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Savory Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Savory Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken for Flavorful Weeknights

This Savory Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken is a delightful culinary escape with vibrant flavors, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breasts Tender and juicy, thighs provide a richer flavor; breasts can be a leaner alternative.
For the Marinade
  • 2 stalks Lemongrass Fresh stalks are essential for an authentic, aromatic experience.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic amplifies the dish's depth and aroma.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger Adds warming flavors; always choose fresh over ground for best results.
  • 3 tablespoons Fish Sauce Critical for umami notes in Vietnamese cuisine; opt for gluten-free if necessary.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Adjusts heat levels to your liking; omit or substitute for milder versions as desired.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Balances the savory notes; coconut sugar provides a unique twist.
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil A neutral oil works best to maintain the flavor profile.
For Serving
  • 1 cup Fresh Herbs e.g., cilantro, mint for garnish.
  • 2 cups Steamed Jasmine Rice Classic side that beautifully absorbs the flavors; brown rice is a healthier swap.
  • 1 cup Pickled Vegetables Adds a crunchy, tangy element to balance the rich chicken.

Equipment

  • Grill Pan
  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, finely mince the lemongrass, garlic, and ginger, and combine them with fish sauce and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a fragrant marinade. Add the boneless chicken thighs (or breasts) into the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and let marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  2. While the chicken is marinating, preheat a grill pan or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the surface to heat up for about 5 minutes or until a drop of water sizzles on contact.
  3. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the marinated chicken in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the surface. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on the first side until golden brown and caramelized. Then, flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. After cooking, transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish generously with freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or mint. Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice and tangy pickled vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Allow at least 1 hour for marinating; overnight is even better for deeper flavor infusion. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Cook at medium-high heat for a perfect sear, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Let the chicken rest before serving for juicy and flavorful results.

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