Description
Juicy Grilled Vietnamese Chicken is a vibrant dish featuring tender chicken thighs infused with fragrant lemongrass, cilantro, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This recipe is simple to prepare and ideal for grilling, delivering moist, flavorful meat with a smoky char and fresh herbal aroma that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or fresh greens.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 lemongrass stalks, finely minced
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp crushed black pepper
Glaze
- Extra marinade mixture from above
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Thin slices of red chili (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine finely minced lemongrass, crushed garlic, sliced shallots, light soy sauce (natural), brown sugar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, fresh lime juice, and crushed black pepper. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors perfectly.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over. Massage the liquid evenly into the meat, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor penetration and tenderness.
- Preheat and Prepare the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking and ensure those signature grill marks appear on the chicken for an inviting presentation.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through, turning carefully to develop an even char without drying out the meat.
- Rest and Glaze: While still hot, brush the chicken with an extra mixture of marinade and a natural gelling agent to create a shiny glaze, then let it rest for a few minutes to seal in the juices before serving.
Notes
- Marinate Longer: Giving the chicken at least a few hours allows the flavors to deeply penetrate and produce tender meat.
- Use Bone-In Thighs: If time permits, bone-in chicken thighs can add juiciness, but boneless is faster and just as tasty.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling locks the juices in, resulting in a moist bite.
- Work the Grill Marks: Press chicken gently on the grill to make sure the sear is perfect and attractive.
- Enhance the Glaze: A brush of marinade reduced with a natural gelling agent just before finishing gives a glossy, mouthwatering sheen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Vietnamese grilled chicken, lemongrass chicken, grilled chicken thighs, Vietnamese cuisine, herb marinade, sweet and savory chicken
