How to Make Vietnamese Lemon Grass Chicken for Dinner

If you're looking to spice up your dinner menu, why not try making Vietnamese Lemon Grass Chicken? This delicious dish is not only packed with flavor but is also simple to prepare. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a delightful meal that will impress your family or guests.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Vietnamese Lemon Grass Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 stalks of fresh lemon grass, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish

Preparation Steps

Follow these easy steps to marinate and cook your Lemon Grass Chicken:

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped lemon grass, minced garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, vegetable oil, and black pepper. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are blended.

Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate for 2-4 hours, or overnight if you can.

2. Cooking the Chicken

After marinating, heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the surface with a bit more vegetable oil. When the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken thighs.

Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side until it develops a nice char. Flip the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for another 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

3. Serving the Dish

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for an added pop of color and flavor.

Delicious Serving Suggestions

This Vietnamese Lemon Grass Chicken pairs well with jasmine rice or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or in a rice paper wrap for a fun twist.

Additional Tips

For a bolder flavor, consider adding chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies to the marinade. You can also substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer white meat.

To make the dish gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in your marinade.

Enjoy your homemade Vietnamese Lemon Grass Chicken, and impress your dinner guests with this flavorful, aromatic dish!