Chicken Roasted with Lemongrass and Garlic

My Simple, Flavorful Roast Chicken

As a busy working mom, I'm always looking for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This lemongrass and garlic roast chicken fits the bill perfectly. The marinade is incredibly simple to prepare, and the best part is you can make it the night before – making for a quick weeknight dinner, that tastes like something special.

The fragrant lemongrass gives the chicken such a unique and delightful flavor. It’s not overpowering, but it adds a subtle complexity that elevates the dish beyond your average roast chicken. I usually find lemongrass at my local Asian market, but increasingly, larger supermarkets are stocking it too. If you can’t find fresh lemongrass, you can sometimes substitute with lemongrass paste (though the flavor is slightly different).

This recipe is incredibly versatile. I often adjust the vegetables depending on what’s in season or what I have on hand. Sometimes I add broccoli florets, or swap the green beans for asparagus. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! The combination of the savory chicken with the slightly sweet and tangy vegetables is a match made in heaven. It’s a complete meal in one pan, minimal cleanup, and tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen, not just a few minutes.

I serve this chicken with fluffy rice and a simple side salad, but it's equally delicious on its own. It's a perfect weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. The chicken is juicy and tender on the inside, with perfectly crispy skin on the outside. The marinade really penetrates the meat, resulting in a chicken that's bursting with flavor from the inside out. The aroma that fills the kitchen while it’s roasting is enough to make your mouth water!

Beyond the Dinner Table:

This recipe isn't just for weeknight dinners; it's also fantastic for entertaining. I've made it for countless dinner parties and potlucks and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The presentation is beautiful, and the flavors are so inviting that people always ask for the recipe. It’s impressive enough for a special occasion but simple enough for a casual gathering. This dish is so adaptable; you can easily scale it up or down to accommodate the number of guests.

Tips and Tricks for Perfection:

For the most flavorful chicken, I recommend marinating it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the lemongrass and garlic flavors to fully penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Don’t skip this step!

If you're short on time, you can still make this recipe with a shorter marinating time. At least 2 hours is the absolute minimum I would recommend. Even a shorter marinate is better than nothing at all!

When roasting the chicken, make sure to use an ovenproof skillet. This allows you to sear the chicken skin to perfection on the stovetop before transferring it to the oven. The searing helps to create that signature crispy skin which is often my favorite part!

For the vegetables, I love using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The vibrant colors and flavors add a wonderful visual appeal and enhance the taste of the dish.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the vegetables! Experiment with different combinations to find your favorites. You could add carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, or even some chopped potatoes. The possibilities are endless!

Leftovers? Don't Worry!

If you have leftovers (which is unlikely, but just in case!), the chicken is just as delicious the next day. You can enjoy it cold in a salad or reheat it gently in the microwave or oven. It’s a great way to have a quick and easy lunch or dinner the following day. The flavor actually seems to intensify the next day making it even more flavorful. I often have this for lunch the next day, served over a simple bed of greens.

This lemongrass and garlic roast chicken recipe is a true testament to the magic of simple cooking. With minimal effort, you can create a meal that is both delicious and satisfying. So next time you are looking for a flavorful and easy weeknight meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed! Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Puree the first 7 ingredients, 3 tablespoons oil, and 2 tablespoons sugar in a blender.
• Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag. Add lemongrass marinade and seal; turn to coat. Refrigerate overnight.
• Preheat oven to 450°F. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
• Remove chicken from marinade and season with salt.
• Add chicken, skin side down, to skillet. Cook until golden brown and crisp, about 8 minutes.
• Turn skin side up; transfer skillet to oven.
• Roast until chicken is cooked through, about 25 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add onion; sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
• Add green beans, bell pepper, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar and cook until beans are tender and liquid reduces enough to coat beans, about 5 minutes.
• Divide between 2 plates. Top with chicken.