Grilled Chicken Marinated with Lemongrass and Sesame Oil

Looking for a delicious and aromatic grilled chicken recipe? Our Grilled Chicken Marinated with Lemongrass and Sesame Oil combines the zesty freshness of lemongrass with the rich, nutty flavor of sesame oil. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or a flavorful weeknight dinner. Follow this guide for a mouthwatering meal that will impress family and friends alike.

Ingredients

To make this flavorful grilled chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 stalks of fresh lemongrass (tender part only, finely chopped)
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken. In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped lemongrass, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until the honey is fully dissolved and all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for a more intense flavor. For best results, marinate overnight.

3. Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, prepare the coals until they are covered with a light gray ash. For a gas grill, allow it to reach the desired temperature.

4. Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill, cooking for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid moving the chicken around too much to achieve those beautiful grill marks.

5. Rest and Serve

Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. Slice the chicken into strips or serve whole.

6. Garnish and Enjoy

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. This grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken

• Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. This allows the lemongrass and sesame oil to infuse deeply into the meat.
• Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) without overcooking, which can make it dry.
• Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling helps to keep it juicy.

Conclusion

This Grilled Chicken Marinated with Lemongrass and Sesame Oil is a simple yet elegant dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table. The combination of lemongrass and sesame oil creates a unique taste that is both aromatic and satisfying. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Enjoy your grilled chicken and happy cooking!