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Lemongrass Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 81 reviews

This Lemongrass Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and fish sauce. Quickly cooked in a hot skillet or grill pan, the chicken develops a deliciously charred exterior while remaining juicy inside. Perfect as a main dish served with coconut rice or a Thai noodle salad, this flavorful recipe takes just 40 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for a weekday dinner or casual weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped lemongrass
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce

Main Ingredient

  • 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs, pounded to an even thickness

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken thighs to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and tender texture.
  2. Make the marinade: In a bowl, mix together the finely chopped lemongrass, lemon juice, soy sauce, light brown sugar, minced garlic, fish sauce, and canola oil until well combined.
  3. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat evenly. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes; for best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop fully.
  4. Heat the pan: Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot enough to cook the chicken.
  5. Cook the chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs onto the pan and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and develops a slight char on the outside.
  6. Rest the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat juicy.
  7. Serve: Slice the chicken and serve hot alongside sides such as Instant Pot Coconut Rice or a fresh Thai Noodle Salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for best results and tenderness.
  • If you don’t have lemongrass, fresh finely minced lemongrass or frozen lemongrass can work as substitutes.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken thighs and heat of your pan; use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Canola oil is used for its neutral flavor and high smoke point; you can substitute with other neutral oils if preferred.

Keywords: lemongrass chicken, Thai chicken recipe, easy chicken marinade, skillet chicken, grilled chicken thighs, Southeast Asian chicken, weeknight dinner, fragrant chicken

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/lemongrass-chicken-recipe/