Oh, the vibrant world of Thai cuisine! I can’t tell you how much I adore the explosion of fresh flavors, especially when it comes to dishes like Thai lemongrass chicken. I remember the first time I stumbled upon this dish at a bustling street market in Thailand, the air filled with the tantalizing aroma of lemongrass and spices. It was love at first bite! The combination of tender chicken infused with zesty lemongrass and aromatic garlic takes me straight back to that moment. Trust me, once you try making this at home, you’ll want it on repeat for dinner. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering adventure together!
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 2 stalks lemongrass (minced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 inch ginger (grated)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 lime (juiced)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
How to Prepare Thai Lemongrass Chicken
Alright, let’s get cooking! This part is where the magic happens, and I promise, it’s easier than you might think. First things first, you’ll want to marinate that chicken. Grab your chicken thighs and toss them into a bowl. Add in the minced lemongrass, garlic, grated ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Give it a good mix, ensuring every piece of chicken is coated in that fragrant goodness. Now, here’s the key: let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you can manage it, a couple of hours would be even better! This step is crucial because it allows all those fabulous flavors to soak into the chicken, making every bite absolutely delicious.
Marinating the Chicken
Don’t skip this step! Marinating not only infuses the chicken with the zesty lemongrass and savory spices, but it also tenderizes it, making it oh-so-juicy. I usually pop it in the fridge if I have time, but even a quick 30-minute soak on the counter works wonders. Just remember, the longer it marinates, the more flavor you’ll get. So, if you can, set a timer and let it do its thing while you prep everything else!
Cooking the Chicken
Now that your chicken is marinated and ready for action, heat up a large pan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Once it’s shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs in the pan. Cook them for about 7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. A quick note here: make sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This is super important for food safety, and it guarantees that your chicken is tender and juicy. Once cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite even more succulent!
Serving the Dish
When it’s time to serve, don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro for that pop of color and flavor! I love serving my Thai lemongrass chicken with fluffy jasmine rice on the side. The rice soaks up all the delightful juices, making for a heavenly meal. You can also add some steamed veggies for a complete dish. Trust me, this is going to be a hit at your dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Bold, vibrant flavors that transport you straight to Thailand.
- Juicy, tender chicken infused with aromatic lemongrass and spices.
- Gluten-free, making it a great option for various dietary preferences.
- Quick cooking time means you can have dinner on the table in under an hour.
- Leftovers taste amazing, so you can enjoy it again the next day!
Tips for Success
To really nail this Thai lemongrass chicken, focus on using fresh ingredients. Fresh lemongrass has a flavor that’s out of this world compared to dried or stale options. Also, don’t be shy about adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste—if you love a bit more zing, add an extra squeeze of lime juice or a splash more fish sauce. Keep an eye on your cooking times; every stove is different. You want that golden-brown exterior, but be careful not to overcook the chicken. It’ll dry out quicker than you’d think! Lastly, let it rest after cooking to ensure maximum juiciness. You’ve got this!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. But here’s what you can expect per serving of this delicious Thai lemongrass chicken:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
So, you can feel good about enjoying this dish while getting a healthy dose of protein and flavor!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breast if you prefer, but keep in mind that chicken thighs are generally juicier and have a richer flavor. Chicken breast can dry out more quickly, so you’ll want to be extra careful not to overcook it. If you’re going for breast meat, try marinating it a little longer to help maintain moisture and flavor. It’ll still be delicious, just a tad leaner!
What can I serve with Thai lemongrass chicken?
Pairing this dish with jasmine rice is a classic choice! The fluffy rice soaks up all those amazing juices perfectly. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a fresh crunch. If you want to elevate your meal, try a simple cucumber salad on the side to add a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken. Yum!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is a breeze! Just let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you try this Thai lemongrass chicken, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it on social media with your friends. Happy cooking!
For more information on the health benefits of lemongrass, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in more Thai recipes, visit our blog for a variety of delicious options!
Looking for a refreshing drink to pair with your meal? Try this Mango Lassi recipe for a perfect complement!
Z nadrukami
Thai Lemongrass Chicken: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Dish
- Całkowity Czas: 44 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
This dish features chicken infused with the fresh flavor of lemongrass and traditional Thai spices.
Składniki
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 2 stalks lemongrass, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instrukcje
- Marinate chicken with lemongrass, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook for about 7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Uwagi
- Serve with jasmine rice.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 30 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 14 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Pan-frying
- Kuchnia: Thai
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 320
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 10g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Słowa kluczowe: thai lemongrass chicken, chicken recipe, thai cuisine
