Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the lemongrass paste, garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, avocado oil, and fish sauce. Whisk together until well combined. This marinade will be the heart of your dish, so ensure it's mixed thoroughly for the best flavor.
- Take the raw chicken thighs and place them in a large zip lock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly. Seal the bag and gently move the contents around to ensure the marinade embraces the chicken. Let this marinate for at least one hour, but if you can, aim for several hours or even overnight in the refrigerator.
- When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for achieving that crispy texture without overcooking the chicken.
- Once the oven is heated, take the marinated chicken out of the zip lock bag and place it in a large casserole dish in a single layer. Don’t forget to include all that delicious marinade!
- Slide the casserole dish onto the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 20 minutes. You want it to start cooking through and develop a lovely color.
- After 20 minutes, switch your oven to the high broil setting. Broil the chicken for an additional 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it gives the skin a beautiful crispy finish, enhancing the overall texture.
- To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, insert a digital thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. Chicken thighs are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit or higher; I personally prefer to cook them to 180-200 for the best texture.
- Once done, remove the casserole dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more succulent.
- Finally, slice the chicken, and serve it alongside your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and the delightful aroma that Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken brings to your table!
Notes
The longer you let the chicken marinate, the more flavorful it will become. Aim for at least one hour, but overnight is best.
Ensure your oven is fully preheated. This will help the chicken cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid dry chicken. The right internal temperature makes all the difference.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This prevents the juices from running out when you cut into it.