Vietnamese Fish Sauce Chicken

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Introduction

Vietnamese Fish Sauce Chicken is a flavorful, savory dish that combines the richness of chicken with the bold, umami-packed taste of fish sauce. This dish is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, celebrated for its balance of salty, sweet, and savory flavors. Marinated chicken is cooked to golden perfection with aromatic garlic, shallots, and a hint of sugar, creating a deliciously sticky glaze. The result is a tender, flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles, offering a simple yet unforgettable meal that captures the essence of Vietnamese home cooking.


I remember the first time I made this dish for a family dinner. The kitchen filled with the incredible aroma of garlic and fish sauce, and the reaction from everyone at the table was pure delight. What’s great about Vietnamese Fish Sauce Chicken is how versatile it is—you can serve it with a side of rice or noodles, and it’s just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. The combination of savory, sweet, and salty flavors is so comforting and satisfying.


This dish is surprisingly easy to make, too. With just a few ingredients and some marinating time, you can create a flavorful and aromatic chicken dish that feels like a special occasion meal, even on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a comforting, flavorful dinner, Vietnamese Fish Sauce Chicken is sure to be a hit!Vietnamese Fish Sauce Chicken is a flavorful, savory dish that combines the richness of chicken with the bold, umami-packed taste of fish sauce. This dish is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, celebrated for its balance of salty, sweet, and savory flavors. Marinated chicken is cooked to golden perfection with aromatic garlic, shallots, and a hint of sugar, creating a deliciously sticky glaze. The result is a tender, flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles, offering a simple yet unforgettable meal that captures the essence of Vietnamese home cooking.

Perfect for:

  • Family lunch
  • Weeknight meals
  • Vietnamese-inspired feasts
  • Rice or noodle bowls
  • A flavorful twist on classic chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Vietnamese Fish Sauce Chicken will become a go-to dish:

  • Rich Umami Flavor: The fish sauce, combined with garlic and sugar, creates a savory, tangy sauce that’s utterly addictive.
  • Perfectly Marinated Chicken: The chicken is marinated to infuse every bite with deep, flavorful goodness.
  • Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your kitchen.
  • Versatile Dish: Serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables, making it perfect for meal prepping or family-style meals.
  • Authentic Vietnamese Taste: This recipe delivers the true flavors of Vietnam, bringing a unique, vibrant dish to your table.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marination)
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Marination Time: 1 hour
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 8g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Vietnamese Fish Sauce Chicken:

For the Chicken:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (preferably palm sugar)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
  • Sliced chili (optional, for heat)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Fish Sauce: The signature ingredient in many Vietnamese dishes, providing a deep umami flavor that is the backbone of the sauce.
  • Garlic and Shallots: Essential aromatics that bring depth to the sauce and complement the savory flavors.
  • Sugar: Balances the salty and savory flavors of the fish sauce, creating a harmonious glaze.
  • Lime Juice: Adds a touch of acidity to brighten the dish and balance the richness of the fish sauce.
  • Soy Sauce: Complements the fish sauce, adding additional saltiness and complexity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Vietnamese Fish Sauce Chicken:

Marinate the Chicken:

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, chopped shallots, black pepper, and lime juice (if using).
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight in the fridge for more flavor).

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the other side is golden and the chicken is nearly cooked through.
  3. Add the Marinade: Pour the remaining marinade into the pan with the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
  4. Simmer the Chicken: Lower the heat to medium and let the chicken simmer for 10-15 minutes, occasionally turning the chicken, until the sauce thickens and becomes a glossy glaze. The chicken should be fully cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Serve the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a serving platter. Spoon the thickened sauce over the chicken.
  2. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced chili for a burst of color and extra flavor. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

How to Serve

  • With Steamed Rice: Serve the fish sauce chicken over steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • With Noodles: Pair the chicken with stir-fried or rice noodles for a complete meal.
  • With Fresh Vegetables: Add a side of sautéed greens or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness of the chicken.
  • For Meal Prep: Make extra portions and store in airtight containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
  • With Pickled Vegetables: Serve alongside Vietnamese pickled vegetables (like pickled carrots and daikon) for an authentic touch.

Additional Tips

  • Ensure the chicken skin gets crispy for extra texture.
  • Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by tweaking the sugar or fish sauce according to taste.
  • For a spicier version, add more chili or a dash of chili paste to the marinade.
  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for better flavor, but boneless, skinless chicken can work too.

Recipe Variations

  1. Spicy Fish Sauce Chicken: Add extra chili or a splash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
  2. Grilled Fish Sauce Chicken: Grill the marinated chicken for a smoky version of this dish.
  3. Chicken Wings: Swap the thighs for chicken wings for a more finger-food-friendly option.
  4. Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with tofu for a plant-based alternative.
  5. Crispy Fish Sauce Chicken: After searing the chicken, coat it in cornstarch for an extra crispy texture before cooking it in the sauce.
  6. Garlic-Butter Fish Sauce Chicken: Add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce for an extra rich flavor.
  7. Lemongrass Fish Sauce Chicken: Add finely chopped lemongrass to the marinade for a fragrant twist.
  8. Sweet and Sour Fish Sauce Chicken: Add a splash of vinegar to the marinade for a tangy-sweet contrast.
  9. Fish Sauce Chicken Stir-fry: Slice the cooked chicken and stir-fry with vegetables and noodles for a complete dish.
  10. Baked Fish Sauce Chicken: Bake marinated chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for a hands-off cooking method.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Store the cooked chicken in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Special Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Zip-top bag or large bowl for marinating
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, boneless chicken works well too, but bone-in will provide more flavor.
  2. Can I make this ahead? Yes, marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce? Absolutely, if you prefer less salt.
  4. Can I use fish sauce substitute? Use anchovy paste or a combination of soy sauce and seaweed for a similar flavor.
  5. Can I make this without fish sauce? While not traditional, you can try using tamari or coconut aminos for a similar savory flavor.

Conclusion

Savor the bold and savory flavors of Vietnamese Fish Sauce Chicken, a dish that truly captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. With every bite, you’ll experience the rich umami flavors of the fish sauce glaze, perfectly complementing tender, juicy chicken. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish brings authentic Vietnamese flavors straight to your table.

It pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or vegetables, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress. The balance of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors makes this dish irresistible, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

I’d love to see how your Vietnamese Fish Sauce Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!

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