Spice Up Your Day with Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich

Welcome to my kitchen, where I cook up some of the best Vietnamese and Asian dishes you’ve ever tasted. Today, I want to share with you a recipe that will blow your mind – Spicy Vietnamese Chicken Sandwiches.

As a chef, I believe that food should not only be delicious but also meaningful. A good meal should transport you to another place and time, evoke emotions, tantalize your senses and leave you feeling satisfied yet eager for more. That’s what this sandwich does for me, and I know it will do the same for you.

This sandwich is not just any ordinary sandwich; it’s a Banh Mi – a Vietnamese sandwich made famous for its combination of flavors and textures. It has crispy baguette, tender meat, pickled veggies, fresh cilantro stems, and spicy sauce. It’s a sandwich that represents the Vietnamese culture – a blend of East and West, old and new.

The star of this recipe is the Vietnamese chicken – marinated in soy sauce, fish sauce, five-spice powder, lemongrass, garlic, and onion. The chicken is then grilled to perfection and slathered with Sriracha mayo sauce.

This dish also features pickled carrots and cucumber slices which add a delightful crunch to every bite. You can easily customize this sandwich to your taste buds by adding jalapeños or different veggies like daikon radishes or bell peppers.

I love making this spicy Vietnamese chicken sandwich because it’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a quick lunch or summer picnic. So let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spicy Vietnamese Chicken Sandwiches
Spicy Vietnamese Chicken Sandwiches

Alright, listen up fellow foodies! If you’re looking for a tantalizing and flavor-packed meal that will excite your senses, I’ve got just the recipe for you. Get ready to indulge in some spicy Vietnamese chicken sandwiches that will knock your taste buds out of the park.

Let me tell you why you’ll love this recipe. It all starts with the star of the dish – succulent grilled chicken breast, cooked to perfection with a dash of five spice seasoning and fragrant lemongrass. That’s right, we’re talking about mouthwatering gà nướng – Vietnamese grilled chicken that is guaranteed to have you going back for seconds.

But wait, there’s more! Picture this – tender chicken breast topped with pickled carrots and daikon, crunchy kirby cucumbers, and fresh cilantro stems, all enveloped in a soft and crispy baguette. And let’s not forget the flavorful spread made from mayo, sriracha sauce, soy sauce and hoisin sauce. The blend of sweet, savory, tangy and spicy flavors will tantalize your palate and leave you craving more.

Not convinced yet? This recipe is versatile! You can customize it to suit your preferences by adding other ingredients such as coleslaw or shredded chicken. And hey, if you’re feeling creative, throw in some fish sauce for that extra punch of umami goodness.

Now that I’ve offered up a tantalizing visual image of what to expect from these spicy Vietnamese chicken sandwiches, here’s the kicker – this recipe is super easy to make! All you need are some basic kitchen essentials such as cutting board, knife and mixing bowl. So why wouldn’t you love this quick and easy banh mi sandwich?

Get ready to be transported to culinary heaven with these spicy Vietnamese chicken sandwiches. Trust me when I say they are downright addicting – once you try them out for yourself, they’re bound to become your new favorite recipe. So why wait? Get cooking and take your taste buds on a spicy ride!

Ingredient List

 A spicy kick to the classic chicken sandwich
A spicy kick to the classic chicken sandwich

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious spicy Vietnamese chicken sandwich:

Banh Mi Sandwich Ingredients:

  • 4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast sliced 1/4″
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Juice of one lime
  • 2 teaspoons Chinese five spice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced

Pickled Veggies:

  • 2 carrots, julienned or shredded
  • 1 kirby cucumber, sliced
  • 1/4 fresh cilantro stem, chopped
  • 2 small shallots, sliced

Spicy Mayonnaise:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce

Sandwich Fixings:

  • Baguette or bahn mi roll
  • Shredded chicken from above
  • Pickled veggies from above
  • Spicy mayonnaise from above

Note that some ingredients can be substituted or varied depending on your preference. Read on to find out more about that!

The Recipe How-To

 Vietnamese-inspired flavors in a handheld delight
Vietnamese-inspired flavors in a handheld delight

Get ready to cook up a storm with this Spicy Vietnamese Chicken Sandwiches Recipe.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

To start, you’ll want to marinate the boneless, skinless chicken breast in a mixture of low-sodium soy sauce with some sriracha sauce for spice. Depending on how much chicken you have, mix together around 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce in a bowl. Then, add in your sliced chicken breast and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Grill or Broil the Chicken

After marinating the chicken, grill or broil it until it’s perfectly cooked through. While it’s cooking, finely chop up some fresh cilantro stem, slice up some Kirby cucumber, and thinly slice some shallots to use as toppings later.

Step 3: Make the Pickled Carrots and Daikon

No authentic Vietnamese sandwich is complete without pickled veggies! Combine white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a bowl until dissolved. Then add thinly sliced carrots and daikon into the bowl and toss. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Step 4: Assembling Your Sandwich

Slice open a baguette lengthwise and spread mayo on both sides of the bread. Layer on your thinly sliced grilled chicken breast followed by your pickled veggies, sliced cucumbers, and sliced shallots. Drizzle over some fish sauce mixed with water to add an extra flavor note to your sandwich. Finally, top it off with fresh cilantro leaves and a hearty squirt of sriracha sauce.

Congratulations! You’ve just made yourself an authentic Vietnamese Grilled Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich that will leave your taste buds tingling with flavor. Enjoy it with a side of coleslaw or some crispy air-fried French fries.

Substitutions and Variations

 The perfect blend of heat and flavor
The perfect blend of heat and flavor

Listen up, culinary enthusiasts! If you’re willing to mix up the recipe and add your own flair, I’ve got some substitutions and variations that you shouldn’t miss.

First off, if you’re not a fan of boneless skinless chicken breast or want to switch it up, you can use grilled chicken thigh or shredded chicken instead. This will give your dish a more tender texture and add some extra flavor to your sandwich. Alternatively, you can make it vegetarian by replacing the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a delicious vegan Option.

If you’re a spice lover and can’t get enough of it in this Spicy Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich recipe, give it an extra kick by adding more Sriracha sauce to the mayo spread. Or better yet, swap out Sriracha sauce for sambal oelek or Korean gochujang for a unique spicy and sweet twist.

Don’t forget about the vegetables – you can add shredded lettuce or cabbage for some crunchy texture. Or substitute sliced radishes for cucumbers, or even jicama for extra crunch. Want to add some sweetness? Try mixing in some honey with the mayonnaise spread on your baguette before adding the veggies.

Lastly, if you don’t have all the items in your pantry or don’t feel like making every element from scratch, consider buying pre-pickled veggies at your local grocery store to save time in the kitchen.

When it comes down to it, feel free to experiment and create your own twist on this classic Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich recipe!

Serving and Pairing

 A sandwich that will make your taste buds sing
A sandwich that will make your taste buds sing

Alright folks, let’s talk about how to serve and pair your spicy Vietnamese chicken sandwiches. The first recommendation I have for you is to enjoy this sandwich with a cold drink in hand. I recommend a refreshing, ice-cold beer, or perhaps even a glass of white wine to cut through the heat of the sriracha sauce.

Now it’s time to talk sides. Personally, I love serving these sandwiches with some crispy shoestring fries or some sweet potato fries on the side. Nothing beats that salty, crunchy goodness alongside a spicy chicken sandwich.

Another great option to pair with your Vietnamese chicken sandwich is coleslaw. That extra crunch and sweetness from the carrots and cabbage in the slaw really complement the heat-spiked flavor of the chicken.

Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating more traditional Vietnamese sides like summer rolls or rice paper chips to complete your meal. And if you have enough energy left make things feel authentic by using chopsticks!

The spiciness of the Sriracha sauce pairs magically with coolness of cucumbers and mellowness of mayonnaise—perfectly complimenting the warm toasted baguette and marinated chicken. Très bien!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 The ultimate fusion of East and West
The ultimate fusion of East and West

As someone who loves meal prep, I am happy to report that this Spicy Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich can easily be made ahead of time. To ensure the bread doesn’t get soggy, it’s best to assemble the sandwich right before serving. However, you can have all the ingredients ready at once. You can prepare the pickled veggies up to a week in advance and keep them in an airtight container in your fridge.

If you want to cook the chicken in advance, let it cool before storing it in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. When reheating the chicken, use a pan or oven toaster instead of microwave as reheating the chicken sandwich in a microwave will soften the bread and ruin the texture.

However, if you are looking to save time in preparation, you can use cooked leftover chicken from another meal, like roasted or grilled chicken breast, lemongrass chicken or a shredded chicken filling for your sandwiches, which can save time and added more flavors.

Lastly, please note that Bánh mì is a type of bread with a delicate crust that takes on moisture easily. To keep it fresh after baking, it’s important that it is stored correctly. For storing your baguette or Bánh mì loaf for later use, tightly wrap it into aluminium foil and leave room for air to circulate around it. It is fresh and ready at room temperature even after two days!

Tips for Perfect Results

 A fiery twist on a lunchtime favorite
A fiery twist on a lunchtime favorite

Now that you know how to make the perfect spicy Vietnamese chicken sandwich, it’s time to ensure that your dish comes out perfectly every time. Here are some tips to follow for optimal results:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken will give it great flavor and make it tender. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for even better flavor.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients: For a truly authentic taste, be sure to use fresh cilantro stem, kirby cucumber, carrots, and shallots.

3. Choose High-Quality Bread: The bread is an important part of this sandwich – choose a good quality baguette that’s light and crispy on the outside while being soft and airy on the inside.

4. Adjust Spiciness Level According to Taste: If you want a spicer sandwich, increase the amount of sriracha sauce used in the recipe, or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder version.

5. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F making sure not to overcook it as it may become dry.

6. Toasted Bread: To give your sandwich a crispy texture layer, toast your bread lightly with butter or vegetable oil.

7. Add Pickled Veggies: Banh mi is always served with pickled veggies such as pickled carrots daikon which gives an additional tangy flavor that compliments your dish perfectly.

8. Perfectly Sliced Chicken: Slicing chicken breast against the grain will help retain its juices and prevent dryness in each bite.

By following these tips, you’ll end up with a beautifully flavored spicy Vietnamese chicken sandwich with crispy bread and moist chicken every time you make it!

FAQ

As we come to the end of this recipe article, I want to take a moment to answer some of the most common questions that are asked by our readers. Whether you’re new to Asian cuisine or have some experience cooking Vietnamese dishes, it’s always helpful to get answers to your burning questions about the recipe before you embark on making it. Read on below as I answer some frequently asked questions about these spicy Vietnamese chicken sandwiches.

What is a traditional Vietnamese sandwich?

Banh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich, is an interesting mix of ingredients packed between a crunchy bread roll. It consists of pate, mayo, unique Asian ham, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs like green onion and cilantro, a generous dose of spicy chillies, and a sprinkle of seasoning.

What does the spicy chicken sandwich have in it?

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a piping hot, crispy chicken sandwich. Seasoned to perfection with a fiery blend of peppers, this succulent boneless breast of chicken is breaded and pressure-cooked in 100% pure peanut oil. Served on a toasted, buttered bun with a side of tangy dill pickle chips, this sandwich is one of the best you’ll ever taste. Want a healthier option? Opt for the multigrain bun instead.

What makes Bahn mi so good?

The flavors of Vietnam blend together to create a unique culinary experience, with a fusion of Asian ingredients like coriander, pickles, chili, and fish sauce, as well as French influences like baguettes and pate. The use of coriander is a defining characteristic of a banh mi sandwich, giving it a distinctive taste that sets it apart.

Is banh mi spicy?

Banh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich that originated in Saigon, consists of crispy baguette filled with flavorful meats, a smear of liver pate, pickled veggies, cucumber slices, spicy chilies, and fresh herbs. It is a well-balanced and exciting combination of flavors and textures that is both fresh and savory.

Bottom Line

Now that you have all the steps and tips to make these Spicy Vietnamese Chicken Sandwiches, it’s time to get cooking. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for it.

This recipe may take a bit of effort, but the end result is well worth it. It’s perfect for any meal of the day, whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a filling dinner. Plus, with all the flavor and indulgence packed into this sandwich, you can be sure that everyone at the table will be happy.

So go ahead and give it a shot! Let the fresh cilantro stems, carrots daikon pickles, and tender grilled chicken take your taste buds on an adventure that they won’t soon forget. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try some substitutions and variations to make the recipe your own.

Once you’ve mastered this spicy Vietnamese chicken sandwich recipe, don’t hesitate to share it with others. The world deserves to taste these delectable bites of heaven.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start cooking! You never know – this chicken banh mi sandwich recipe might become a staple in your household in no time.

Spicy Vietnamese Chicken Sandwiches

Spicy Vietnamese Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

From Food and Wine magazine. A staff favorite! It's also a favorite of mine. For something so easy, this has great flavor. I wouldn't skip any ingredients. Lightly toasting the bread makes a difference, too, don't skip that. Get ready for a fun flavor adventure! *Cook time includes 1 hour refrigeration time.*
No ratings yet
Cook Time 1 hr 30 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Vietnamese
Calories 232.5 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced 1/4 inch thick (or pounded out)
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, plus more for spreading (I prefer Hellmans)
  • 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
  • 2 carrots, halved crosswise and thinly sliced lengthwise
  • 1/2 cup cocktail-size pickled onion, sliced, plus
  • 1/4 cup pickling liquid, from the jar
  • 10 ounces baguette, split lengthwise and toasted (or any good bread)
  • sriracha sauce, for spreading
  • 1 kirby cucumber, very thinly sliced lengthwise
  • fresh cilantro stem (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Toss the chicken with the soy sauce, 1 T. of the mayo and the sliced shallot. Cover and let marinate in the fridge for about 1 hour.
  • In another bowl, mix the sliced carrots with the pickled onions and their liquid and let stand at room temperature for about 1 hour.
  • Heat up a grill pan on high heat. Grill the chicken until charred and the chicken is cooked through - about 2 minutes per side. Put the shallots on after you flip the chicken. If you add the shallots right away, they will get too done.
  • Spread the mayo on the cut sides of the toasted baguette and then spread with Sriracha (to taste -- it's spicy). * I actually like to make a mixture in a bowl of the mayo and Sriracha, then spread it onto the bread. On th bottom half of the baguette, layer the carrots, pickled onions and sliced cucumber. Top with the grilled chicken and shallot slices. Lay the cilantro sprigs, if using, over the chicken and close the sandwich.
  • Cut the sandwich crosswise into 6 pieces and serve!

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 170gCalories: 232.5kcalCarbohydrates: 32.1gProtein: 18.5gFat: 3.2gSaturated Fat: 0.7gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 553.8mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
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