- 5 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (or flat-leaf parsley if you are cilantro-averse)
- ¼ cup Asian fish sauce*
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (I accidentally doubled this and can only advise you do the same)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black or white pepper
- 8 whole chicken legs, split, or 8 drumsticks and 8 thighs (about 5 pounds total)
- Thai sweet chili sauce, for serving
ingredients
directions
1. Combine the garlic, cilantro, fish sauce, vegetable oil, hoisin sauce, coriander, kosher salt and pepper in a blender until smooth. Arrange the pieces of chicken in a large, shallow glass or ceramic dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and turn to coat the pieces thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for several hours, or overnight. |
2. To roast the chicken: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cover baking dish with a lid or foil and roast chicken for about 25 minutes. If the sauce begins to char, sprinkle a few tablespoons water into the dish. Remove the lid or foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the skin is crisp and the meat is cooked through.** |
3. To grill the chicken: [Lacking a grill, I did not test this method but I will be happy to if you invite me over tonight, okay?] Light a grill. If using a gas grill, turn off the center burners; if using a charcoal grill, once the coals are covered with a light ash, push them to opposite sides, forming a well in the middle. Set a disposable drip pan in the center. Cook chicken on the hot grate above, skin side down, with the cover down for about 40 minutes. The skin should be crisp and the meat should be cooked through. |