Imagine biting into a piece of Grilled Lemongrass Chicken, where juicy flavors burst like a confetti cannon at a birthday party. The aroma of lemongrass mingling with garlic wafts through the air, teasing your senses and promising an unforgettable meal. savory chicken gyros This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that takes you on a mini-vacation to Southeast Asia without leaving your kitchen.
This recipe isn’t just for special occasions; it’s perfect for those lazy Sunday afternoons when you want to impress your friends or family (or yourself) with minimal effort. Picture it now: friends gathered around, laughter filling the air, and all eyes are on your beautifully grilled chicken, which smells so good everyone forgets about their phones for just a moment. For more inspiration, check out this learn about our culinary journey recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The easy preparation means you can whip this up any day of the week
- Its vibrant flavors create an explosion in your mouth that will have everyone asking for seconds
- The visual appeal will make it the star of any dinner table, and it’s versatile enough to serve over rice or in a salad
I remember the first time I made Grilled Lemongrass Chicken; my friends thought I had transformed into a gourmet chef overnight. baked ranch chicken Their surprise was priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Fresh Lemongrass: Look for firm stalks with a bright green color for the best flavor.
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Garlic Cloves: Choose fresh garlic cloves for maximum aroma and taste.
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Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while maintaining flavor depth.
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Coconut Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances out savory flavors; feel free to substitute with brown sugar if needed.
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Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice elevates the marinade with its zesty kick.
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Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper enhances all the flavors beautifully.
For the Marinade:
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Fish Sauce: A little goes a long way in adding umami richness to your chicken.
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Chili Flakes (optional): If you’re feeling spicy, add these for an extra kick!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
The Marinade Magic: Begin by finely chopping the lemongrass and garlic. In a bowl, combine them with soy sauce, coconut sugar, lime juice, fish sauce, and black pepper until well mixed. Mediterranean salmon bowl This fragrant mixture will elevate your chicken to new heights.
Your Chicken’s Spa Day: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over them and massage gently to ensure each piece is coated evenly. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this is their spa day!
Grilling Time!: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid to avoid flare-ups. Grill each breast for about 6-7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You’re looking for those beautiful grill marks that scream “deliciousness.”
The Final Touches: Once grilled perfectly, transfer your chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This step helps retain moisture—nobody wants dry chicken! Serve it sliced on top of rice or in a fresh salad.
Enjoy every bite as you revel in your culinary triumph!
You Must Know
- Grilled Lemongrass Chicken is not just mouthwatering; it’s a culinary adventure
- The combination of tangy lemongrass and savory chicken creates an aroma that will have your neighbors knocking at your door for a taste
- Perfect for gatherings, it’s sure to impress!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken in the lemongrass mixture for at least 30 minutes. While it marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high. Once ready, grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp if you’re feeling adventurous! Adding a splash of coconut milk can also enhance the marinade’s richness. Get creative with your favorite herbs to make this dish uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the chicken on low heat in a skillet to maintain its juicy texture without drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best flavor, let your chicken marinate overnight if possible
- Using fresh lemongrass makes a world of difference in taste
- Always let cooked chicken rest before slicing to retain juices and flavor
Cooking Grilled Lemongrass Chicken reminds me of that summer BBQ when my neighbor brought over their famous mango salsa. We paired it perfectly with this dish, and it was an instant hit! For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes recipe.
FAQ
How long should I marinate Grilled Lemongrass Chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better for deeper flavor.
Can I use other proteins besides chicken?
Absolutely! Tofu and shrimp work wonderfully with this flavorful marinade.
What should I serve with Grilled Lemongrass Chicken?
Pair it with jasmine rice or a fresh salad for a delightful meal experience. red beans and rice.
Grilled Lemongrass Chicken
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Grilled Lemongrass Chicken is a flavorful dish that transports your taste buds straight to Southeast Asia. Tender chicken is marinated in a fragrant mixture of fresh lemongrass, garlic, and savory spices, then grilled to perfection. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a delicious meal on a quiet night in. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, soy sauce, coconut sugar, lime juice, black pepper, fish sauce, and chili flakes (if using) to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Massage gently to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off excess liquid.
- Grill each chicken breast for about 6-7 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve over rice or in a salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
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