Zippy Vietnamese Chicken Recipe: Bursting with Fresh Flavors

Sizzling aromas of lemongrass and ginger dance through the kitchen with this authentic Vietnamese chicken recipe that captures the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine.

Tender chicken pieces marinate in a vibrant blend of herbs and spices, promising a flavor journey unlike any ordinary meal.

Bright, zesty notes mingle with savory undertones, creating a dish that sings with traditional Vietnamese culinary magic.

Each bite tells a story of fresh ingredients and generations of cooking wisdom passed down through time.

Fragrant seasonings coat succulent chicken, delivering a perfect balance of umami and brightness.

The recipe brings street food elegance straight to your dining table, inviting you to savor a culinary adventure that delights every sense.

Prepare to transport your taste buds to the bustling markets of Hanoi with this irresistible feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Calories: 405 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Vietnamese Chicken

• Shallots: Brings sweet, delicate onion flavor that deepens the chicken's aromatic profile.
• Lemongrass: Delivers bright, citrusy fragrance characteristic of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent base note that enhances overall savory complexity.
• Kosher Salt: Crucial for seasoning and tenderizing the chicken meat.
• Ginger: Introduces warm, slightly spicy undertone with refreshing zesty notes.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and earthy warmth to the marinade.
• Lime Zest: Contributes vibrant citrus brightness and aromatic intensity.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and ensures even coating of chicken.
• Fish Sauce: Delivers umami depth and traditional Southeast Asian flavor complexity.
• Honey: Balances flavors with subtle sweetness and helps create golden caramelization.

• Chicken Thighs: Guarantees juicy, flavorful meat with rich, tender texture.

• Paleo Nuoc Cham Ingredients: Creates zesty, tangy accompaniment that complements the chicken's deep marinade flavors.

Tools for Vietnamese Chicken Cooking

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining marinade ingredients and coating chicken.
• Cutting board: Essential for chopping shallots, lemongrass, and garlic.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise and fine mincing of herbs and spices.
• Wire rack: Helps chicken cook evenly and allows excess fat to drip away.
• Foil-lined baking sheet: Provides easy cleanup and catches drippings.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing dipping sauce ingredients.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Zester or grater: Helps create lime zest for marinade.

Instructions for a Flavorful Chicken Dish

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

• Flavor Fusion

Create a zesty marinade by blending aromatic herbs and seasonings. Crush lemongrass and shallots to release their intense flavors, mixing with garlic, spices, and tangy sauces for a mouthwatering coating.

• Chicken Preparation

Generously massage the marinade into chicken thighs, ensuring every crevice is covered. Let the meat soak up the vibrant flavors in the refrigerator, allowing the ingredients to work their magic.

• Oven Transformation

Heat the oven to high temperature. Position chicken on a wire rack, allowing hot air to circulate and create a crispy exterior. Skin should face downward for initial cooking.

• Golden Perfection

Flip chicken midway through cooking, rotating the tray for even browning. Watch for a gorgeous golden color and crispy skin. Check internal temperature to ensure juicy, fully cooked meat.

• Dipping Sauce Celebration

Whip up a quick complementary sauce by combining bright, zesty ingredients. Mix until smooth, creating a perfect flavor companion for the aromatic chicken.

Seasoning Tweaks & Marinade Adjustments

• Let chicken marinate overnight to allow lemongrass and spices to deeply penetrate the meat, creating more intense and robust flavor profiles.
• Swap oven baking with outdoor grilling for smoky charred edges. Grill chicken over medium-high heat, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and beautiful caramelization.
• Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or drumsticks. Adjust cooking time based on meat thickness to prevent drying out while maintaining juicy texture.
• Modify Nuoc Cham by adding fresh chili peppers for extra heat or increasing honey for sweeter notes. Experiment with ingredient ratios to match personal taste preferences and create a signature dipping sauce.
• Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice, pickled vegetables, or fresh herb salads. Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, and crushed peanuts to enhance visual appeal and add complementary textures.

Serving Vietnamese Chicken with Sides

• Tropical Picnic Paradise: Spread a vibrant checkered blanket outdoors and serve the lemongrass chicken with fresh cucumber slices and herb-sprinkled rice for a breezy island-style meal.
• Dinner Party Elegance: Plate the golden chicken atop a crisp white dish, garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, and pair with a chilled Vietnamese-inspired cocktail for sophisticated entertainment.
• Street Food Style Presentation: Slice the chicken and serve in warm soft tortillas or lettuce wraps with the tangy nuoc cham sauce, creating a casual and interactive dining experience that feels like a Southeast Asian street market.
• Healthy Meal Prep Option: Pack cooled chicken slices with extra dipping sauce in compartmentalized containers for a protein-packed lunch that brings exciting flavors to your workday or gym routine.

Storing Vietnamese Chicken: Tricks

• Fridge Storage Strategy: Keep marinated chicken in an airtight container on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator for maximum freshness and to prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare multiple chicken portions in advance, individually wrap them, and freeze for up to 3 months for quick, delicious weeknight dinners that save time and reduce cooking stress.
• Sauce Longevity Tricks: Transfer leftover nuoc cham sauce to a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, which helps maintain its vibrant flavors and prevents absorption of other refrigerator odors for quick, convenient dipping.
• Leftover Transformation: Shred remaining chicken and use in salads, wraps, or rice bowls within 3-4 days, extending the meal's versatility and reducing food waste while keeping your meals exciting and flavorful.

Sizzling Vietnamese Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory Vietnamese chicken brings together a symphony of Southeast Asian flavors with tender marinated meat and aromatic herbs. Succulent chicken promises a delightful culinary journey that satisfies hungry diners and celebrates authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on, approximately 3½ lbs or 1.6 kg)
• 1 large lemongrass stalk, trimmed
• ¼ cup minced shallots
• 4 garlic cloves (3 large, 1 small), minced
• 2 tsps Diamond Crystal kosher salt
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 4 tbsps Red Boat fish sauce
• 3 tbsps maple syrup (or ¼ cup apple or pineapple juice for Whole30)
• 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 tsp honey (or 1 tbsp of orange juice if doing a Whole30)
• ¼ cup water
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Zest from 1 lime
• Lime wedges (optional)
• Fresh herbs (optional)
• Lettuce (optional)
• Pickled vegetables (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Whisk shallots, lemongrass, garlic, salt, ginger, black pepper, lime zest, olive oil, fish sauce, and honey in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Chicken Preparation: Fully submerge chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 1-24 hours to allow flavor infusion and tenderization.
3. Oven Configuration: Preheat oven to 400°F (convection) or 425°F (traditional). Arrange chicken thighs skin-side down on a wire rack positioned over a foil-lined baking sheet to maximize heat circulation and capture potential drippings.
4. Roasting Process: Cook for 20 minutes, then carefully flip chicken to expose crispy skin. Rotate tray and continue baking 20-25 minutes until skin achieves a deep golden hue and internal temperature reaches 175°F.
5. Nuoc Cham Sauce: Blend sauce ingredients in a small bowl, adjusting seasonings to taste. Transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate, maintaining freshness for up to 4 days.

Notes

• Marinade Magic: Allow chicken to soak in flavor-packed marinade for at least 1 hour, with overnight marination delivering the most intense taste profile.
• Skin Perfection: Start roasting chicken skin-side down to render fat and create an incredibly crispy, golden-brown exterior that’s irresistibly crunchy.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 175°F internally, guaranteeing juicy meat and safe consumption.
• Sauce Storage: Prepare nuoc cham dipping sauce ahead of time, storing in a sealed container for up to 4 days, making meal prep a breeze.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 690mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 125mg