why make this recipe

You will love this recipe because it combines vibrant flavors with a simple cooking process. Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Thighs with Dipping Sauce captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine while being quick and easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual family BBQ. It is budget-friendly and kid-approved, ensuring that everyone at the table will enjoy their meal. Plus, with fresh ingredients like lemongrass, garlic, and chili, it brings an authentic taste of Vietnam right to your home.

how to make Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Thighs with Dipping Sauce

Step-by-step overview

Marinate the Chicken: Start by mixing the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add your chicken thighs and coat them well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to give the chicken a nice char without drying it out.
Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Make the Nuoc Cham: While the chicken is grilling, prepare the dipping sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Adjust the sugar to your taste and mix until well combined.
Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve it with the Nuoc Cham and your choice of garnishes like cilantro, scallions, and lime wedges.

how to serve Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Thighs with Dipping Sauce

Serve the grilled chicken hot with a side of steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles. Don’t forget to offer the Nuoc Cham on the side for a burst of flavor. You can also pair it with fresh veggies or a simple salad to round out the meal.

how to store Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Thighs with Dipping Sauce

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have extra Nuoc Cham, keep it in a separate container. Reheat the chicken on the grill or in the oven to maintain its flavor and texture.

tips to make Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Thighs with Dipping Sauce

Marinate the chicken longer for a richer flavor. Overnight is best.
Use fresh lemongrass for a more intense flavor.
Adjust the spice level of the dipping sauce by adding more or fewer chilies according to your preference.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made honey or soy-based marinades as a shortcut.

variations

You can swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts or even shrimp if you prefer. The marinade and dipping sauce will work well with other proteins too. Additionally, you can make it a vegetarian dish by using tofu or veggies like eggplant.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that they may dry out faster, so watch the cooking time closely.

What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for added nutrition.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Just add the chicken when you’re ready to cook.

Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Thighs with Dipping Sauce

This vibrant and budget-friendly dish combines marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection with a flavorful Nuoc Cham dipping sauce, offering an authentic taste of Vietnam.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Vietnamese

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the marinade

4 pieces chicken thighs Skinless and boneless preferred
2 tablespoons lemongrass, minced Use fresh lemongrass for better flavor
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon chili powder Adjust to taste

For the Nuoc Cham dipping sauce

1 tablespoon sugar Adjust to your taste
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice Freshly squeezed
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small chili, sliced For heat, adjust based on preference

Method

Marination

Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl and coat the chicken thighs well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Grilling

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Making the Dipping Sauce

While the chicken is grilling, combine all the Nuoc Cham ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined.

Serving

Remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve it with the Nuoc Cham and garnishes like cilantro, scallions, and lime wedges.

Notes

For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken longer, preferably overnight. Adjust spice level of the dipping sauce as per preference. Use pre-made marinades as a time-saving option.