Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled Vietnamese Chicken is not only full of vibrant and complex flavors, but it’s also incredibly versatile. The combination of savory fish sauce, fragrant lemongrass, and a bit of sweetness from sugar and honey makes for a unique and mouth-watering marinade. The grilling process adds a smoky char while keeping the chicken juicy and tender inside. This recipe is perfect for those who love grilled meats with a lot of flavors and a hint of Southeast Asian influence. It’s also easy to make and works well for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or a weekend BBQ.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

  • 1 stalk lemongrass, minced (or 1 teaspoon lemongrass paste)

  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional, for added flavor)

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish (optional):

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Sliced chili peppers (optional)

  • Lime wedges

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade:

  • In a bowl, combine the fish sauce, soy sauce, honey (or sugar), lime juice, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, coriander (if using), and black pepper. Whisk together until the ingredients are fully combined and the honey or sugar is dissolved.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

  • Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and seal the bag (or cover the dish). Massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated.

  • Refrigerate the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. For more intense flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours. If you’re short on time, even a quick 15-30 minutes will still impart great flavor.

3. Preheat the Grill:

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down to a consistent medium heat. For a gas grill, aim for around 400°F (200°C).

4. Grill the Chicken:

  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.

  • Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side (depending on thickness), or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a nice char on the outside. Avoid moving the chicken too much to get those beautiful grill marks.

5. Rest and Serve:

  • Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

  • Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced chili peppers, and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4 servings

  • Prep time: 10 minutes (plus marination time)

  • Cook time: 15 minutes

  • Total time: 25-30 minutes (plus marination)

Variations

  • Add Heat: If you like spicy food, you can add chili flakes, fresh sliced chili peppers, or a dash of sriracha to the marinade for an extra kick.

  • Use Chicken Breasts: If you prefer chicken breasts over thighs, they will work too. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts can dry out faster, so be sure to monitor the grilling time closely.

  • Grilled Vegetables: Serve the chicken with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for a complete meal. These veggies will pick up the smoky flavors from the grill.

  • Serve with Rice: Traditional Vietnamese grilled chicken is often served with jasmine rice or sticky rice. You can also serve it with a side of pickled vegetables for an authentic touch.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Freezing: You can freeze the grilled chicken for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s fully cooled before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

  • Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You can also reheat it on the grill for a few minutes to bring back some of the original grill flavor.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts, but the cooking time will be longer. Bone-in chicken typically requires about 10-12 minutes per side, so be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For extra heat, you can add sliced fresh chilies, a dash of sriracha, or extra chili flakes to the marinade. You can also serve the chicken with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.

Can I cook this chicken in the oven?

Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also broil the chicken in the oven for a few minutes to get a nice char.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavors. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator while marinating, and don’t exceed 24 hours to avoid the chicken becoming too salty from the fish sauce.

What can I serve with Grilled Vietnamese Chicken?

This chicken pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, sticky rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with pickled vegetables or grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it, simply marinate the chicken and grill.

Conclusion

Grilled Vietnamese Chicken is a flavorful and easy dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Vietnam right to your grill. The aromatic spices, tangy marinade, and smoky grilled flavor create a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes. It’s a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, making it a great option for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just craving something delicious and satisfying, this Grilled Vietnamese Chicken is sure to impress!

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Grilled Vietnamese Chicken

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Vietnamese
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Grilled Vietnamese Chicken (Gà Nướng) is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a tangy, aromatic mixture of fish sauce, lemongrass, garlic, and ginger, then grilled to perfection. With its balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or meal prepping. Serve it with rice or on a salad for a satisfying meal!

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

  • 1 stalk lemongrass, minced (or 1 teaspoon lemongrass paste)

  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional, for added flavor)

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish (optional):

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Sliced chili peppers (optional)

  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  • Prepare the Marinade:

    • In a bowl, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, honey (or sugar), lime juice, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, coriander (if using), and black pepper. Whisk together until fully combined, and the honey or sugar is dissolved.

  • Marinate the Chicken:

    • Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and seal the bag (or cover the dish). Massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated.

    • Refrigerate the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 4 hours.

  • Preheat the Grill:

    • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For charcoal, let the coals burn down to a medium heat. For a gas grill, aim for around 400°F (200°C).

  • Grill the Chicken:

    • Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off (discard the remaining marinade).

    • Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side (depending on thickness), or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a nice char. Avoid moving the chicken too much to get those beautiful grill marks.

  • Rest and Serve:

    • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.

    • Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced chili peppers, and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Add Heat: For spicier chicken, add chili flakes, fresh sliced chili peppers, or a dash of sriracha to the marinade.Chicken Breasts Option: You can use chicken breasts, but monitor the grilling time closely, as they cook faster and can dry out.Serve with Vegetables: Pair the chicken with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for a complete meal.Serve with Rice: Traditional sides include jasmine rice, sticky rice, or pickled vegetables for an authentic touch.

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