5 Easy Vietnamese Chicken Recipes You'll Love

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, making it a popular choice for home cooks around the world. Chicken, in particular, plays a starring role in many Vietnamese dishes, offering a canvas for a myriad of aromatic herbs, spices, and condiments. Whether you're a fan of bold tastes or prefer something subtle and soothing, Vietnamese chicken recipes offer something for everyone. In this blog, we'll explore five easy Vietnamese chicken recipes that are not only delicious but also simple to prepare. Let's dive into the world of Vietnamese culinary delights!

Recipe 1: Vietnamese Caramel Chicken (Gà Kho)

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken thighs or drumsticks, skin-on
• 4 tablespoons fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1-2 fresh chilies, optional for heat
• 3 tablespoons coconut water or water
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 spring onions, chopped (for garnish)

How to Cook:

1. Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a pan over medium heat, add the sugar and a small amount of water. Let it melt and turn into an amber caramel without stirring. Once it reaches the right color, lower the heat.
2. Add Chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces into the caramel. The caramel will harden; just keep cooking, and it will dissolve back into liquid. Add fish sauce, garlic, shallot, and chilies. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Simmer: Pour in the coconut water or regular water, cover, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Finish: Uncover, increase the heat, and reduce the sauce until it thickens. Add pepper and spring onions for garnish before serving.

✨ Note: If you're new to caramelizing sugar, be patient; it's easy but requires some practice. The key is not to stir the sugar once it starts melting to prevent crystallization.

Recipe 2: Vietnamese Grilled Lemongrass Chicken (Gà Nướng Sả)

Ingredients:

• 4-6 chicken pieces (thighs or breasts)
• 3 stalks lemongrass, finely minced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Cook:

1. Marinate: Combine all ingredients except the chicken in a large bowl. Add the chicken, mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
2. Grill: Preheat your grill. Grill the marinated chicken until fully cooked, brushing with the remaining marinade halfway through. Turn occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Serve: Let the chicken rest before slicing. Serve with rice or wrapped in rice paper for a fresh spring roll.

Recipe 3: Vietnamese Chicken Curry (Cà Ri Gà)

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken pieces (bone-in or boneless)
• 2 tablespoons curry powder (preferably Vietnamese or Mad
Assistant: ris curry powder)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2-3 cups chicken stock or water
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• Spring onions and cilantro for garnish

How to Cook:

1. Marinate Chicken: Rub the chicken pieces with half the curry powder, salt, and a bit of oil. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Base: Heat oil in a pot, add onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onion turns translucent.
3. Add Ingredients: Add the remaining curry powder, stir until fragrant, then add the marinated chicken. Cook until the chicken changes color.
4. Simmer: Pour in the coconut milk, chicken stock or water, fish sauce, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then lower to simmer. Add potatoes and carrots, cover, and let it simmer for about 25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Finish: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with spring onions and cilantro before serving.

Recipe 4: Vietnamese Poached Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)

Ingredients:

• 500g boneless chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 limes, juice of
• 1-2 Thai chilies, chopped
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup thinly sliced cabbage
• 1 small cucumber, julienned
• 1/2 cup mint leaves
• 1/2 cup cilantro
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
• Sesame seeds for garnish

How to Prepare:

1. Poach Chicken: Poach the chicken in simmering water with a pinch of salt until cooked through. Let it cool and then shred or slice thinly.
2. Dressing: Mix fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and chilies in a bowl until the sugar dissolves.
3. Assemble: Combine vegetables, herbs, and chicken in a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and toss well.
4. Serve: Garnish with peanuts and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best texture.

✨ Note: The key to this dish is balancing flavors - the salty fish sauce, the tangy lime, the sweet sugar, and the spicy chilies.

Recipe 5: Vietnamese Chicken with Lemongrass and Chili (Gà Xào Sả Ớt)

Ingredients:

• 500g chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 lemongrass stalks, outer layers removed, finely chopped
• 2 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust for heat preference)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons oil
• Cilantro for garnish

How to Cook:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Marinate chicken with 1 tablespoon fish sauce, salt, and pepper for at least 15 minutes.
2. Cook: Heat oil in a pan, add garlic, onion, lemongrass, and chilies, sauté until aromatic. Add chicken, stir-fry until browned.
3. Add Flavor: Pour in the remaining fish sauce and sugar, stir well to combine. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Serve: Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with steamed rice.

These five Vietnamese chicken recipes showcase the beautiful flavors of Vietnam, balancing the four central elements of Vietnamese cooking: sour, sweet, salty, and spicy. From the rich, caramelized depth of Gà Kho to the fresh, zesty notes in Gỏi Gà, these dishes bring a piece of Vietnam right into your kitchen. They're perfect for those looking to expand their culinary horizons or simply enjoy a delicious meal. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or preparing a special meal, these recipes promise satisfaction with every bite, illustrating the unique and delightful approach to chicken in Vietnamese cuisine.

Can I substitute fish sauce with another ingredient?

+

While fish sauce provides a unique umami flavor, you can substitute it with soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce for a similar savory taste.

What can I use if I don’t have lemongrass?

+

If lemongrass is unavailable, try using lemon zest or a bit of lemon juice along with a touch of kaffir lime leaves to mimic the citrusy, fragrant notes of lemongrass.

How can I make these recipes vegan?

+

Most of these recipes can be adapted for vegan diets by replacing chicken with tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms. For instance, in Gà Kho, you can caramelize the tofu for a similar effect, adjusting the cooking times.

Are there shortcuts for quicker prep?

+

Yes, use pre-made lemongrass paste, minced garlic, or ginger from jars. Also, pre-cut vegetables and even pre-cooked chicken can reduce prep time significantly.