Ga Chien Gion - Vietnamese Crispy Fried Chicken

Ga Chien Gion - Vietnamese Crispy Fried Chicken

Indulge in the irresistible crunch and vibrant flavors of Ga Chien Gion, a beloved Vietnamese dish that transforms succulent chicken thighs into a golden, crispy masterpiece. This recipe captures the essence of Vietnam's culinary artistry, with a marinade infused with aromatic lemongrass, pungent garlic, and a touch of umami from fish sauce. Each bite is a celebration of texture and taste, garnished with fresh cilantro and zesty lime wedges that elevate the dish to new heights. Historically, fried chicken has been a cherished comfort food across cultures, and in Vietnam, the crispy fried chicken is often enjoyed as a festive dish, bringing family and friends together around the table.

Servings: 4

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.

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Main Course • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Marinating Time: 1-24 hours • Cook Time: 20 minutes • Calories: 400 • Fat: 20g • Carbs: 15g • Protein: 30g • Sodium: 800mg • Sugar: 1g