Description
A flavorful and aromatic Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken recipe featuring tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in a savory blend of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, and lime juice, then grilled to perfection. This dish offers a delicious balance of sweet, sour, and umami flavors and is perfect served with rice or fresh vegetables.
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 bowl, combine the finely chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, and lime juice. Mix thoroughly to blend all the flavors together.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
- Preheat cooking surface: Heat a grill or medium-heat skillet over medium heat. Ensure it is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice sear and cook evenly.
- Cook the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill or skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating the chicken is safely cooked through.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps retain the juices and keeps the chicken tender when sliced.
- Serve and garnish: Slice the chicken and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve the lemongrass chicken over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor but 30 minutes will impart a good taste.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent any foodborne illness.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred; they will be juicier but may require slightly longer cooking time.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce is tamari or another gluten-free type.
- Adjust brown sugar amount to your preferred sweetness level.
