Grilled Vietnamese Chicken

By Megan

July 17, 2025
6

Grilled Vietnamese Chicken: A Flavorful and Aromatic Delight ๐Ÿ—๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ณโœจ

1. Introduction

Welcome to a culinary journey that brings the vibrant flavors of Vietnam right to your kitchen! Our Grilled Vietnamese Chicken recipe is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight. Infused with aromatic spices, this dish features succulent pieces of chicken marinated in a mouthwatering blend of lemongrass, garlic, and chili flakes, then grilled to perfection. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. If youโ€™re looking for more dinner ideas, explore our dinner recipes category! Letโ€™s dive in and discover how to create this exquisite Vietnamese delicacy!

Final presentation of grilled Vietnamese chicken with sides, showcasing the vibrant colors and delicious flavors of the dish.

2. Ingredients for Perfect Grilled Vietnamese Chicken

To create the most flavorful Grilled Vietnamese Chicken, youโ€™ll need these fresh and essential ingredients:

  • 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless โ€“ the star of our dish, providing a juicy base for the marinade.
  • 2 tablespoons of lemongrass, finely chopped โ€“ this adds a citrusy, floral aroma that is quintessentially Vietnamese.
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced โ€“ for that pungent, savory depth that complements the lemongrass beautifully.
  • 1 tablespoon chili flakes โ€“ adjust to your spice preference to give the chicken a pleasant kick.
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce โ€“ an umami-rich ingredient that provides a salty, savory foundation.
  • 1 tablespoon honey โ€“ to balance the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness and help the chicken caramelize on the grill.
  • Juice of 1 lime โ€“ to add brightness and acidity, enhancing all the other flavors.
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil โ€“ to help the marinade coat the chicken and prevent sticking on the grill.
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (coriander, mint) โ€“ to add freshness and visual appeal.
  • Lime wedges for serving โ€“ for an extra burst of citrus that ties the dish together.

3. Marinating the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Step 1: Start by preparing the marinade for your grilled Vietnamese chicken. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped lemongrass, minced garlic, chili flakes, fish sauce, honey, lime juice, and vegetable oil. Mix all the ingredients until well blended. A good marinade is the key to truly exceptional Vietnamese grilled chicken. You can also explore more chicken recipes here.

Marinated chicken pieces with lemongrass, garlic, and chili flakes for authentic Vietnamese chicken recipe.

Now, add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight to maximize flavor absorption. The longer it marinates, the more deeply the flavors penetrate. If youโ€™re in a hurry, even 30 minutes can make a difference! For another flavorful dish, check out our creamy cheesy penne recipe.

4. Preparing the Grill for Perfect Results

Step 2: When youโ€™re ready to grill, preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and allow any excess marinade to drip off. This ensures the chicken sears properly and develops those desirable grill marks. You can find another great recipe for dinner here: easy lipton onion soup potatoes.

Grilling Vietnamese chicken, capturing the delicious cooking process with a grill pan and aromatic spices.

Place the marinated chicken thighs onto the hot grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has those beautiful grill marks. Be sure to monitor the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) for food safety. For those who enjoy beef, our beef recipes category might be of interest,

5. Glazing for Enhanced Flavor and Aroma

Step 3: While the chicken is grilling, prepare a glaze using the leftover marinade. Near the end of the cooking time, brush the glaze over the chicken for added flavor. This step enhances the dish, giving your grilled Vietnamese chicken a delectable finish. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky, flavorful crust. For more glaze inspiration, you might like this recipe from Two Kooks in the Kitchen.

Applying glaze on grilled Vietnamese chicken, enhancing the flavor with fish sauce and honey for a delicious finish.

6. Serving Your Delicious Grilled Vietnamese Chicken

Step 4: Once the chicken is beautifully cooked and glazed, itโ€™s time to plate it up. Transfer the grilled Vietnamese chicken onto a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs like coriander and mint. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an added zest. This dish is a true celebration of Vietnamese flavors and is sure to impress your guests.

Plated grilled Vietnamese chicken garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges, presenting a colorful dish.

7. Storage Tips for Keeping Your Chicken Fresh

To store any leftovers, place the grilled Vietnamese chicken in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you might consider freezing the chicken for up to 2 months. Just ensure to thaw before reheating! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this delicious dish even later.

8. Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

This Grilled Vietnamese Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with rice noodles, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables. For a simple yet delicious side try our dense bean salad. Itโ€™s also delightful when wrapped in lettuce leaves with a bit of mirin and chopped chili for an extra kick! The versatility of this dish makes it a perfect addition to any meal.

9. Conclusion

Enjoy your deliciously grilled Vietnamese chicken, bursting with authentic flavors and aromas! This recipe not only offers a taste of Southeast Asia but also a unique cooking experience at home. Donโ€™t forget to share this amazing dish with family and friends for an unforgettable meal thatโ€™s sure to impress! And if youโ€™re feeling adventurous, why not try another unique snack like our supermodel snack?

Print
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Final presentation of grilled Vietnamese chicken with sides, showcasing the vibrant colors and delicious flavors of the dish.

Grilled Vietnamese Chicken


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  • Author: Ashley Miller
  • Total Time: 1 hour 29 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

Experience the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with our Grilled Vietnamese Chicken, marinated in lemongrass, garlic, and chili flakes. This succulent dish is perfect for any gathering and brings an aromatic delight to your table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 2 tablespoons of lemongrass, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili flakes
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (coriander, mint)
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine lemongrass, garlic, chili flakes, fish sauce, honey, lime juice, and vegetable oil to create the marinade.
  2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  3. Preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
  4. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
  5. Brush the leftover marinade over the chicken towards the end of cooking for added flavor.
  6. Plate the chicken, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

  • For best results, marinate the chicken overnight.
  • Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your spice preference.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
  • Calories: 280 Kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Hi There!

Welcome to RecipesAlways.com! Iโ€™m Chef Megan, and Iโ€™m so excited to have you here as we embark on this flavorful journey together.

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