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Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken

Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken

Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish that combines a sweet caramel glaze with zesty fresh ginger, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. This authentic Vietnamese recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and boneless, skin-on chicken thighs to deliver a rich, aromatic meal that’s ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Caramel Sauce

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Aromatics & Seasonings

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1/2 cup water or chicken broth

Garnish

  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced (or fresh herbs such as cilantro)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with freshly ground black pepper to promote even browning and help the caramel sauce adhere during cooking.
  2. Make the Caramel Sauce: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Slowly add granulated sugar without stirring, allowing it to melt and caramelize into a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn the sugar; only gently stir if necessary.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down into the caramelized sugar. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken develops a golden, caramelized crust packed with flavor.
  4. Add Aromatics and Liquid: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, stirring briefly to release their aroma. Pour in the fish sauce and water or chicken broth. Cover the skillet and simmer gently on low heat to cook the chicken through and infuse the sauce.
  5. Reduce to a Glaze: Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Cook uncovered until the sauce thickens into a luscious glaze that coats the chicken beautifully, intensifying the caramel and ginger flavors.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced scallions or fresh herbs over the chicken for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste experience.

Notes

  • Use fresh ginger and garlic for authentic flavor; avoid pre-minced variants.
  • Slowly melt sugar to develop flavor without burning; stir gently only if necessary.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when browning chicken; brown in batches for a crisp crust if needed.
  • Simmer on low heat to keep chicken tender and develop a rich sauce.
  • Adjust sweetness and saltiness by tasting and modifying sugar and fish sauce amounts as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Vietnamese caramel chicken, ginger chicken recipe, caramelized chicken, Vietnamese home cooking, easy chicken dinner