combined.

3. Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade and coat the meat evenly with the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. The longer the chicken marinates, the more intense the flavors will be, but even a short marinating time will yield tasty results.

4. Cook the Chicken

After marinating, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

If you’re using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side.

5. Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet or grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

6. Serve the Chicken

Slice the chicken into thin strips and arrange it on a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and lime wedges. You can also serve the chicken with a side of steamed rice, vermicelli noodles, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Perfect Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

• Use Fresh Lemongrass: Fresh lemongrass gives the dish a more vibrant and aromatic flavor. If you can’t find fresh lemongrass, lemongrass paste or even lemongrass powder can be used as substitutes.
• Don’t Skip the Marinating Time: Marinating the chicken is crucial for infusing it with the lemongrass and seasoning flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but an hour will give the chicken even more depth of flavor.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of chili flakes or add a sliced red chili pepper to the marinade.
• Serve with Rice or Noodles: Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is traditionally served with steamed jasmine rice, but it also goes well with vermicelli noodles or a refreshing Vietnamese rice noodle salad.
• Grill the Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you have access to a grill, grilling the chicken adds an extra smoky flavor that complements the lemongrass beautifully.

Variations of Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

• Lemongrass Chicken Stir-Fry: Instead of cooking the chicken whole, you can thinly slice the chicken and stir-fry it with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots for a quick and healthy meal.
• Lemongrass Chicken Salad: Toss the grilled or pan-seared lemongrass chicken with fresh vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, carrots, and herbs to create a vibrant and light salad. Add a tangy dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and a bit of sugar.
• Lemongrass Chicken Skewers: If you’re grilling, thread the marinated chicken onto skewers for a fun, portable version of this dish. Serve with peanut dipping sauce or a tangy lime dipping sauce.
• Spicy Lemongrass Chicken: Add more chili peppers or a dash of sriracha sauce to the marinade for an added layer of heat.

Storage and Shelf Life

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for later:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm through in the skillet or microwave.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can add a little water or broth to keep the chicken moist when reheating.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Pair this aromatic dish with complementary sides to elevate your meal:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The light, fragrant rice serves as a perfect base for the flavorful lemongrass chicken.
• Vermicelli Noodles: Soft rice noodles dressed with a simple dressing of fish sauce, lime juice, and herbs make a great accompaniment to the chicken.
• Pickled Vegetables: Try serving the chicken with a side of pickled carrots and daikon for a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Vietnamese Spring Rolls: Serve alongside fresh Vietnamese spring rolls filled with shrimp, herbs, and vermicelli noodles for a light and refreshing appetizer.

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Conclusion

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a vibrant, aromatic dish that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. With its combination of tender chicken and fragrant lemongrass, it’s a delicious taste of Vietnam that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. Whether served with rice, noodles, or in a salad, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the bright, citrusy flavors of this classic Vietnamese recipe, and let it bring a taste of Southeast Asia to your kitchen!