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Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken: A Flavorful Weeknight Delight

Enjoy a flavorful Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken, a low-calorie dish bursting with vibrant taste, perfect for weeknights.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Thighs Juiciness and tenderness; can substitute with chicken breasts.
For the Marinade
  • 2 stalks Lemongrass Ensure it’s finely minced for maximum flavor.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh is best but dried works as a substitute.
  • 2 medium Shallots Offers a milder flavor compared to onions.
  • 3 tablespoons Fish Sauce Essential for umami richness; soy sauce is a vegetarian alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Opt for low-sodium if watching salt intake.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Adds sweetness and encourages caramelization.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground offers the best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes Adjust to taste, optional for heat.
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil Canola or avocado oil are suitable alternatives.
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Fresh garnish that brightens the dish.
  • 2 wedges Lime Perfect for squeezing over the chicken.

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut into bite-sized pieces if desired.
  2. Make the Marinade: Combine minced lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and red chili flakes in a bowl.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours.
  4. Heat the Skillet: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Add marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes undisturbed.
  6. Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the chicken and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until fully cooked.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 22gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure the chicken is not marinated for longer than 4 hours to avoid a mushy texture. Adjust red chili flakes according to your spice preference.

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