Vietnamese Caramel Chicken
Vietnamese Caramel Chicken is a delectable and savory dish that features tender chicken pieces coated in a rich and slightly sweet caramelized sauce. This traditional Vietnamese recipe involves cooking succulent chicken in a flavorful blend of caramel, fish sauce, garlic, and other aromatic ingredients. The result is a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes, with a luscious caramel glaze coating the chicken. Served with steamed rice or noodles, this dish captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine, offering a harmonious blend of complex flavors that are sure to satisfy the palate.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- ground black pepper to taste
- 3 pounds chicken thighs
Caramel Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- ½ tablespoon white sugar
- 3 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeno peppers, sliced
Instructions
- Combine sugar, fish sauce, and black pepper in a shallow plate and turn chicken in the marinade. Set aside for 10 minutes.
- Combine water, fish sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Set caramel sauce aside.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and pan-fry chicken, skin-side up, until bottoms turn slightly crispy and brown, about 5 minutes. Turn and cook until skin is slightly charred, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and transfer to a plate.
- Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the skillet and cook garlic for 30 seconds. Return chicken to the skillet and add caramel sauce. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear. Caramel sauce should be reduced and turn amber in color. Add jalapenos and cook for 1 more minute.
Nutrition
Calories: 464kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 39gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 676mgPotassium: 380mgSugar: 6gVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!