Name: Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 stalks fresh lemongrass (finely chopped); 4 garlic cloves (minced); 3 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp cooking oil

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If you’re looking for a dish that embodies vibrant flavors and is easy to prepare, Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is the perfect choice. This recipe brings the aromatic taste of lemongrass right into your kitchen, making it an instant favorite for both family dinners and gatherings. With its tender chicken coated in a zesty marinade, each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor. What’s even better is that the preparation time is minimal, allowing you to whip up this dish in under 30 minutes. balsamic chicken with vegetables Whether served over jasmine rice or alongside fresh vegetables, this meal is not only comforting but also healthy. You can easily adapt the spice levels to suit your palate, making it suitable for everyone. So, get ready to impress your loved ones with this delicious and fragrant Vietnamese classic!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: I recommend using thighs for their juiciness and flavor; about 1.5 pounds should suffice.
Lemongrass Stalks: Choose fresh stalks that are firm and fragrant to infuse the chicken with authentic flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds a nice kick; roughly four cloves will enhance the overall taste.
Fish Sauce: A staple in Vietnamese cuisine, use about three tablespoons for depth of flavor.
Sugar: Brown sugar works best as it balances the savory notes; about one tablespoon will do.

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness; two tablespoons are sufficient.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Begin by finely chopping the lemongrass stalks and garlic cloves. In a bowl, combine them with fish sauce, sugar, and soy sauce to create a flavorful marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly and allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.

Step 3: Heat Up Your Pan

Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil once hot, ensuring an even coating on the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned on one side before flipping them over to cook through another few minutes.

Step 5: Check Doneness

Ensure that chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C). The exterior should be golden brown while remaining juicy inside.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer cooked chicken onto plates and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired. Drizzle any leftover marinade over top for added flavor.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Even Cooking: Cut chicken pieces uniformly for consistent cooking times throughout.
Marinating Time: For deeper flavors, consider marinating overnight if time allows.
Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in bell peppers or snap peas during cooking for added nutrition.

How to Serve Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

This Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish. refreshing mango salad.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken in lemongrass and spices a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This enhances flavor and saves cooking time.
Storing: Leftover Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to two months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to maintain freshness.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken on the stove over medium heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, to keep it moist.

Suggestions for Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Choose Fresh Lemongrass

Using fresh lemongrass is crucial for authentic flavor in your Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken. Dried or stale lemongrass lacks the vibrant aroma and taste that fresh stalks provide. When shopping, look for firm, green stalks with a strong citrus scent. The outer leaves should be removed to reveal the tender inner stalk, which is where most of the flavor lies. Thai peanut chicken bowl If fresh lemongrass is unavailable, consider using lemongrass paste as a substitute, but adjust the quantity to maintain balance in your dish. Remember, the right freshness can elevate your recipe to new heights.

Marinate Properly

Marination is key to achieving juicy and flavorful Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes—or up to overnight—helps infuse the meat with all the aromatic spices and flavors. For best results, use a resealable plastic bag or a glass container to ensure even coverage of your marinade. Avoid marinating for too long if your marinade contains acidic ingredients like lime juice, as this can lead to mushy chicken. Strike the perfect balance by timing your marination just right to enhance both texture and taste. For more inspiration, check out this flavorful chickpea paprikash recipe.

Don’t Skip The Sugar

Adding sugar might seem counterintuitive when preparing savory dishes like Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken, but it plays an essential role. Sugar helps balance out the saltiness and acidity from other ingredients such as soy sauce and lime juice. It also promotes caramelization during cooking, giving your chicken that desirable golden-brown finish. Opt for brown sugar for a deeper flavor profile or use palm sugar for a more authentic taste reminiscent of Vietnamese cuisine. Just remember not to overdo it; moderation is key for optimal flavor. For more inspiration, check out this easy preserved lemons recipe recipe.

Watch Your Cooking Temperature

Cooking temperature can make or break your Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken. Using high heat quickly sears the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. However, if you cook at too low a temperature, the chicken may dry out before it browns properly. Aim for medium-high heat when grilling or pan-frying to achieve that perfect crust without sacrificing juiciness. When using an oven, preheat adequately and consider broiling briefly at the end for extra crispness on the edges.

FAQs

What is used in Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken?

Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken typically includes fresh lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper. These ingredients combine to create a balanced marinade that infuses the chicken with rich flavors while keeping it moist during cooking. You can also add lime juice for acidity or chili peppers if you prefer some heat. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that authentic Vietnamese taste that makes this dish popular among food lovers.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative in Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken recipes. They tend to be more flavorful and remain juicier compared to breast meat during cooking due to their higher fat content. If you choose thighs, adjust cooking times slightly since they may require longer than chicken breasts to reach safe internal temperatures without drying out. high-protein chicken enchiladas This swap will give you delicious results while maintaining the essence of this beloved dish.

How do I store leftovers?

To store leftovers of Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken effectively, place them in an airtight container once cooled completely. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain food safety standards. Leftover chicken can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months if stored properly in freezer-safe bags or containers. When reheating, do so gently on low heat to preserve moisture and avoid overcooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken ahead of time can save you effort on busy days while enhancing flavors through marination. You can marinate the chicken several hours before cooking or even overnight in advance; just make sure not to exceed recommended marinating times due to acidity levels in some marinades causing texture changes over prolonged periods.

Conclusion for Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

In conclusion, mastering Easy Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken involves focusing on fresh ingredients and proper techniques that enhance flavor without compromising quality. Key points include selecting fresh lemongrass, ensuring adequate marination time, incorporating sugar wisely for balance, and controlling cooking temperature effectively. By avoiding common mistakes such as using stale lemongrass or inadequate marination practices, you elevate this dish into something genuinely extraordinary that captures authentic flavors beautifully. Whether you’re preparing it for family dinners or special occasions, these tips will help you create restaurant-quality results right at home!