Lemongrass Chicken

Every time I think of cooking, the aroma of Lemongrass Chicken wafts through my memories, taking me back to a sunny afternoon spent in my kitchen experimenting with flavors. The vibrant scent of *lemongrass*, mingling with the savory notes of *chicken*, brings a warmth that’s hard to resist. I can still recall the first time I prepared this dish; the kitchen filled with tantalizing aromas that made my mouth water and my heart race with excitement. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a story of comfort and culinary exploration that I love to share with my family and friends. This Lemongrass Chicken is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that infuse every bite with a burst of flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish has a unique way of bringing everyone together, encouraging laughter and conversation around the table. You’ll find that the combination of spices and herbs creates a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering.

When it comes to cooking, simplicity is key, and that’s exactly what you’ll find with this Lemongrass Chicken. It’s approachable yet impressive, inviting even novice cooks to step into the kitchen and create something memorable. As we dive into the ingredients and instructions, I hope you feel inspired to start your own culinary adventure with this recipe!

Ingredients Required for Lemongrass Chicken

This recipe draws on a beautiful combination of ingredients that work together to create a harmonious dish. Each component plays a crucial role, from the vibrant *lemongrass* to the rich *fish sauce*. The balance of flavors is what makes this dish so special, and it’s easy to find these ingredients at your local grocery store.

• 8 medium boneless, skinless *chicken thighs* – Tender and juicy, these *chicken thighs* provide a rich base for the marinade, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• 2 stalks *lemongrass* (or substitute with 2 tablespoons lemongrass paste), tender white parts only, finely grated – The *lemongrass* introduces a fresh, citrusy note that brightens the entire dish.
• ½ small *yellow onion*, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and depth to the marinade.
• 4 cloves minced *garlic* – A staple in many cuisines, *garlic* enhances the overall flavor profile with its robust aroma.
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated *ginger* – Adds warmth and a slight spiciness to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon *Thai red curry paste* – This ingredient brings heat and complexity, enriching the flavor of the marinade.
• 1 tablespoon *Asian sweet chili sauce* – Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements.
• 3 tablespoons *fish sauce* – A key ingredient in many Asian dishes, it adds umami and depth.
• 1 tablespoon *soy sauce* – Provides a savory kick that complements the other flavors.
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed *lime juice* – The acid from the *lime* brightens the dish and adds freshness.
• 2 tablespoons *brown sugar* – Balances out the savory and spicy flavors with a hint of sweetness.
• 1½ teaspoons *sea salt* – Essential for enhancing the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground *black pepper* – Adds a subtle heat.
• 2 tablespoons *olive oil* – Used for marinating and preventing sticking during roasting.
• 6 *lime wedges* – For serving, adding an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• 2 cups your favorite small-leaf *lettuce* – A refreshing side that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
• 2 chopped *green onions* – For garnish, adding color and freshness.

Putting Together Lemongrass Chicken

Cooking Lemongrass Chicken is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Follow these steps to create a dish that’s sure to impress your family or friends.

1. Pat the *chicken thighs* dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving a nice sear and helps the marinade stick better.
2. In a large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients: lemongrass, *onion*, *garlic*, *ginger*, *Thai red curry paste*, *sweet chili sauce*, *fish sauce*, *soy sauce*, *lime juice*, *brown sugar*, *salt*, *pepper*, and *olive oil*. Stir to evenly combine. Reserve 1/4 cup for glazing while roasting; place in a covered container and refrigerate until ready to cook the *chicken*.
3. Add *chicken thighs* to the remaining marinade in the bowl, ensuring all *chicken* pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor. The longer the *chicken* marinates, the tastier it becomes!
4. Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove *chicken thighs* from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. This step is crucial to prevent the sauce from burning while roasting.
5. Line a rimmed baking pan with foil or parchment paper, and place a rack on top. This allows air to circulate around the *chicken*, ensuring even cooking.
6. Place *chicken thighs* on the rack. Roast in the oven, flipping the *chicken* after 15 minutes for even cooking.
7. Using an instant-read kitchen thermometer, check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thighs – the *chicken* will be done when it reaches 165°F. This ensures your *chicken* is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.
8. During the last few minutes of roasting, brush the *chicken* with the reserved marinade – this glaze will caramelize a bit as the *chicken* finishes cooking, adding an incredible flavor.
9. Transfer *chicken* to a serving platter. Serve hot with your favorite tender, small-leaf *lettuce* and a sprinkling of chopped *green onions*. Offer *lime wedges* for individuals to squeeze over their *chicken*. This fresh squeeze of *lime* adds the perfect finishing touch!

Tips for Success

To make your cooking experience even better, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while preparing your Lemongrass Chicken.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain moisture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated *chicken* for up to two months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
• Pairing: For a delightful meal, serve with jasmine rice, a fresh cucumber salad, or steamed broccoli for a balanced plate.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different proteins! This marinade works wonderfully with *tofu* or *shrimp* as alternatives to *chicken*.
• Garnish: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil before serving can elevate the look and taste of the dish.

What to Pair With Lemongrass Chicken

Pairing your Lemongrass Chicken with the right side dishes can truly elevate your dining experience. Here are some wonderful ideas to complement this flavorful dish:

• Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice is a classic choice, soaking up the delicious marinade and providing a neutral backdrop for the bold flavors of the *chicken*.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of stir-fried vegetables, such as bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots, adds crunch and freshness.
• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cleanse the palate and balance the richness of the *chicken*.
• Spring Rolls: Serve alongside some fresh spring rolls for a delightful appetizer that complements the Southeast Asian flavors.
• Grilled Corn: Charred corn on the cob with lime and chili powder adds a sweet and spicy touch that pairs beautifully with the *lemongrass*.
• Fruit Salsa: A fruity salsa, like mango or pineapple, brings a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory *chicken*.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Lemongrass Chicken truly stands out because of its bright, vibrant flavors and the ease of preparation. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and the joy of cooking. I encourage you to give it a try, whether you’re looking for a comforting family meal or something special for guests. The combination of textures and flavors will surely impress and leave everyone asking for seconds!

Lemongrass Chicken

Craving something vibrant? This Lemongrass Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with its sweet and citrusy marinade. Juicy and tender, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Let the fresh flavors take you on a culinary journey tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Oven
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Grater
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 8 pieces medium boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 stalks lemongrass or substitute with 2 tablespoons lemongrass paste, tender white parts only, finely grated
• ½ small yellow onion finely chopped
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
• 1 tablespoon Asian sweet chili sauce
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1½ teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 pieces lime wedges
• 2 cups your favorite small-leaf lettuce
• 2 pieces chopped green onions

Instructions

 

• Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
• In a large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients: lemongrass, onion, garlic, ginger, Thai red curry paste, sweet chili sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir to evenly combine. Reserve 1/4 cup for glazing while roasting; place in a covered container and refrigerate until ready to cook the chicken.
• Add chicken thighs to the remaining marinade in the bowl, ensuring all chicken pieces are evenly coated. Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
• Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove chicken thighs from marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
• Line a rimmed baking pan with foil or parchment paper, and place a rack on top. Place chicken thighs on rack.
• Roast in the oven, flipping the chicken after 15 minutes. Using an instant-read kitchen thermometer, check internal temperature at the thickest part of the thighs – the chicken will be done when it reaches 165°F.
• During the last few minutes of roasting, brush chicken with the reserved marinade – the glaze will caramelize a bit as the chicken finishes cooking.
• Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Serve hot with your favorite tender, small leaf lettuce and a sprinkling of chopped green onions. Offer lime wedges for individuals to squeeze over their chicken.

Notes

• Preparing fresh lemongrass: First remove any tough outer leaves, to reveal the tender interior leaves. Then use a microplane zester to finely grate only the tender white parts, which is usually about the bottom third of the stalk.
• Substituting Lemongrass: If you can’t find fresh lemongrass, substitute with 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemongrass paste for a quick and easy flavor boost!

Keyword Asian Chicken Dishes, Easy Chicken Recipes, Lemongrass Chicken recipe, Quick Dinner Ideas

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Meet Eva Sterling

I have a restless palate and I love that our blog covers such a wide range of food. I am always excited to cook something we haven’t tried before. I jump into every cooking session with enthusiasm, ready to chop, sauté, bake, or grill. I love the collaborative energy of our kitchen we all learn from each other, and that makes every dish we publish better.