Delicious Banh Mi-Style Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen, where I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes – the Banh Mi-Style Chicken Sandwich. This sandwich is a delicious combination of Vietnamese flavors and textures, all tucked inside a crispy French baguette.
As a chef specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I have always been drawn to the banh mi sandwich. It’s a classic dish that combines sweet, salty, tangy and spicy flavors in just the right balance. And when made with chicken, it’s healthy and hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites.
This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a quick and easy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s also great for gatherings with friends and family – make a few batches of these sandwiches and you’ll be the hit of the party.
So, let’s get started! With just a few simple ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to make your own banh mi-style chicken sandwiches in no time. Trust me, once you try these sandwiches, they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear foodie friends, I am here to tell you about a recipe that is sure to tickle your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Behold the Banh Mi-Style Chicken Sandwich recipe! Trust me when I say that you will absolutely fall in love with this Vietnamese-inspired creation.
Firstly, it’s all about the ingredients, and this recipe certainly doesn’t disappoint. With seasoned rice vinegar, pickled carrot and daikon, cucumber, lettuce, cilantro, and fresh mint leaves layered upon your choice of bread and perfectly cooked chicken breasts – this sandwich screams flavor. And did I mention the red chili sauce? You can adjust the heat to your liking and bring on that spicy kick.
Secondly, the ease of putting together this sandwich is another reason why it’s a favorite of mine. With just a handful of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples or easily found at any grocery store, you can have a scrumptious meal ready in no time.
But wait, there’s more! This recipe is versatile – you can switch out the chicken for shredded rotisserie or grilled tofu for vegetarians or even toss some Nashville hot chicken on top if you’re feeling adventurous. And if you’re like me and love a little mayo on your sandwich, we’ve got a light version that won’t make you feel guilty.
So what are you waiting for? Trust me when I say that this Banh Mi-Style Chicken Sandwich recipe will make your heart (and tummy) sing. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner at home or even as the star of your next picnic spread. Don’t just take my word for it – give it a try and thank me later.
Ingredient List
Before starting to cook, take a look at the Ingredient List below to ensure you have all the necessary items on hand. Don’t worry if some of the ingredients are unfamiliar – they can be easily found at any Asian market or in the Asian section of a larger grocery store.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled and cut into thin slices
- 4 French baguettes (8-inch), split lengthwise
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Thai hot sauce or Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
- Shredded carrots and daikon radish (or pickled carrots and daikon radish)
- Cilantro leaves
- Mint leaves
- Lettuce
- English cucumber, thinly sliced
- Red chili sauce
As you can tell from the list of ingredients, this banh mi-style chicken sandwich utilizes a wide range of flavor that includes tangy pickled carrots, sharp radish, fragrant cilantro, and refreshing cucumber slices. Furthermore, you’ll need the Vietnamese culinary staples such as mint leaves, Vietnamese-style grilled chicken, and crusty, soft bread rolls known as “bánh mì.” With these ingredients combined, you will achieve an incredibly delicious and filling dish that satisfies all your cravings for a hearty meal.
The Recipe How-To
Grilled Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich Recipe
Now it’s time to get our hands dirty and start creating some deliciousness. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Grilled Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness.
- 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup torn lettuce
- A handful of cilantro leaf, chopped
- A handful of mint leaf, chopped
- 1/2 small English cucumber, sliced thin
- 2 tbsp of your favorite red chili sauce
- 2 tbsp light mayonnaise
For the sandwich:
- 4 Vietnamese-style French baguettes, split lengthwise
- Cooked, grilled chicken breasts, sliced thin
- Mayonnaise – can use regular or light, spread on the bottom half of bread.
- A generous portion of the carrot and daikon pickle mixture (from above)
- Thinly sliced, fresh jalapeno or serrano pepper slices (optional)
- Fresh cilantro sprigs
- Sliced English cucumber
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and lightly oil a large baking sheet.
- Combine chicken breasts with seasoned rice vinegar in a shallow dish and make sure each piece is coated.
- Grill the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side or until they are cooked through. Once ready, place on a cutting board and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin pieces.
- Meanwhile, mix together shredded carrots, torn lettuce, chopped cilantro and mint leaves in a bowl.
- Spread red chili sauce over one side of each baguette half and spread light mayonnaise on the other side.
- On the bottom half (mayonnaise layer), lay a thin layer of the vegetables (carrot mixture) on top of the mayonnaise.
- Then add the grilled chicken on top of the vegetables, followed by slices of cucumber, fresh jalapeno or serrano pepper slices (if using), and cilantro sprigs.
- Top everything off with the other half of the bread, and press down slightly so that all ingredients stay in place.
Serve and Enjoy!
Congratulations, you just made a delicious Grilled Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich! This recipe is perfect for those who crave a Vietnamese-style chicken sandwich, packed with bold flavors and textures. You can also try different variations such as adding pickled vegetables, nashville hot chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken or even roasted chicken. The choice is up to you!
Substitutions and Variations
Darling, this recipe is already a delightful treat but if you’re feeling adventurous or want to cater to specific taste buds, don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit. Banh mi is all about fusion and experimentation!
If you’re not in the mood for chicken, don’t worry; this Banh Mi can also be made with pulled pork, beef, or even tofu! Feeling lazy or want to save some time? You can use leftovers, pre-grilled chicken breasts, or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken!
For those who want a spicier version, add some Nashville hot chicken seasoning or extra red chili sauce to your dish. You can also swap out the pickled carrots with pickled vegetables such as radish, onion, or jalapeño.
Want to add that lemongrass flavor? Use Vietnamese lemongrass chicken instead of the grilled chicken. To make it even easier for yourself, you can get that delicious Vietnamese flavor by using pre-made seasoning packets.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with mushrooms and use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. And for my gluten-intolerant darlings out there, simply replace the French baguette with a gluten-free alternative – easy-peasy.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors till you find that perfect pairing that suits your taste buds. The possibilities are endless; go ahead and go wild!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing your Banh Mi-Style Chicken Sandwich, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to note that this sandwich is best enjoyed fresh and hot – straight out of the oven or off the grill.
In terms of pairing, a light and refreshing beverage is always a great choice. I recommend serving this sandwich with iced Vietnamese coffee or a cold beer. The sweetness of the coffee pairs well with the spicy kick from the red chili sauce in the sandwich.
If you’re looking to make a full meal out of your Banh Mi-Style Chicken Sandwich, consider adding some traditional Vietnamese sides. Pickled vegetables such as carrots and daikon radish are a great way to add some crunch and tanginess to your meal. Additionally, a refreshing salad of lettuce, cilantro leaves, mint leaves, and sliced English cucumber can help balance out the richness of the chicken.
Ultimately, this sandwich is incredibly versatile and can be paired with any number of sides or drinks to create a flavor-packed meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover new flavor combinations that work best for you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy chef, I understand the importance of being able to prepare meals in advance, store them and reheat them when needed. The Banh Mi-Style Chicken Sandwich recipe is no exception! Here are my tips on how to make this recipe ahead and how to store and reheat it.
Make-ahead:
If you are planning to make this dish ahead of time, I recommend grilling the chicken breasts and refrigerating them until you are ready to assemble the sandwiches. You can also make the pickled carrots and daikon ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Storing:
Once assembled, these sandwiches can be wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 2 days. I wouldn’t recommend storing them for much longer than that as the bread may become soggy.
Reheating:
When you’re ready to eat your leftover Banh Mi-Style Chicken Sandwiches, you have a couple of options for reheating. If you prefer your bread crunchy, I recommend reheating the sandwiches in an oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can heat them up in a toaster oven or under a broiler until warm. Finally, if you’re short on time, you can always microwave the sandwiches on low power until heated through.
Remember, always use safe food handling practices when storing and reheating foods. Enjoy your Banh Mi-Style Chicken Sandwiches!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making a Banh Mi-Style Chicken Sandwich, there are a few tips and tricks that can make all the difference in creating the perfect sandwich. Here are some tips for making your chicken banh mi absolutely delicious.
Firstly, marinating the chicken is highly recommended. I prefer to use lemongrass for my Vietnamese grilled chicken marinade, but feel free to use your own favorite marinade. Marinating the chicken for at least an hour or overnight will not only tenderize it, but it will also infuse the meat with additional flavors.
Secondly, when grilling the chicken, it is important to let it cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You don’t want your chicken to be undercooked or overcooked as this will affect its texture and taste.
Thirdly, using fresh baguettes is crucial for a perfect banh mi sandwich experience. Look for crispy-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside bread for the best result. You can even make your own baguettes at home if you’re up for a challenge!
Fourthly, I always add a thin layer of mayonnaise on both sides of bread when assembling my sandwich. This mayonnaise “seals” the bread from getting too soggy from any sauces or juices from cooked meat.
Fifthly, because Banh Mi sandwiches are known for their pickled vegetables like carrots and daikon radish, make sure that these vegetables are pickled fresh at home instead of store-bought pickles as they might have preservatives and not as fresh.
Lastly, add cilantro leaves and sliced jalapeño peppers on top of the sandwich for an extra kick of spice and freshness. A little goes a long way with these toppings so don’t go too crazy!
FAQ
Now that you have all the information you need to make a delicious Banh Mi-Style Chicken sandwich, it’s time to address some of the most common questions related to this recipe. To help you troubleshoot any challenges and provide additional tips, I have included some frequently asked questions and their answers. Keep reading to learn more about how to make the most flavorful Vietnamese chicken sandwich at home.
What is banh mi sauce made of?
For the sauce, all you need to do is combine mayonnaise, hoisin sauce, sriracha, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. An easy swap for hoisin sauce is Maggi seasoning, which is commonly used to elevate the flavors of sauces, soups, and stir-frys. You can find this seasoning at international markets or online through Amazon.
What is a traditional banh mi sandwich?
Banh Mi is a sandwich originating from Saigon that features a crispy, airy baguette filled with savory meats, mayo, liver pate, and topped with pickled vegetables, cucumbers, chilies, and fresh herbs. This dish is fresh with a spicy and umami flavor, appealing to those seeking a light yet satisfying meal.
What type of meat is used for banh mi?
Banh mi, a popular Vietnamese sandwich, offers a variety of fillings that cater to different dietary preferences. The classic banh mi often includes roasted pork and chicken liver pâté, which brings a rich and subtly sweet flavor to the dish. However, banh mi can also be customized with cold cuts, meatballs, barbecued meats, or vegetarian pâté, making it a versatile and satisfying meal option for all tastes.
What type of mayo is on banh mi?
When it comes to sandwiches, there’s nothing quite like the Vietnamese Banh Mi – it’s on a whole other level. Imagine a crunchy baguette combined with succulent pork belly, and then finished off with a generous serving of gochujang mayo. Heavenly!
Bottom Line
So there you have it, my banh mi-style chicken sandwich recipe that will bring a burst of Vietnamese flavors to your palate. I hope I have convinced you to give this recipe a try and indulge in the explosion of fresh herbs and vegetables, seasoned chicken, and spicy red chili sauce all between the soft French baguette.
Not only is this sandwich tasty, but it’s also easy to make with simple ingredients. Plus, you can experiment with various substitutions and variations to cater to your taste buds.
I suggest trying it out for a fun picnic or lunch party with friends and family. But be prepared, you might become the designated chef for banh mi-style sandwiches from now on. Trust me; it’s worth it.
So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!
Banh Mi-Style Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 (8 inch) French baguettes, split
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons thai hot sauce
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
- 1/4 cup sweet red chili sauce
- 1 -2 jalapeno, sliced
- 1 English cucumber, peeled and sliced
- mint leaf
- cilantro leaf
- 2 cups lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup carrot, shredded
- 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
Instructions
- To make sandwiches, spread both sides of the baguettes with mayonnasise and hot sauce (sriracha).
- Arrange chicken over bottom halves and sprinkle with chili sauce.
- Add jalapenos, cucumber slices and herbs and then drizzle with more sauce.
- Toss lettuce and carrots with vinegar and then add to the sandwiches, topping with more chili sauce, if desired.
- Add top halves.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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