Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of Vietnamese Caramel Chicken with this easy-to-follow recipe. Succulent chicken thighs marinated in a caramelized sauce, accompanied by hints of garlic, ginger, and fish sauce, make for a mouthwatering dish that will leave your taste buds wanting more. This traditional Vietnamese recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its delicious flavors and enticing aroma. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Vietnam in the comfort of your own home!
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts, crushed (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the marinade is well combined.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade, and add it to the hot skillet. Brown the chicken on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the reserved marinade along with the water. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer for about 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, or until it has further thickened and caramelized.
- Serve the caramelized chicken thighs over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and crushed peanuts if desired. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Caramelized chicken is a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine, known for its balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Vietnamese caramel chicken is often served with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles.
Fish sauce, a staple ingredient in Vietnamese cooking, adds a unique umami flavor to this dish.