Savory Grilled Vietnamese Chicken with Garlic and Sesame
Delight in the rich and vibrant flavors of this Savory Grilled Vietnamese Chicken, marinated to perfection using a blend of garlic, sesame, and umami-rich fish sauce. The technique of scoring the chicken allows the marinade to fully penetrate the meat, enhancing each bite with a burst of zest. This dish requires only a short marinating time of 10 to 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick lunch or snack without sacrificing flavor. For those who enjoy an added kick, feel free to substitute black pepper with red pepper flakes. Serve this succulent chicken with a side of jasmine rice or a fresh salad, and you have a delectable meal that’s sure to impress.
4
Servings
240
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Fish sauce
2 (tablespoons)
Molasses
2 (tablespoons)
Lemon juice
2 (tablespoons)
Dark sesame oil
1 (tablespoon)
Black pepper or red pepper flakes
2 (teaspoons)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (whole)
Instructions
1
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2
In a shallow glass baking dish, combine the minced garlic, fish sauce, molasses, lemon juice, dark sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
3
Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) and place them on a cutting board. Score the chicken lightly with a sharp knife by making shallow, diagonal slits across the surface of the breast and thigh, ensuring to go deeper on the thicker side for even marination.
4
Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring that the marinade seeps into the slits you've made. Let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
5
Once the chicken is marinated, place it on the preheated grill. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.
6
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your choice of sides.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
6g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Grilled Vietnamese Chicken?
It is a flavorful dish featuring chicken marinated in a blend of garlic, sesame, and umami-rich fish sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the key ingredients for the marinade?
The marinade consists of minced garlic, fish sauce, molasses, lemon juice, dark sesame oil, and pepper.
How long does the chicken need to marinate?
The chicken only needs to marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
Why is the chicken scored before marinating?
Scoring allows the marinade to fully penetrate the meat and helps thicker sections cook more evenly.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, the recipe works well with both boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How long should I cook the chicken on the grill?
Cook the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can substitute the black pepper with red pepper flakes for an added kick.
What sides go well with this chicken?
Jasmine rice or a fresh salad are excellent sides to serve with this dish.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it contains 30g of protein per serving.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
What type of oil is used in the marinade?
Dark sesame oil is used for its distinct nutty flavor.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice is a suitable alternative that fits the Vietnamese flavor profile.
Should the chicken be skinless?
Yes, the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken pieces.
What provides the umami flavor in this dish?
The fish sauce is the primary source of savory umami flavor.
What is the purpose of molasses in this recipe?
Molasses adds depth of flavor and helps the chicken caramelize on the grill.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 8g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates does it contain?
It contains 6g of carbohydrates per serving.
Why should the chicken rest after grilling?
Resting the chicken for a few minutes before slicing helps keep it succulent and juicy.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, because of the short marination time, it is perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Can I use a grill pan if I don't have an outdoor grill?
Yes, a stovetop grill pan can be used as an alternative to an outdoor grill.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can mix the marinade ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Is this dish suitable for snacks?
Yes, it is categorized as suitable for both lunch and snacks.
What kind of dish should I use for marinating?
A shallow glass baking dish is recommended for combining the marinade and chicken.
Do I need to flip the chicken while grilling?
Yes, flip the chicken once halfway through the 8 to 10 minute cooking time.
Is fish sauce essential for this recipe?
Yes, fish sauce is essential for achieving the authentic Vietnamese taste profile.
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
While intended for chicken, this marinade would also work well with pork or shrimp.