Ga Chien Gion - Vietnamese Crispy Fried Chicken

Ingredients

Chicken thighs

4, bone-in and skin-on

Fish sauce

3 tablespoons

Garlic

4 cloves, minced

Lemongrass

2 stalks, minced

Sugar

1 tablespoon

Black pepper

1 teaspoon

Cornstarch

1 cup

Vegetable oil

for frying

Fresh cilantro

for garnish

Lime wedges

for serving

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together fish sauce, minced garlic, minced lemongrass, sugar, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
3. In a deep pan or skillet, heat enough vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and then evenly coat them with cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
5. Carefully place the coated chicken thighs in the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 8-10 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
6. Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken thighs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil, ensuring they stay crispy.
7. Serve the Ga Chien Gion hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and accompanied by lime wedges. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken just before enjoying for an extra burst of flavor.