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Zesty Vietnamese Lemongrass Roast Chicken Recipe

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Vietnamese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Description:

This Vietnamese-inspired chicken dish combines the fragrant and bright flavors of lemongrass and lime, creating a savory and citrusy roast that is simple yet bursting with flavor. The lemon in the title refers to lemongrass, which imparts a subtle, unique citrus aroma. This chicken is equally delightful served hot, cold, or at room temperature. One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility—you can enjoy it freshly roasted or repurpose it into a delicious chicken salad the next day. Adapted from Nina Simonds’ A Spoonful of Ginger, this recipe will become a go-to for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients:

Quantity Ingredient
1 whole Roasting chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
1 Lime (preferably organic)
1 stalk Lemongrass
3 cloves Garlic, peeled
3 slices Fresh ginger (about 1-inch slices)
1 tablespoon Fish sauce
1 ½ teaspoons Fresh ground black pepper
¼ cup Olive oil (optional)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories Fat Saturated Fat Cholesterol Sodium Carbohydrates Fiber Sugar Protein
114.2 kcal 7.8 g 2.2 g 35.6 mg 387.3 mg 2.2 g 0.4 g 0.4 g 8.8 g

Instructions:

Step Instruction
1 Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting a whole chicken, allowing the skin to become golden and crispy while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside.
2 Prepare the chicken. Start by rinsing the whole chicken thoroughly, both inside and out. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is important to help the skin crisp up during roasting.
3 Make the seasoning paste. Peel the lime and set the lime peel aside. In a food processor or blender, combine the lemongrass, garlic, fresh ginger, fish sauce, black pepper, and optional olive oil if you want a richer flavor. Blend everything into a smooth paste.
4 Season the chicken. Rub the prepared seasoning paste inside the cavity of the chicken and all over its skin. For an extra boost of flavor, carefully create a pocket under the skin of the chicken breasts. Gently slide some of the seasoning paste into this pocket, making sure to spread it evenly over the meat by massaging the skin from the outside. Be careful not to tear the skin.
5 Juice the lime. Quarter the peeled lime and squeeze the juice inside the chicken cavity and over the skin. The lime juice will add a burst of citrusy freshness. After juicing, place the lime quarters inside the chicken cavity for an added infusion of flavor during roasting.
6 Roast the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken in a shallow roasting pan, breast side up. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 ½ hours, or until the juices run clear when you pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a knife. You can also check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7 Rest the chicken. Once roasted, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
8 Carve and serve. After the chicken has rested, remove the lime quarters from the cavity. Carve the chicken into serving pieces, slicing through the legs, thighs, wings, and breasts. Serve hot with your favorite sides, or let it cool and enjoy at room temperature or chilled in salads.

Serving Size:

This recipe serves 6 people, making it a great option for family dinners or gatherings with friends.


Recipe Notes:

  • Lemongrass Preparation: When using lemongrass, make sure to trim the tough outer layers of the stalk and use only the tender white inner part. This part is where all the wonderful citrus flavor lies.
  • Substitutions: If you cannot find fresh lemongrass, you can use lemongrass paste, which is often available in the fresh herb section of grocery stores.
  • Fish Sauce Alternative: If fish sauce isn’t available or preferred, you can substitute with soy sauce for a similar umami flavor.
  • Make it Ahead: This chicken is perfect for meal prep. Roast the chicken the day before, then shred it to make a flavorful chicken salad or sandwich filling. The flavors will intensify as it sits in the fridge.
  • Side Dish Suggestions: Serve this flavorful chicken with jasmine rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh herb salad with cilantro and mint for a complete meal. For a refreshing side, you can also pair it with a cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar.

This Vietnamese Lemon Chicken recipe offers a simple yet wonderfully aromatic and flavorful way to enjoy a roast chicken. The use of lemongrass, garlic, ginger, and lime infuses the chicken with bright, zesty notes that make it suitable for any occasion.

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