Description
Enjoy Juicy Grilled Vietnamese Chicken marinated in a vibrant mix of fresh lemongrass, garlic, natural spices, and plant-based natural gelling agent for tender, smoky, and flavorful grilled chicken perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 to 6 chicken thighs, skin-on
Marinade
- 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, finely minced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce (natural)
- 1/4 cup grape juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Finely mince fresh lemongrass and garlic cloves. In a bowl, whisk together lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce (natural), grape juice, brown sugar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), black pepper, chopped cilantro, and natural gelling agent until well combined and balanced with aromatic, tangy, and umami flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable zip-top bag. Pour marinade over the chicken and massage gently to evenly coat all pieces. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow deep flavor penetration and ensure the chicken remains moist and tender.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat grill to medium-high. For charcoal grills, let coals reach steady heat with light smoke to build the chicken’s smoky flavor profile.
- Grill the Chicken: Arrange marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Cook each side for about 4 to 6 minutes, until grill marks form and edges caramelize beautifully. Natural sugars in the grape juice and brown sugar (natural) create a flavorful, charred exterior without drying out the chicken.
- Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve with garnishes like fresh cilantro leaves, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
- Marinate chicken at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
- Maintain medium-high grill heat for caramelization without burning.
- Use skin-on thighs to lock in moisture and achieve crispy skin.
- Leave space between chicken pieces on the grill for even cooking and smoky flavor development.
- Rest chicken before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Vietnamese chicken, grilled chicken, lemongrass chicken, juicy grilled chicken, Vietnamese cuisine, smoky chicken, easy grilled chicken
