Description
Grilled Vietnamese Chicken brings zesty Southeast Asian flavors right to your backyard grill. Marinated in a perfect blend of lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, this dish delivers a punch of tangy, aromatic goodness that will transport your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade and Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons lime juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons neutral or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon cilantro
- 2–3 green onions
Instructions
- Whisk together 1 ½ tablespoons lime juice, 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, ½ tablespoon fish sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes, and 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro in a medium mixing bowl.
- Transfer 1 pound of chicken thighs into a large ziplock bag and pour the entire marinade over them. Seal the bag and gently massage to coat every surface of the meat. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes.
- Heat your outdoor grill to 400°F, creating zones of direct and indirect heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Arrange chicken on the grill’s hot zone, cooking for 6-7 minutes on the first side until deep golden grill marks appear.
- Flip chicken and cook an additional 5-6 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest point.
- Transfer grilled chicken to a clean platter and let rest for 3-4 minutes to retain juices.
- Chop 2-3 green onions and sprinkle over the chicken as a fresh, crunchy garnish before serving.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours, which allows the herbs and spices to penetrate deeply.
- Ensure the grill is hot before adding chicken to create those beautiful char marks and seal in the juices for a tender result.
- For a gluten-free version, swap traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the rich, savory profile.
- If outdoor grilling isn’t possible, this chicken works brilliantly on a grill pan or under the broiler, keeping the cooking method flexible for any kitchen setup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 to 4
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg