How to make Caramelized Chicken with Lemongrass and Chilies and the recipes of Caramelized Chicken with Lemongrass and Chilies

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Caramelized Chicken with Lemongrass and Chilies (Ga Xao Sa Ot Cay)

A popular Vietnamese dish featuring caramelized chicken infused with lemongrass, red chilies, and a hint of fish sauce.

Time: 45 minutes
Makes: 4 servings as part of a multicourse family-style meal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless chicken thighs with skin, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 plump stalks lemongrass, trimmed, bruised, and minced (3/4 cup), divided
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 large yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced into crescents
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic, divided (4 to 5 cloves)
  • 3 red Thai chilies, cut into rounds
  • 2 teaspoons fish sauce
  • Chopped cilantro leaves for garnish
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1 Prepare Chicken:

    • In a medium bowl, season chicken with salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add 3 tablespoons minced lemongrass, toss to coat, and set aside.

    2 Caramelize Sugar:

      • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil until shimmering. Add sugar and stir continuously.
      • Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until sugar clumps and melts into a syrup. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the syrup thickens into a caramel-brown liquid.

      3 Cook Aromatics:

        • Stir in remaining minced lemongrass, onion, and 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Cook until golden brown and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.

        4 Cook Chicken:

          • Add chicken to the skillet. Increase heat to high and cook, tossing in caramel sauce, for about 1 1/2 minutes.
          • If needed, add water 1 tablespoon at a time to evenly coat chicken (be cautious as it may sputter).

          5 Finish Dish:

            • Add red chilies and cook until chicken is no longer pink, about 2 to 3 minutes.
            • Stir in fish sauce and remaining garlic. Cook for another minute until chicken is cooked through.
            • Adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter.

            6 Garnish and Serve:

              • Sprinkle with black pepper to taste.
              • Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves and green onions.

              Notes:

              • Chicken Thighs: Using thighs with skin adds flavor and juiciness to the dish.
              • Adjust Spice Level: Increase or decrease the amount of red chilies according to your preference for heat.
              • Serve: Enjoy hot with freshly steamed rice and a side dish like Sweet and Sour Fish Soup for a complete meal.

              This caramelized chicken dish is a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or as part of a larger family-style meal.

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