Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Thighs with Nuoc Cham is one of those dishes that surprises you with its simplicity but completely wins you over with its bold flavor. This recipe takes tender, marinated chicken thighs and chars them to juicy perfection over a hot grill, giving you that smoky, caramelized edge that’s totally irresistible. And then comes the nuoc cham—a zippy, tangy-sweet Vietnamese dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili. It’s the flavor bomb that pulls everything together. Whether you’re already in love with Vietnamese cuisine or just dipping your toes into Asian grilled chicken recipes, this one is a winner. It’s ideal for an easy weeknight meal, summer cookouts, or when you’re simply craving something fresh and full of character.
Grilled Vietnamese Chicken Thighs with Nuoc Cham
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Marinating 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vietnamese
Grill (charcoal or gas) A charcoal grill gives that deeper, smoky flavor reminiscent of Vietnamese street food, but a gas grill or grill pan works too.
Mixing bowls One for the marinade, one for the dipping sauce.
Tongs or a grill spatula For flipping the chicken.
Zip-top bag or shallow dish To marinate the chicken.
Thermometer (optional) Helps ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature (165°F).
Knife and Cutting Board For prepping aromatics and garnishes.
Serving platter or wooden board For presentation—Vietnamese dishes are as much about visual appeal as they are about flavor.
For the Chicken Thighs
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (you can leave the skin on if preferred for extra crispiness)
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce use tamari for a gluten free chicken option
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste or finely chopped fresh lemongrass
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
Optional: 1 small Thai chili, finely sliced (for extra heat)
For the Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sugar adjust to taste
- 1 garlic clove finely minced
- 1 red chili thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon shredded carrot optional for texture and color
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced scallions
- Crushed peanuts optional
- Lime wedges
Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper, lime juice, and optional chili in a medium bowl. This marinade is packed with umami and bright citrus flavors—it’s the foundation of this Vietnamese chicken marinade.
Place your chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 8 hours or overnight.
Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down until they’re glowing and covered with white ash. Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
Grill the Chicken
Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until they develop a beautiful char and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Don’t move them too much—let them get that nice caramelized crust.
You’ll smell the sweet, garlicky, slightly smoky aroma as they cook—it’s reminiscent of both thai grilled chicken and classic vietnamese street food stalls.
Make the Nuoc Cham
While the chicken is grilling, whisk together all the ingredients for the nuoc cham in a small bowl. Taste and adjust—it should be tangy, sweet, salty, and just a little spicy. The balance of flavors is key here.
Serve
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips or leave whole, and serve with a generous drizzle of nuoc cham or in a small bowl on the side. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, scallions, and peanuts if desired. Serve with lime wedges for an extra pop.
Pairings
This dish is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with several side options depending on your mood:
- Fresh salads: A crisp green papaya salad or Vietnamese herb salad with mint, basil, and cilantro is a refreshing contrast to the grilled meat.
- Sticky rice or jasmine rice: Classic and comforting.
- Rice noodles: Tossed with fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette, they make a great base for the chicken.
- Grilled vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant lightly charred complement the savory chicken.
- Vietnamese grilled pork or tofu skewers: For a street food sampler feel, serve alongside other vietnamese dishes.
This is also a fantastic filling for banh mi sandwiches or a topping for vermicelli noodle bowls, offering layers of flavor and texture. It's a perfect candidate for easy weeknight meals or for impressing guests at a casual dinner party.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep in mind that thighs are more forgiving and juicier when grilled. If you do use chicken breasts, butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness, and don’t overcook—they dry out faster.
2. Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Absolutely. This Vietnamese chicken marinade also works beautifully with pork (especially for Vietnamese grilled pork), shrimp, or tofu. It’s also a great base for Thai BBQ or other Asian style chicken variations.
3. Is this recipe gluten free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, then yes, this recipe becomes a gluten free chicken dish. Always double-check your fish sauce too, as some brands may contain wheat.
4. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for about 25–30 minutes or until fully cooked. While you’ll lose that signature char, it’s still delicious—perfect for weeknight dinner shortcuts.
5. What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover grilled Vietnamese chicken thighs are fantastic chopped into fresh salads, tucked into lettuce wraps, or added to noodle bowls. They’re just as good cold, making them ideal for meal prep and easy Vietnamese recipes during the week.
