Welcome to my kitchen, where I’ll be sharing with you my recipe for a traditional Vietnamese-style chicken banh mi. This sandwich is a staple in Vietnamese street food, and its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it perfect for anyone who loves bold, spicy foods.

As a chef specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I take great pride in sharing this particular recipe with you. It’s easy to make and uses common ingredients that can be found at any grocery store. Plus, this recipe can be customized to your taste preferences, making it an easy go-to meal option for any occasion.

Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or a seasoned pro, this chicken banh mi recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. From the crusty baguette to the tender grilled chicken and the fresh cilantro and cucumber, every bite packs a punch of flavor that will leave you craving more.

So come on into my kitchen, grab your apron and get ready to whip up some tasty Vietnamese-style chicken sammy’s. Trust me; your taste buds won’t be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vietnamese-Style Chicken Sammies (Banh Mi)

My dear foodie friend, let me tell you why you are going to fall head over heels in love with this Vietnamese-style chicken sammies recipe. The banh mi sandwich, originating from Vietnam, is a marriage of French and Vietnamese cuisine, and this recipe captures the best of both worlds.

First of all, the ingredients list boasts a range of fresh and flavorful components that work together like a dream. Imagine biting into tender grilled chicken breast, paired with crunchy cucumber slices, spicy radish slivers, crisp carrot ribbons, and aromatic cilantro leaves – all nestled within a freshly baked baguette. And let’s not forget about the creamy mayonnaise spread and savory garlic fish sauce drizzle that elevates the sandwich to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily switch up the protein by using grilled pork or even shredded chicken or beef. For those who crave some heat, swap out the chicken for some spicy Nashville hot chicken or add in some sliced jalapeños. The possibilities are endless.

But wait, there’s more! This chicken banh mi recipe is also perfectly suited for busy weeknights as it comes together in just about 30 minutes. Plus, you can make ahead extra servings for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

In summary, this Vietnamese-style chicken sammies recipe is packed with bold flavors, flexibility and convenience. It’s sure to become a regular staple in your meal rotation once you’ve tried it. Go ahead and give it a go – I promise your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredient List

A colorful lineup of all the fresh ingredients for the perfect Banh Mi

Let’s talk about the star ingredients of this recipe. To make these delicious Vietnamese-style chicken sammies, you’ll need:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of sugar
A pinch of black pepper
4 cloves of garlic (minced)
1 stalk of lemongrass (smashed and finely minced)

For the pickled veggies:

1/4 cup of white vinegar
1/4 cup of water
2 tablespoons of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
1 carrot (peeled and thinly sliced)
3 radishes (thinly sliced)
A handful of fresh cilantro leaves

To assemble the sandwiches:

Baguette (thinly sliced and toasted)
Mayonnaise (for spread)
Fresh cucumber slices

Note: You can also use grilled pork or shredded chicken in place of the grilled chicken for a variety. If you’re on a spicy kick, try substituting Nashville hot chicken for an extra kick!

The Recipe How-To

A close-up of the flavorful marinated chicken, ready to grill to perfection

Now that you have all the ingredients on hand, it’s time to start assembling your Vietnamese-Style Chicken Sammies (Banh Mi) Recipe. This recipe is straightforward and easy to make; it won’t take much of your time.

Step 1: Marinate the chicken

The first step involves marinating the chicken breast, cut into thin slices. In a bowl or ziplock bag, combine garlic cloves, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix all of them together thoroughly. Now add the sliced chicken pieces into the marinade mix and make sure that each slice of chicken is fully covered in the marinade. Keep this aside for a minimum of 20 minutes to an hour.

Step 2: Grill the chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush a thin layer of oil on each slice of chicken and place them on the grill. Cook until they are slightly charred and cooked through, for about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 3: Make the mayonnaise spread

In a separate bowl, make a spread by mixing in Vietnamese mayonnaise (mayonnaise), garlic fish sauce, and a squeeze of lime juice. Keep this mixture aside as we’ll use it in step 5.

Step 4: Assemble the sandwich

Slice open the crispy, fresh baguette, then spread a thin layer of mayo mixture on its bottom and top halves. Add some thinly sliced cucumber, radishes, and carrots on top of the sauce, followed by grilled chicken slices.

Step 5: Add toppings

Sprinkle over some fresh chopped cilantro leaves and thinly sliced jalapenos for extra heat. You can also add sprigs of Thai basil or mint if desired.

Congratulations! Your Vietnamese-Style Chicken Sammies (Banh Mi) Recipe is ready to enjoy. Serve it with a cold drink to beat the heat.

Substitutions and Variations

The assembled Banh Mi in all its glory with a side of crispy chips

Darling, do you want to make your Vietnamese-Style Chicken Sammies (Banh Mi) Recipe a little different? Fear not, for I have some exciting substitutions and variations to offer to inspire your creativity.

1. Nashville Hot Chicken Banh Mi: Oh, honey, if you like some heat, add a Southern kick to your banh mi with some Nashville hot chicken. Marinate chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce, then coat it with a spicy flour mixture before frying. Top it off with pickles, slaw, and mayo.

2. Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi: Sweetheart, for some tangy citrus flavor, use some lemongrass in the marinade for your chicken. It’s a classic Vietnamese ingredient that will elevate your banh mi to new heights.

3. Grilled Pork Banh Mi: My love, if you prefer pork instead of chicken, swap it out for some grilled pork slices instead. Marinate pork in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, fish sauce, shallots, garlic and lemon grass for at least an hour or overnight to enhance the flavors.

4. Roast Chicken Banh Mi: If you have leftover roasted chicken from the night before or at the supermarket’s rotisserie section on sale dearie; shred them and make this recipe in no time. It will be just as delicious as grilled chicken breasts for sure!

5. Shredded Chicken Banh Mi: Cutie pie , you can make an alternative version with leftover shredded moist chicken thighs smothered in spicy sauce or tossed with delicious mayo and sweetened pickled vegetables.

No matter which variation of this recipe you choose to try out dearie– each one is just as unique and full of flavor as the original Vietnamese-Style Chicken Sammies (Banh Mi) recipe!

Serving and Pairing

A shot of the crispy baguette, crunchy pickled vegetables, and juicy chicken in every bite

When it comes to serving and pairing this delectable Vietnamese-style chicken sammie, there are countless options to choose from.

To start, there’s the classic banh mi style: served on a fresh baguette with a thin layer of mayo spread onto the bread, followed by a slice of grilled chicken or shredded chicken, sliced cucumber, pickled carrots and radishes, and fresh cilantro leaves. This traditional combination is hard to beat and will satisfy any craving for a delicious sandwich.

For those who prefer a spicy kick, try adding some nashville hot chicken or spicy chicken to this recipe. The heat and flavor will take this sandwich to another level. Additionally, you can swap out the chicken for grilled pork banh mi or even roast chicken for added variety.

If you’re looking for something lighter but still packed with flavor and nutrients, try substituting the baguette for lettuce wraps or gluten-free bread. This option might be perfect for those who are allergic to gluten or trying to cut carbs.

In terms of pairings, traditional Vietnamese iced coffee pairs well with this dish as well as green tea or sparkling water. You can also opt for a cold beer such as an IPA or lager. It’s all about finding the balance between flavors that complement each other and enhance the overall dining experience.

Whether you stick with the classics or venture into new territory, these Vietnamese-style chicken sammies are worthy of any dinner table.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

A mouth-watering view of the generous spread of mayonnaise and homemade Sriracha sauce

Now that you’ve enjoyed your chicken banh mi, you might be wondering about how to store any leftovers. Don’t worry, I have some tips on how to keep your banh mi fresh and tasty!

The good news is that you can easily make the pickled veggies and grill the chicken in advance, and even assemble the sandwich before storing it in the fridge for later. However, if you do plan on assembling your banh mi ahead of time, make sure to wait until right before serving to add any fresh ingredients like cilantro leaves, cucumber slices or jalapenos.

When storing a fully assembled chicken banh mi sandwich, it’s best to wrap it tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. This will help prevent the bread from getting soggy and keep all those delicious flavors intact.

For reheating, if you have leftover grilled chicken or pork banh mi filling, you can reheat it quickly in a pan on medium heat with a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce to add some moisture. Just make sure not to overcook the meat or it could become dry.

If you’re going to be enjoying another round of banh mi sandwiches another day, I highly recommend using fresh bread and assembling your sandwich right before eating for maximum flavor and texture. And don’t forget to add a little extra sauce for that extra burst of flavor!

Tips for Perfect Results

The perfect bite showcasing the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors

To ensure that your Vietnamese-style chicken sammies come out as delicious and authentic as possible, here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time.

1. Marinate the chicken overnight

For the most flavorful and tasty chicken, I recommend marinating it for at least 6 hours or overnight. This will allow the meat to fully absorb all of the flavors from the marinade ingredients, resulting in tender and juicy chicken with a burst of flavor in every bite.

2. Grill the chicken for a smoky flavor

To give your chicken that extra smoky flavor that is typically found in traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, grill the chicken instead of baking or frying it. This will infuse the meat with a lovely smokiness that pairs perfectly with the other savory and tangy flavors in this recipe.

3. Use fresh herbs and veggies

Fresh cilantro leaves, cucumber, radishes, and carrots are essential ingredients in this recipe. They add color, texture, and freshness to your sandwich while also balancing out the richness of the grilled chicken. Be sure to slice your veggies nice and thin for optimal crunch.

4. Don’t skip on the garlic fish sauce mayo

This is one of the most important elements of a Vietnamese-style banh mi sandwich! The combination of mayo, garlic, fish sauce, and lime juice creates a tangy and savory spread that is irresistible when paired with smoky grilled chicken. Spread a thin layer on both sides of your baguette before adding your chicken and veggies.

5. Toast your baguette

To take your sandwich to the next level, be sure to toast your baguette before assembling your sandwich. This will give it a crispy crust on the outside and create a warm and fluffy center- perfectly contrasted against the cool vegetables.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to make the perfect Vietnamese-style chicken sammies (banh mi) that you and your loved ones will crave time and time again.

FAQ

Now that we have covered how to make Vietnamese-Style Chicken Sammies, it’s time to delve into some frequently asked questions so that you can make this dish with confidence. Below are some common questions with their answers to help you troubleshoot any issues or uncertainties while preparing your banh mi sandwiches.

What is banh mi sauce made of?

For a delicious sauce to accompany your dish, combine mayonnaise, hoisin sauce, sriracha, salt, and pepper together. Another great option is to use Maggi seasoning as a substitute for the sauce. Maggi seasoning is a common ingredient used to add bold flavors to a variety of dishes, including stir-fry’s and soups. You can easily find it at international food markets or online retailers such as Amazon.

What is traditional Banh Mi in Vietnamese?

Banh mi is a Vietnamese delicacy that consists of a slightly shorter version of a baguette, with a crispy crust on the outside while being soft and airy on the inside. This bread is commonly cut lengthwise and stuffed with savory ingredients, which makes for a meal known as banh mi thit.

What type of meat is used for banh mi?

A popular ingredient used in banh mi sandwiches is chicken liver, which provides a subtly rich taste that complements the crisp pickles and veggies. While some versions solely feature pâté, others may include roasted pork or various meats like beef, pork and vegetarian options.

What is chicken banh mi called in Vietnamese?

I’ve got a mouth-watering recipe for bánh mì gà nướng – a delicious grilled chicken sandwich with a fusion of East Asian flavors. The chicken is marinated and grilled to perfection, then paired with pickled fillings, fresh chilli, and cilantro for a burst of flavor. All of this is nestled inside a crispy baguette that’s sure to make your taste buds dance.

Bottom Line

As your chef, I want to leave you with a final urging to try this Vietnamese-Style Chicken Sammies (Banh Mi) recipe. With its flavorful and aromatic fusion of spices such as garlic fish sauce, lemongrass, and soy sauce, along with the crunch and freshness of vegetables such as cucumbers and carrots, this sandwich is a meal full of exciting cultural and culinary discoveries.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch option or an impressive dinner for guests, these Chicken Banh Mi sandwiches are sure to deliver. With their versatility and adaptability, there are endless variations that can be made to suit your taste buds. Make it spicy with Nashville hot chicken or keep it classic with roasted chicken breast.

Whatever your choice may be, don’t forget to pair it with your favorite drink or side dish! And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun while preparing and savoring this beloved Vietnamese dish.

So go ahead and give it a go! Share it with family and friends or enjoy it just for yourself. Trust me; the experience will be worth it. Savor each bite, relish in the exotic flavors and let yourself feel immersed in the Vietnamese culture through this culinary masterpiece.

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