Vietnamese Grilled Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Introduction

Vietnamese Grilled Chicken offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors wrapped in tender, juicy chicken thighs. This easy-to-make recipe uses a fragrant marinade and grilling technique that brings authentic Vietnamese taste right to your kitchen. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

The dish shows several pieces of grilled chicken that are golden brown with dark char marks, placed on a layer of green grilled scallions with light and dark green sections. The chicken pieces are irregularly shaped and glossy with a slight glaze, arranged closely together on a white plate. The plate sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
  • 4 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on spice preference)
  • Fresh herbs (cilantro, for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, vegetable oil, honey, black pepper, and chili powder to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for the best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, roughly 400°F (200°C).
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, then place the chicken on the grill.
  5. Step 5: Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
  7. Step 7: Serve the grilled chicken garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips & Variations

  • For a smoky flavor, try using charcoal or wood chips in your grill.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but reduce cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
  • Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
  • Add a splash of lime juice to the marinade for a tangier taste.

Storage

Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or use an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the glaze and texture.

How to Serve

The dish shows grilled chicken pieces arranged in a white bowl, with each piece golden brown and marked with charred grill lines, giving a crispy texture on the outside. The chicken pieces sit on and are mixed with fresh green stalks of grilled green onions, which add a bright contrast of color with their vibrant green and slightly charred tips. The glossy glaze on the chicken adds a shine, suggesting a tasty marinade or sauce. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in thighs can be used but they will require longer grilling time to ensure they are cooked through. Adjust grilled time accordingly and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

What can I serve with Vietnamese Grilled Chicken?

This chicken pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, fresh salads, pickled vegetables, or wrapped in rice paper as spring rolls. A side of nuoc cham dipping sauce or chili sauce adds an authentic touch.

Print

Vietnamese Grilled Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Vietnamese Grilled Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring marinated boneless, skinless chicken thighs grilled to perfection. The marinade combines traditional Vietnamese ingredients like fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili powder to create a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. This easy-to-make recipe results in juicy, tender chicken that’s ideal for serving with rice, fresh herbs, and lime wedges for a vibrant, authentic meal.

  • Author: Isla
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Vietnamese

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)

Marinade

  • 4 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on spice preference)

Garnish & Serving

  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, vegetable oil, honey, black pepper, and chili powder. Stir thoroughly to ensure the sugar dissolves and the flavors meld.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour, preferably overnight, to allow the chicken to absorb all the flavors.
  3. Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, approximately 400°F (200°C), to ensure a nice sear and even cooking.
  4. Grill Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Place the thighs on the hot grill grates.
  5. Cook Thoroughly: Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the exterior is beautifully charred but not burnt.
  6. Rest: Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Arrange the chicken on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for a fresh burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken significantly.
  • You can adjust the chili powder amount to make the dish more or less spicy according to your preference.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the chicken on a grill pan or broil it in the oven.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Serve with jasmine rice or fresh salad and Vietnamese dipping sauce (nuoc cham) for an authentic meal experience.

Keywords: Vietnamese grilled chicken, grilled chicken thighs, Vietnamese marinade recipe, fish sauce chicken, easy grilled chicken, flavorful chicken recipe

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