Description
Juicy Grilled Vietnamese Chicken features tender chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, shallots, and natural savory-sweet ingredients. The marinade melds fresh citrus, aromatic spices, and authentic Vietnamese flavors, grilled to perfection for a juicy, flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 stalks lemongrass, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons grape juice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for brushing grill
Garnishes and Serving
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped shallots, lemongrass, brown sugar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), soy sauce (natural), fresh lime juice, ground black pepper, ground turmeric, fish sauce, and grape juice. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 to 6 hours, to deeply infuse flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and achieve a perfect sear.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Place chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, flipping once. Grill until outside is charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Garnish with chopped cilantro and optionally sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour; overnight marination yields deeper flavors.
- Use chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor balance; adjust grilling time for other cuts.
- Do not overcrowd the grill for even cooking and proper charring.
- Maintain medium-high heat to achieve a good sear without drying the meat.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, Vietnamese chicken, lemongrass chicken, juicy grilled chicken, Vietnamese marinade
