Can I substitute chicken breasts for thighs?

Absolutely! Just be careful not to overcook them—they’re leaner and dry out faster.

How can I store leftovers?

Pop leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully in a skillet or the microwave.

Is there a substitute for fish sauce?

You can use soy sauce in a pinch, but the depth of flavor won’t be quite the same.

Grilled Vietnamese Chicken - Chicken magic recipes

Description

Grilled Vietnamese Chicken is marinated in a sweet, tangy, and savory blend of lime, soy, garlic, and fish sauce, then grilled to juicy perfection. Perfect for summer dinners, BBQ parties, or easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
2–3 green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)

For the Vietnamese Chicken Marinade:

1 ½ tablespoons lime juice (about 1 small lime)
1 ½ tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil—not extra virgin)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium is fine)
½ tablespoon fish sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or a pinch of ground ginger)
¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)

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Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Trim large fat pieces and pound chicken to even thickness for consistent grilling.
Make the Marinade: In a ziplock bag or bowl, mix lime juice, oil, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and cilantro.
Marinate: Add chicken to the marinade, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
Preheat Grill: Heat grill to medium-high and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the Chicken: Cook chicken 3–5 minutes per side until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Garnish and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with green onions and cilantro. Serve whole or sliced.

Notes

For extra flavor, reserve the marinade and simmer it into a sauce (boil thoroughly before using).
Thighs are more forgiving and juicier than breasts on the grill.
Want it spicier? Add more chili flakes or a splash of sriracha.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Category: Main course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 230 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg