Mastering Vietnamese Bbq Chicken: A Tasty Guide

Vietnamese BBQ chicken is a delicious dish that combines sweet, tangy, salty, and savoury flavours. The key to this dish is the marinade, which infuses the chicken and results in succulent and mouthwatering bites. The chicken is typically grilled, but can also be baked in the oven, and is often served with rice, noodles, or a Vietnamese vegetable salad.

How to Make Vietnamese BBQ Chicken

Choosing the right chicken cut

When it comes to choosing the right chicken cut for Vietnamese BBQ chicken, there are a few options to consider. The most commonly used parts are boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Here's a detailed guide to help you select the ideal cut for your dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a popular choice for Vietnamese BBQ chicken due to their juicy texture and robust flavour. They are less likely to dry out during grilling compared to chicken breasts, making them a preferred option for this dish. Thighs have a higher fat content, which contributes to their moistness and taste. They also have a darker meat colour and a richer flavour profile. When preparing the thighs, trim any larger pieces of fat from the meat, but don't worry about the smaller ones as they will burn off during cooking.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts:

Chicken breasts are another option, but they require more care during cooking to prevent them from drying out. Chicken breasts are leaner and have a milder flavour compared to thighs. If you opt for breasts, look for thinly sliced pieces to ensure even cooking and marinate them well to add moisture. Scoring the breasts by making shallow slits before marinating can help the flavours penetrate the meat more effectively.

Bone-In Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks:

While less commonly used for Vietnamese BBQ chicken, bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks can also be an option. These cuts tend to have more flavour due to the presence of bones, and they stay moist during cooking. However, they may require a longer cooking time to ensure the meat is cooked through. If choosing bone-in thighs, look for cuts with the skin on, as this will help keep the meat juicy.

Marinating and Cooking Tips:

Regardless of the chicken cut you choose, marinating is essential for Vietnamese BBQ chicken. A good marinade will add flavour and moisture to the meat. You can use a variety of ingredients, such as fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, lime juice, brown sugar, and cilantro. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat fully.

When grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grill to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the cut. For boneless chicken thighs or breasts, an internal temperature of 160°F is ideal. Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute before slicing and serving.

Making the marinade

Firstly, gather your ingredients. The exact measurements may vary depending on your taste preferences, but the essential ingredients for the marinade include soy sauce (light or seasoning soy sauce), fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar (white, brown, or palm), black pepper, and vegetable oil or olive oil. You can also add other ingredients such as garlic, shallots, lemongrass, ginger, and red chilli flakes to enhance the flavour.

Next, prepare the chicken. It is recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. If using breasts, you can score the meat by making shallow slits in a diamond pattern to help the marinade penetrate better. However, this step is not necessary if using chicken thighs.

Now, it's time to make the marinade. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together all the ingredients for the marinade. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste. For a more authentic flavour, consider using a Vietnamese brand of fish sauce instead of a Thai brand. If you're short on time, you can also use frozen or powdered versions of garlic and ginger.

Once the marinade is ready, it's time to combine it with the chicken. Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag or a sealed container, and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag or container and marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to overnight in the refrigerator. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more intense the flavour will be.

Finally, when you're ready to cook the chicken, remove it from the marinade and pat it dry with a paper towel. The marinade can be discarded or boiled for 2 minutes to create a dipping sauce. Heat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat, and cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through.

By following these steps, you'll create a delicious and flavourful Vietnamese BBQ chicken marinade that will leave your taste buds craving for more!

Marinating the chicken

Preparing the Chicken

Start by choosing the right cut of chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are highly recommended due to their juiciness and flavour. However, if you prefer, you can also use boneless chicken breasts or a combination of both. It is essential to trim any larger pieces of fat from the chicken to ensure even cooking.

Creating the Marinade

The marinade for Vietnamese BBQ chicken is a flavourful blend of various ingredients. The key components are fish sauce, soy sauce, oil, and seasonings. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, ginger, brown sugar, lime juice, and black pepper to enhance the flavour profile. Here is a basic marinade recipe:

• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon of oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)
• 1/2 tablespoon of garlic powder or 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon of red chilli flakes (adjust to your preferred heat level)
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• Juice of 1/2 lime

Feel free to adjust the measurements and add other ingredients to suit your taste preferences. For a more intense flavour, you can also marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.

Now it's time to combine the chicken and the marinade. Place the chicken in a ziplock bag or a sealed container, and pour in the marinade. Ensure that the chicken is fully coated by squishing the bag or stirring the contents of the container. For optimal flavour, let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to overnight in the refrigerator. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavours will be.

Cooking the Chicken

Once the chicken has finished marinating, it's time to cook it. You can grill the chicken on a barbecue, or you can bake it in the oven. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grill to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, and place it on the grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. If baking, preheat your oven to 218°C and place the chicken on a parchment-lined baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

Vietnamese BBQ chicken is delicious served with a variety of side dishes. Try it with sticky rice, Thai mango salad, Vietnamese vegetable salad, rice noodles, or a dipping sauce made from the leftover marinade. For a refreshing beverage pairing, consider a cold beer or a tangy lemonade.

Cooking the chicken

There are a few different ways to cook your Vietnamese BBQ chicken, depending on your preference and equipment. You can use a gas grill, a skillet, or an oven.

If you're using a gas grill, make sure you oil the grill with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Set the grill to medium-high heat and place the chicken on it. If you're using skewers, thread the chicken onto them before placing them on the grill. Grill each side for 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through.

For a skillet, heat oil on medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Then, cook the chicken for 3 minutes on one side, before stirring and cooking for another 3 minutes or until cooked through.

To cook your chicken in the oven, preheat your oven to 425°F/218°C. Place the chicken on a pan lined with parchment paper and put it in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F/71°C.

Regardless of your cooking method, make sure that the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the juices run clear. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Your Vietnamese BBQ chicken is now ready to be served! Enjoy the delicious flavours of your dish, which goes well with rice, noodles, or a Vietnamese vegetable salad.

Serving suggestions

Vietnamese BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious and flavourful dish:

Rice or Noodles

The most popular way to serve Vietnamese BBQ chicken is with a side of rice or noodles. White rice, in particular, complements the dish well and can be served as a simple base to balance out the strong flavours of the chicken. Rice noodles are also a great option, providing a similar neutral base that won't overwhelm the flavours of the chicken.

Salads

For a lighter option, serve the BBQ chicken with a refreshing salad. A Vietnamese vegetable salad or a Thai mango salad can add a crunchy texture and a burst of freshness to the meal. You can also try a cabbage slaw with chopped peppers, cucumber, and cilantro, or a salad with grilled vegetables and quinoa.

Sandwiches

Vietnamese BBQ chicken is an excellent filling for sandwiches, especially the traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi. The chicken can be sliced and served in this sub-style sandwich, which features a French baguette that is soft on the inside and not too crispy on the outside. The sandwich can also include crunchy vegetables like dark greens, lettuce, jalapenos, carrots, and cucumbers.

Sides

There are several side dishes that can accompany Vietnamese BBQ chicken. Pickled carrots are a great option, and they go well with the chicken even if you're not making sandwiches. You can also serve the chicken with a side of sweet fish sauce, garnished with fresh herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro. Other sides could include grilled corn, wonton chips, or a crunchy ramen noodle salad.

Dipping Sauces

A dipping sauce can elevate the flavours of the BBQ chicken and provide an additional layer of taste. Nuoc cham is a popular choice, and it can be served with the chicken even if it's not in a rice noodle bowl. You can also make a dipping sauce by boiling or microwaving the leftover marinade for 2 minutes to eliminate any impurities.

Customisation

Feel free to customise your serving options to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you want to add a spicy kick to your meal, include some hot red pepper flakes or fresh, sliced jalapenos. You can also adjust the level of sweetness by using brown sugar or white sugar in the marinade.

With these serving suggestions, you can create a delicious and well-rounded meal featuring Vietnamese BBQ chicken as the star of the show.

Frequently asked questions