If you're looking for a dish that is both rustic and delicious to treat your family or friends on the weekend, then grilled chicken with kaffir lime leaves is definitely the perfect choice. With its fragrant aroma of fresh kaffir lime leaves blended with the natural sweetness of the chicken, this dish is not only unforgettable but also incredibly easy to make at home. Plus, this gluten-free dish is surprisingly easy to make right in your own kitchen. In this article, you'll discover how to prepare this authentic, restaurant-quality meal without the need for complicated ingredients or equipment.
Grilled chicken is a familiar dish to many, but it's only when combined with kaffir lime leaves—a signature ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine—that the flavor truly "pops." The kaffir lime leaves not only help to eliminate any gamey odor from the chicken but also create a distinct and alluring aroma. As it grills, the essential oils from the leaves seep into every fiber of the meat, making the grilled chicken with kaffir lime leaves tender, sweet, and intensely fragrant. It's wonderful served with white rice or wrapped in fresh vegetables.
Thinly slice 200g of boneless, skinless chicken breast against the grain into uniform strips, about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, keeping it tender and juicy.
Combine 1 tablespoon of gluten-free Calnort seasoning, 1 tablespoon of minced shallot, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of lemongrass with 2 tablespoons of gluten-free ketchup, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of five-spice powder, and 1 teaspoon of pepper.
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until the chicken is completely coated. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. This will allow the spices to deeply penetrate the meat, making the grilled chicken incredibly tender and flavorful.
Once the chicken has finished marinating, it's time to "pan-grill" it—a fantastic method for home cooks that gives you that rich, charred flavor without a big outdoor grill.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. As the chicken sizzles, pour any remaining marinade directly over the meat. This ensures none of that delicious sauce goes to waste and helps create a beautiful, caramelized glaze.
As the chicken cooks, finely chop a handful of fresh kaffir lime leaves. These will be sprinkled over the cooked chicken right before serving, releasing their fragrant, citrusy aroma to elevate the entire dish
Once the beautifully caramelized chicken is arranged on your serving plate, simply sprinkle the freshly chopped kaffir lime leaves over the top. This final flourish releases their fragrant citrus oil as the warm steam from the chicken rises, making the dish visually stunning and incredibly aromatic.
Servings 1
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.