The name of this chicken comes from the sticky caramel consistency of the sauce, and it’s truly mouthwatering. This Vietnamese caramel chicken is easy to make, and the flavor is truly unique. Made in 1 hour with just 7 ingredients (the fish sauce is optional!), I know you’ll love this sweet and sticky caramel chicken recipe!
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover caramel chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a skillet set over medium.
How to Make Caramel Chicken Step by Step
Season the Chicken: Season 2½ pounds of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with salt. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and place it in the skillet skin-side down. Cook until golden, flip the thighs, and cook until the second side is golden, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan, place the cooked thighs in a clean bowl, and set aside. Sauté the Garlic: To the skillet, add 6 cloves of peeled and crushed garlic and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Add the cooked garlic to the bowl with the chicken. Drain any remaining fat from the pan. Simmer the Sauce: Over medium-high heat, add ½ cup of water to the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in ⅓ cup of brown sugar and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and darkens in color. Add ¼ cup of rice vinegar and continue to stir as the mixture bubbles up. Add 2 slices of ginger, 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, ¼ cup of soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of fish sauce. Cook the Chicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the garlic and chicken skin-side up. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Caramelize the Sauce: Remove the chicken and place it on a plate. Continue to simmer the sauce for 8-10 more minutes or until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Return the chicken to the pot and toss it to coat in the sauce. Garnish with scallions and jalapeños, serve, and enjoy.
More Vietnamese Chicken Recipes We Love
Vietnamese Chicken and Rice Lemongrass Chicken
