Description
This Vietnamese-style baked chicken recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, cilantro, lime juice, ginger, chili-garlic paste, and garlic, giving it a unique and bold flavor. It is then baked in the oven until it is tender and juicy, with a crispy and flavorful skin. Serve it with some rice and vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (900 g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Asian fish sauce, such as Red Boat
- 1/4 cup (55 g) palm or dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) grapeseed or other neutral oil
- 2 packed tablespoons (7 g) fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (20 ml) fresh juice from 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) finely grated zest from 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon (10 g) minced peeled fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) hot chile paste (sambal oelek)
- 3 medium cloves garlic, minced or grated (about 2 teaspoons)
- Sliced limes and cilantro leaves, for garnish
Method
- Place thighs in a large zipper-lock bag.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, oil, cilantro, lime juice and zest, ginger, chili-garlic paste, and garlic.
- Pour marinade into bag with chicken, seal bag, and toss to coat well.
- Let chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and set oven rack to middle position.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Remove chicken from bag, allowing marinade to drip off, and set on wire rack skin-side up, making sure to leave space between thighs. Discard marinade.
- Bake until thighs register 155 to 160°F (68 to 71°C) on an instant-read thermometer, about 35 minutes.
- If chicken skin is not brown and crisp enough by the time the thighs are cooked through, set broiler to high and broil until browned and crisp, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the skin.
- Transfer chicken to a platter and let rest for 5 minutes.