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In the memories of many Vietnamese people from North to South across the S-shaped land, chicken braised with lemongrass and chili has become a familiar dish on the family dinner table. When the plate of braised chicken is served, the fragrant aroma of the chicken spreads, blending with the pungent scent of lemongrass to create a warm and intimate atmosphere. For many, it is the scent of reunion and love. Sometimes, a meal doesn't need many elaborate dishes; just chicken braised with lemongrass and chili and a bowl of white rice is enough to warm the heart.
A chicken dish that is both visually appealing, fragrant, and goes well with rice.
Chicken braised with lemongrass and chili is cooked not only on everyday occasions but also during holidays and festivals. It evokes images of mothers, grandmothers, and meticulous women in the kitchen, carefully preparing each dish to care for their families. This dish is a bridge of kinship, sharing, and connection.
Recently, chicken braised with lemongrass and chili was unexpectedly honored in the list of the 100 best chicken dishes in the world, a prestigious ranking by TasteAtlas. This is not only a source of pride for "home cooks," but also an important highlight for Vietnam on the global culinary map: affirming the diversity and richness of Vietnamese culinary culture, and demonstrating the integration and exchange between Vietnamese and world cuisine.
To many foreigners, at first glance, this might seem like a simple dish. But for those who have tasted it, they will recognize the subtlety in each spice and cooking method. The mild spiciness of chili peppers, the distinctive aroma of lemongrass, blended with a rich sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, and other spices, create a perfect balance. Each piece of chicken is infused with flavor, neither too soft nor too tough, always retaining its natural sweetness and firm texture. This is what surprises and delights many international diners when they try this dish.
Chicken stewed with lemongrass, chili, and lime leaves.
To cook a truly delicious chicken stew with lemongrass and chili, the ingredients must be carefully prepared and selected. The best chicken is free-range chicken, a type of chicken with firm yet tender meat. The chicken is cleaned, cut into bite-sized pieces, and marinated with lemongrass, chili, garlic, onion, fish sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. Most importantly, the marinating process must be long enough for the spices to penetrate the meat evenly.
Next, the chicken is placed on the stove and simmered over low heat. During the simmering process, the chicken gradually absorbs the spices, and the aroma of lemongrass begins to spread throughout the kitchen. The dish is complete when the chicken meat becomes tender, the sauce thickens, glistens, and coats each piece of chicken, creating a perfect whole in both color and flavor.
One notable point is that the spiciness of this dish can be adjusted according to each family's preference. Those who like spicy food can add more chili peppers for a stronger flavor sensation. Conversely, the amount of chili peppers can be reduced so that the spiciness is only a fleeting sensation on the tongue, just enough to enhance the flavor.
The main ingredient of the dish
Some say that by observing how Vietnamese people cook, you can clearly see the love they put into each dish. From selecting ingredients and preparing them to simmering the chicken over low heat, every step reflects dedication, meticulousness, and love. And chicken braised with lemongrass and chili, with its rich flavor, has become a bridge connecting feelings and cherished family moments.
