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Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken

Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken


  • Author: Camila
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

Description

Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that transports your taste buds straight to Vietnam. This dish features succulent chicken thighs simmered in a rich sauce of caramelized sugar, fish sauce, and freshly grated ginger, creating a harmonious balance that’s as aromatic as it is delicious. Ideal for family dinners or festive gatherings, this one-pot meal pairs beautifully with steamed rice, allowing the luscious sauce to soak into every grain. With its easy preparation and impressive presentation, this recipe will surely become a staple in your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 68 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger (grated)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
  • 12 Thai bird's eye chilies (chopped, optional)
  • 1 cup water
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides, then set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add granulated sugar and melt over medium heat until it turns deep amber color.
  4. Carefully stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sliced onion. Allow to sizzle until fragrant.
  5. Return chicken to the skillet with water; cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  6. Check for doneness (165°F), transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with remaining sauce, garnish with cilantro, and serve over steamed rice.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 275
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 590mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: For added heat, include more bird's eye chilies or serve chili sauce on the side. Substitute chicken thighs with breasts or drumsticks if desired; adjust cooking time accordingly.