California-style Grilled Lemongrass Chicken

Ingredients

In this California-inspired adaptation, we have incorporated the vibrant flavors of lemongrass and the grilling technique commonly used in Californian cuisine. The original Cambodian dish, Chha kh'nhei, typically involves stir-frying the chicken with lemongrass and other ingredients. By grilling the chicken instead, we add a smoky char and enhance the flavors with the unique grilling techniques of California. We alse have the original recipe for Chha kh'nhei, so you can check it out.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500g / 1.1 lb) 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500g / 1.1 lb)
• 4 stalks of lemongrass, outer layers removed and finely chopped 4 stalks of lemongrass, outer layers removed and finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• Juice of 2 limes Juice of 2 limes
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 8g (Sugar: 6g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the lemongrass, garlic, ginger, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
5. 5.
   Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and grill marks appear. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. 6.
   Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
7. 7.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — To release the flavors, bruise the lemongrass stalks with the back of a knife before finely chopping them.
• Ginger — Use a microplane or fine grater to grate the ginger for a smooth texture in the marinade.
• Lime juice — Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a finely chopped chili pepper to the marinade.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven.
• Make extra marinade to use as a dipping sauce for the grilled chicken.
• Serve the chicken with a side of fresh avocado salsa for a creamy and refreshing twist.
• Experiment with different herbs like mint or basil for added freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the California-style Grilled Lemongrass Chicken with a side of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Add a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a burst of color and nutrition.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the chicken for an appetizing presentation. Serve with a side of vibrant vegetables to create an enticing and colorful plate.