### Lemongrass Chicken: A Tasty Treat
This straightforward recipe marinates chicken thighs in a homemade garlicky lemongrass mixture and grills them until they’re juicy and tender. Lemongrass chicken is a cherished dish in Southeast Asian cooking, recognized for its delicious citrusy taste that pairs beautifully with numerous fresh accompaniments.
#### What is Lemongrass Chicken?
Lemongrass chicken is defined by its citrusy, salty-sweet, and garlicky flavor combination, often accentuated by a charred, caramelized finish. This dish is not only uncomplicated for weeknight meals but also sophisticated enough to dazzle guests. It requires marinating for a minimum of one hour, but can be made up to eight hours ahead of time.
**Serving Suggestions:** Pair lemongrass chicken with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps for a light and savory dish.
### Ingredient Tips for Lemongrass Chicken
– **Chicken:** Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for this recipe as they stay juicy when grilled. Chicken cutlets or breasts may also be utilized; if opting for breasts, pound them to a ½-inch thickness for even cooking.
– **Lemongrass:** This essential ingredient contributes a subtle lemon flavor. Fresh stalks are usually found in supermarkets. If they are not available, lemongrass paste or lemon zest can serve as substitutes.
– **Aromatics:** Fresh garlic and ginger are crucial for flavor; steer clear of dried options.
– **Fish Sauce:** This component imparts a rich, savory flavor. Soy sauce can substitute for a lighter version.
– **Brown Sugar:** Introduces sweetness and balances the salty-savory marinade while assisting in caramelization.
– **Variations:** Boost the marinade with red pepper flakes, black pepper, Thai basil, sriracha, Thai chili paste, or gochujang for extra heat.
To prepare lemongrass, slice the stalk into 3 to 4-inch segments and discard the tough outer layers. Finely chop the tender inner part.
### Storing Leftover Lemongrass Chicken
Keep any leftover lemongrass chicken in a covered container in the fridge for up to four days. For extended storage, freeze portions in ziplock bags for up to a month. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer, or add leftovers to stir-fries or coconut curry soups.
### Recipe for Lemongrass Chicken
**Prep Time:** 1 hour 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 6 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour 16 minutes
**Servings:** 4
#### Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– Red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
#### Instructions:
1. Prepare lemongrass by cutting it into 3 to 4-inch pieces and peeling away the tough outer layers. Finely chop the tender inner part.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes if using.
3. Introduce the chicken thighs and toss thoroughly to ensure they are well-coated. Marinate for a minimum of 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high. Grill the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
### Nutrition Information (per serving)
– **Calories:** 320
– **Carbohydrates:** 12g
– **Protein:** 45g
– **Fat:** 9g
– **Sodium:** 1239mg
– **Cholesterol:** 215mg
This lemongrass chicken recipe is a delightful way to savor an explosion of flavor while keeping your meal light and gratifying. Enjoy your culinary journey with this vibrant dish!