Description
Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs glazed in a rich caramel sauce infused with fresh ginger, garlic, and fish sauce. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors while keeping the chicken juicy and tender. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, noodles, or fresh greens.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1/4 cup water or broth
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Optional
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and finely slice the fresh ginger and garlic. Trim the chicken thighs and pat them dry thoroughly to ensure better caramelization. Gather all other ingredients for an efficient cooking process.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir gently as it melts and turns into a rich amber caramel, being careful not to burn it.
- Sauté Aromatics: Immediately add minced garlic and sliced ginger to the caramel. Sauté briefly to release their fragrant oils without burning, allowing them to blend perfectly with the caramel base.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan, letting the caramel coat and lightly crisp the skin. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Simmer in Sauce: Add fish sauce, black pepper, and a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chicken simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until cooked through and tender.
- Finish and Glaze: Uncover the pan, increase the heat slightly, and spoon the thickened sauce over the chicken to create a glossy glaze. Cook for an additional few minutes to intensify the flavor and caramel coating.
Notes
- Use skin-on chicken thighs for crispy edges and better sauce adherence.
- Watch the caramel carefully to avoid burning and maintain balanced sweetness.
- Fresh ginger is crucial for vibrant aroma and authentic flavor; avoid powdered ginger.
- Simmer gently on low heat to keep the chicken moist and tender.
- Taste the sauce during cooking and adjust sweetness or saltiness with more brown sugar or fish sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Vietnamese chicken, caramel chicken, ginger chicken, caramel sauce, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, sweet and spicy chicken