Grilling in February?! Try Lemongrass Chicken with Honey Dipping Sauce paired with Tassel Ridge® Iowa Candleglow® White!

Tassel Ridge Iowa Candleglow White, a dry, fruity white with pineapple, pear, melon, and apricot notes on the nose and palate and a finish that hints of green apple is a perfect pairing for the flavors in both the Lemongrass Chicken and Honey Dipping Sauce.

Lemongrass Chicken with Honey Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

  • cup water
  • tsp sugar
  • 2 tsp honey
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
  • 1 Tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Asian fish sauce
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large stalks fresh lemongrass, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro
  • 4 large shallots, coarsely chopped
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup small mint leaves
  • lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Combine water, sugar, and honey in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute. Pour mixture into heatproof bowl. Add crushed red pepper. Cool to room temperature. Add vinegar and fish sauce. Season with salt and black pepper. Set aside. Bruise lemongrass using chef’s knife or rolling pin. Transfer to large, shallow dish. Add cilantro, shallots, and vegetable oil. Mix well. Add chicken. Coat thoroughly with marinade. Cover. Refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature before grilling. Light grill or preheat grill pan. Scrape marinade off chicken. Grill, over medium heat, until chicken is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Turn and cook until golden brown, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Place chicken on cutting board. Slice chicken crosswise, ⅓-inch thick. Place on 4 serving plates. Sprinkle with mint leaves. Serve with lime wedges. Pass dipping sauce at table. Serves 4.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestion—Serve with rice.

Chef’s Note: Dipping sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Wine Recommendation—Tassel Ridge Iowa Candleglow® White

Iowa Candleglow White is a dry, fruity white with pineapple, pear, melon, and apricot notes on the nose and palate and a finish that hints of green apple. A blend of La Crescent, Brianna, and Edelweiss grown in our Mahaska County, Iowa, vineyards, Iowa Candleglow White pairs well with chicken, fish, or lightly seasoned pork. Or just sip it by itself. Serve chilled. Store at 55°F.