Vietnamese One-Pan Caramel Chicken is a popular Vietnamese dish that is easy to make and absolutely delicious. This dish is made by marinating chicken in a flavorful caramel sauce and then cooking it in a pan until the chicken is tender and juicy. The dish is usually served with rice or noodles and makes for a great dinner or lunch option. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious dish and also talk about its health benefits and variations.
Ingredients for Making Vietnamese One-Pan Caramel Chicken
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 35 minutes
SERVES: 4
To make this recipe, you need the following ingredients:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thigh pieces
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 cup coconut water
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 long red chili, finely sliced
- roughly chopped coriander (cilantro), to serve
- sliced cucumber, to serve
- steamed rice, to serve
- salt
Steps to prepare Vietnamese One-Pan Caramel Chicken
Preparing the chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the seasoning.
Making the caramel sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture cook until it turns a dark amber color. Be careful not to burn the caramel.
Once the caramel has turned a dark amber color, remove the pan from the heat and add the fish sauce and soy sauce. Stir well to combine.
Cooking the chicken and sauce together
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add the garlic and shallot and stir-fry for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
Add the chicken to the pan and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes or until it is lightly browned.
Pour the caramel sauce over the chicken and stir well to coat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for another 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Garnish with green onions and serve with rice or noodles.
Tips for making the best Vietnamese One-Pan Caramel Chicken
Using the right chicken
For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts.
Choosing the right pan
Use a large skillet or wok to cook the chicken. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and the sauce thickens properly.
Choosing the right heat level
Cook the chicken on high heat initially to get a nice sear on the chicken pieces. Then, reduce the heat to medium to allow the chicken to cook through and the sauce to thicken.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnamese One-Pan Caramel Chicken
Q1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for this dish?
A. While you can use chicken breast, it may not be as tender and flavorful as using chicken thighs.
Q2. Can I use honey instead of sugar to make the caramel sauce?
A. While honey can be used as a substitute for sugar, it will change the flavor of the dish.
Q3. Can I make this dish in advance and reheat it later?
A. Yes, you can make this dish in advance and reheat it later, but be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q4. What is the best way to serve Vietnamese One-Pan Caramel Chicken?
A. This dish is best served with rice or noodles.
Q5. Is this dish gluten-free?
A. Yes, this dish is gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce and fish sauce.
