Vietnamese Roasted Chicken: A Flavorful Delight
Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’ll be sharing with you one of my all-time favorite recipes – Vietnamese Roasted Chicken. This recipe is a perfect representation of the harmonious blend of flavors that is typical of Vietnamese cuisine.
There’s something special about roasted chicken that can bring us comfort and happiness, and this recipe takes your taste buds on a trip to Vietnam. The chicken thighs are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and spices that add so much depth to the meat. Then, they’re roasted to perfection until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
What’s best about this recipe is that it’s straightforward to execute, and it doesn’t require any exotic ingredients or equipment. The marinade ingredients can easily be found in your typical grocery store. Even better, the leftovers taste just as good the next day, so you will have multiple meals covered with one recipe!
Trust me when I say that this Vietnamese Roasted Chicken Recipe is going to make you feel like a gourmet chef without spending too much time in the kitchen. So let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Friends, let me tell you why this Vietnamese Roasted Chicken recipe will knock your socks off. First and foremost, the dish is packed with an explosion of flavor that only the Vietnamese can do justice. Succulent chicken thighs showered with a marinade of garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and lime juice zest – every bite is a culinary adventure.
What sets this recipe apart from other roasted chicken recipes is its unique blend of spices, such as five spice and lemongrass. These ingredients give the dish an authentic Vietnamese twist that is sure to impress your family and dinner guests. Not to mention, it’s a healthier alternative to fried or crispy chicken without sacrificing flavor.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can use different cuts of chicken depending on your preference; go for chicken breasts if you prefer white meat or use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. Baked in the oven or rotisserie style, it will come out equally delicious every time.
Furthermore, it’s budget-friendly as all the ingredients are easily available at your local grocery store. Plus, most of the time they’re already in your pantry or fridge! A simple yet flavorful meal that won’t break the bank? Sign me up.
In summary, you’ll love this recipe because it’s full of flavors unique to Vietnam, versatile depending on your cut preference and cooking method preference while being budget-friendly on your wallet.
Ingredient List
Before we dive into how to make this Vietnamese Roasted Chicken Recipe, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need. This recipe calls for:
- 1 whole chicken (4 to 5 pounds) or 8 chicken thighs for a smaller portion
- 1 tablespoon of canola oil
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 4 to 6 minced garlic cloves
- The juice and zest of one lime
Optional ingredients include:
- 1 teaspoon of Chinese five-spice powder
- Chicken stock, to add flavor while roasting
Most ingredients can easily be found in your local grocery store. For the best results, I recommend purchasing fresh ingredients. Additionally, I prefer to use chicken from Marion Kitchen as it has proven to be tender and flavorful for a homemade roasted chicken dish.
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s get to the main act – the recipe how-to. Trust me, it is not as complex as it seems.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 medium-sized chicken, cut into pieces or 8-10 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- Juice and zest of half a lime
Steps to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Take a bowl and combine together soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, black pepper, juice and zest of a lime. Whisk everything until it blends well.
- Next, add in the chicken pieces or thighs you have taken and mix them in the sauce until every piece is well coated.
- Heat up a roasting pan with two tablespoons of canola oil on medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken in the pan with skin side facing down and pour any remaining sauce over the chicken.
- Let it cook for about five minutes or until browned nicely from one side before turning to other sides with tongs.
- Once browned, move the roasting pan into the preheated oven and cook for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Keep brushing with marinade sauce every ten minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for about ten minutes before serving.
Once you follow these quick steps, your Vietnamese roasted chicken will be ready to flaunt its aroma and irresistible taste!
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have chicken thighs or looking for other protein options? Try swapping out the chicken for bone-in chicken breasts, pork chops or even beef skirt steak. You can also make this recipe with a whole roasted chicken by adjusting the cooking time and doubling the ingredients. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with tofu, seitan or even portobello mushrooms.
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit in the flavor department, try adding different spices or herbs to the marinade. Cumin, coriander, paprika and turmeric are great options to give the chicken a warm and earthy flavor profile. For more zing, add fresh ginger or lemongrass.
For a healthier twist, swap canola oil with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar for a natural alternative that has a similar taste.
To make this dish spicier, add some chili flakes or Sriracha sauce to the marinade. Or if you prefer a sweeter taste, mix in some honey.
If you’re short on time and don’t feel like roasting a whole chicken, try using rotisserie chicken instead. This will cut down on cooking time and still give you that delicious Vietnamese roasted chicken taste.
For an authentic Vietnamese experience, serve the chicken with rice noodles or steamed white rice and pickled vegetables. You can also pair it with a salad dressed in lime juice and fish sauce for some extra zing.
Remember that substitutions and variations are all about experimenting and making the recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!
Serving and Pairing
As the delicious aroma of your Vietnamese Roasted Chicken fills your kitchen, you can’t help but dream about the perfect way to serve it. This juicy and flavorful chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, creating an authentic Vietnamese meal that can leave your taste buds delighted.
For a complete Vietnamese experience, you can’t go wrong by pairing this dish with steamed rice and a simple side salad of cucumber and carrots dressed in rice vinegar. The coolness of the salad contrasted with the warm chicken creates a sensory experience that can be enjoyed by all.
If you want to experiment with some other classic Vietnamese sides, consider adding some Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), whose fresh crunchy vegetables and sticky bread makes a great combination with the juicy chicken. Another alternative is to mix up some summer rolls with fresh Vietnamese herbs such as mint, lemongrass, and basil combined with vermicelli noodles, lettuce leaves, julienned carrots, and cucumbers.
You could also go for other Asian-inspired vegetable dishes like stir-fried bok choy or roasted sweet potatoes. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try roasting some root vegetables in goose fat for an unapologetically indulgent experience.
To wash it all down perfectly, have a cold beer or glass of chilled white wine. The combination works wonders by balancing out the saltiness from soy sauce and fish sauce in the chicken marinade with the refreshing tang of a crisp beverage.
One thing is certain: however you choose to serve it, this Vietnamese Roasted Chicken recipe will always deliver delightful and flavorful results worthy of sharing.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning ahead or have leftover chicken, don’t throw it away! Vietnamese Roasted Chicken is great for meal-prepping or making ahead for a party. This recipe keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and can be reheated easily.
To make ahead, simply follow steps 1 to 5 and finish roasting the chicken up to an hour before serving. Then, let it cool down completely at room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge.
When you’re ready to serve again, preheat your oven at 350F and transfer the chilled chicken onto a baking sheet. Reheat for around 15 minutes or until it’s heated through.
Alternatively, you can shred the leftover meat and use it for meal prep during the week. I like to reheat my leftover chicken on a non-stick pan over medium heat until it’s warmed through.
One tip for storing your Vietnamese Roasted Chicken: store the meat separately from the bones and skin so they don’t get too soggy in the fridge. Keep them in separate containers, and same goes for any leftover sauce you might have made.
Vietnamese Roasted Chicken is also great for freezing! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to use, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat according to instructions above.
In conclusion, with proper storage techniques, Vietnamese Roasted Chicken can be enjoyed over multiple meals. So don’t hesitate to make an extra batch of this flavorful dish!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve an outstanding Vietnamese Roasted Chicken, you may want to consider these tips and techniques I use in my kitchen. These are quick and easy things you should know to make your recipe come out perfectly every time.
First and foremost, to get a golden and crispy skin on the chicken, it’s important to dry the chicken before seasoning it. Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry and let it rest for 30 minutes outside of the refrigerator. This will help evaporate any excess moisture on the chicken.
Marinating is key when it comes to imparting flavor into the meat. For best results, marinate the chicken overnight or at least for four hours in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to penetrate into the meat.
When cooking, start by preheating your oven at least 15 minutes in advance. Place a roasting pan in the oven while it is preheating to allow it to get hot as well. This technique ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and retains its moisture.
To keep the chicken moist, pour some canola oil over each piece before placing them in the oven. Canola oil has high smoke point, which makes it perfect for roasting or baking as it does not burn easily.
Do not overcrowd your pan with too many pieces of chicken because this can affect how well they brown and crisp up during cooking. Arrange them with enough space between each piece so that air can circulate around them.
Lastly, let your cooked chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving or serving. This allows juices inside the meat to redistribute and be absorbed, resulting in a juicier and more tender meat.
By following these tips, you’ll get mouth-watering Vietnamese Roasted Chicken that will impress anyone who tries it!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Vietnamese Roasted Chicken Recipe is perfect for those who want to experience the delicious flavors of Vietnam in the comfort of their own home. This recipe is truly special because every bite is packed with amazing and authentic flavors that will remind you of the streets of Vietnam. It’s a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also your soul.
I highly recommend this recipe to anyone who wants to try something different and new. Don’t be too intimidated by the ingredients and cooking process, take it one step at a time and trust me, the end result will be worth it. The chicken marinated in fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and lime juice will be a household favorite in no time.
While there are many variations of roasted chicken recipes out there, there’s nothing quite like this Vietnamese-style roast chicken. With its crispy skin and juicy meat packed with tangy and umami flavors, it’s sure to become a regular dish in your dinner rotation.
So what are you waiting for? Get into the kitchen and try out this amazing Vietnamese Roasted Chicken recipe. I can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed with the outcome!
Vietnamese Roasted Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 -6 chicken thighs (skin on, bone-in)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
Instructions
- Use a 4-quart slow cooker.
- Put the chicken into the stoneware.
- Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl, and pour over the top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for about 6 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Serve over hot cooked rice.