Vietnamese Chicken

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken: A Culinary Journey to Southeast Asia

Experience the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Southeast Asia with this Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken recipe, perfect for a special dinner or a flavorful weekend meal. This dish features tender chicken thighs marinated in a lemongrass-infused mixture, paired with a Paleo-friendly Nuoc Cham dipping sauce that adds the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Lemongrass Chicken:

• ¼ cup minced shallots
• 1 large lemongrass stalk, trimmed and finely minced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Zest from 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Red Boat fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey (or 1 tablespoon of orange juice for Whole30)
• 8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on (approximately 3½ pounds)
• Optional for serving: Lime wedges, fresh herbs, lettuce, pickled vegetables

For the Paleo Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons Red Boat fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup (or ¼ cup apple or pineapple juice for Whole30)
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 small garlic clove, minced

Directions:

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine minced shallots, finely minced lemongrass, garlic, kosher salt, ginger, black pepper, lime zest, olive oil, fish sauce, and honey. Mix well to blend the flavors.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though for best flavor, allow to marinate up to 24 hours.
3. Cooking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (convection) or 425°F (non-convection). Arrange the chicken skin-side down on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the chicken to skin-side up and rotate the tray. Continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 175°F.

Paleo Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and stir until well mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
2. Store: This sauce can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal per serving

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this delectable Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken with a side of steamed jasmine rice, fresh lettuce, and a variety of pickled vegetables for a complete meal. Don’t forget the lime wedges and fresh herbs for an extra burst of freshness!

This recipe not only offers a delicious taste of Vietnamese cuisine but also adapts to dietary needs like Whole30, making it a versatile and enjoyable option for various eating plans. Indulge in the rich, fragrant flavors that make Vietnamese food so beloved around the world. Enjoy your culinary journey!

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