15 Tasty Vietnamese Chicken Recipes To Make

Vietnamese cuisine, with its rich array of flavors and cooking styles, is a treasure trove of culinary delights.

Chicken, or gà, is used in some of the most delicious Vietnamese dishes.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the most flavorful ways to incorporate chicken into your Vietnamese cooking.

Vietnamese Chicken Recipes

We’ve selected 15 of our favorite Vietnamese chicken recipes for you to try – each dish offering a unique taste and a story that speaks to the country’s diverse gastronomic landscape.

Street Food Staples

Street food in Vietnam is an integral part of the culinary culture, offering a variety of flavors and experiences.

These chicken recipes capture the essence of Vietnam’s bustling streets and vibrant food scenes.

1. Gà Nướng Sả (Lemongrass Grilled Chicken)

Gà Nướng Sả – Lemongrass Grilled Chicken – is a Vietnamese streetfood delight.

The chicken, marinated in a blend of lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce, is grilled over an open flame, creating a tantalizing smoky aroma.

The marinade caramelizes slightly on the surface, giving the chicken a beautifully charred exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior.

It’s often enjoyed wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce.

2. Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich

The Bánh Mì Gà is a delightful fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisines.

The key lies in the perfectly marinated chicken, usually thigh meat for extra juiciness, combined with the crunch of pickled carrots and daikon, fresh cucumber, and spicy jalapenos.

The creamy mayonnaise spread on the baguette adds richness, making it a beloved street food snack.

3. Vietnamese Garlic Butter Chicken Wings

Vietnamese Garlic Butter Chicken Wings are a beloved dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of butter and the aromatic punch of garlic.

The wings are first fried until crispy and then tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, often with a hint of chili for a bit of heat.

This dish is a favorite in casual dining settings and is known for its indulgent and comforting taste profile.

It’s a perfect example of how Vietnamese cuisine can take familiar ingredients and elevate them into something uniquely flavorful.

It’s a street food must-try!

Comforting Curries, Soups And Stews

Vietnamese curries, soups, and stews are renowned for their comforting and restorative qualities.

These chicken-based dishes are a testament to the soothing and nourishing aspects of Vietnamese cooking.

4. Phở Gà (Chicken Noodle Soup)

Phở Gà’s magic is in its clear yet flavorful broth, simmered for hours with chicken bones, charred onion, and ginger.

The addition of fresh herbs and lime juice just before serving brings a bright, aromatic quality to the dish.

This soup is a Vietnamese culinary staple and a comforting remedy for the soul, especially on chilly days or if you’re feeling under the weather.

5. Cà Ri Gà (Vietnamese Chicken Curry)

Cà Ri Gà is a heartwarming dish characterized by its thick, coconut milk-based curry, subtly spiced and rich.

The addition of sweet potatoes (or white potatoes, if you prefer) and carrots complements the tender chicken, absorbing the flavors of lemongrass and curry spices.

This dish represents the blend of local ingredients and colonial influences, showcasing Vietnam’s culinary adaptability.

6. Cháo Gà (Chicken Rice Porridge)

Cháo Gà is the epitome of comfort food in Vietnam.

This rice porridge, slow-cooked with chicken and infused with ginger, offers a soothing and nourishing meal.

It’s often garnished with fried onions and fresh herbs, providing a textural contrast.

This dish is particularly popular as a remedy for the sick, showcasing the healing power of traditional Vietnamese cooking.

Festive And Celebratory Dishes

In Vietnamese culture, certain dishes are reserved for special occasions and celebrations.

These chicken recipes are often featured in festive gatherings, showcasing the celebratory spirit of Vietnamese cuisine.

7. Gà Xào Sả Ớt (Spicy Lemongrass Chicken)

A dish that encapsulates the bold flavors of Vietnam, Gà Xào Sả Ớt is both aromatic and fiery.

The chicken pieces are stir-fried with a generous amount of lemongrass and chili, creating a dish that is fragrant and spicy.

It’s often a centerpiece at gatherings, symbolizing both the warmth of hospitality and the richness of Vietnamese spice palettes.

8. Vietnamese Herbal Chicken Soup

Gà Tần, often consumed during special occasions, is a testament to the traditional belief in food’s medicinal properties.

The soup, with its blend of herbal ingredients, is believed to offer restorative benefits.

This dish is a part of Vietnamese cultural heritage, representing the intersection of cuisine and traditional medicine.

9. Steamed Chicken In Lotus Leaves

A dish often reserved for special occasions, this recipe involves steaming chicken wrapped in lotus leaves.

The leaves impart a subtle, floral aroma to the chicken, creating a dish that is as elegant as it is flavorful.

It’s a testament to the sophistication of Vietnamese cuisine, where natural ingredients are used to enhance both the flavor and presentation of a dish.

10. Vietnamese Poached Chicken Salad With Mint And Coriander

This salad is a delightful blend of poached chicken, fresh herbs, and vibrant flavors.

The chicken is poached to perfection, ensuring it’s tender and moist, then shredded and mixed with a medley of fresh mint, coriander, and other herbs.

The dish is often dressed with a light dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar, balancing the flavors beautifully.

This salad is popular for its refreshing taste and aromatic ingredients.

Regional Specialties

Vietnam’s diverse regions each have their unique culinary traditions and specialties. These regional chicken dishes offer a glimpse into the varied flavors and cooking techniques across Vietnam.

11. Gà Nướng Lá Chanh (Grilled Chicken With Lime Leaves)

This dish, originating from the central regions, showcases the simplicity and elegance of Vietnamese cuisine.

The aroma of the kaffir lime leaves imparts a refreshing citrus note, while the fish sauce adds a savory depth.

It’s a perfect example of how a few ingredients can create a dish that’s full of flavor and character.

12. Gà Kho Gừng (Ginger Braised Chicken)

Gà Kho Gừng, a dish from Northern Vietnam, is comfort food at its best.

The combination of ginger’s warmth and the sweetness from the caramelized sauce provides a soothing, hearty meal.

It’s a dish that embodies the simplicity of rural Vietnamese cooking, yet it delivers complex flavors that linger on the palate.

13. Grilled Chicken With Honey And Rice

Cơm Gà Nướng Mật Ong is a delightful meal that combines succulent grilled chicken with aromatic rice.

The chicken thighs are marinated with a blend of spices, butter, and honey and then grilled to achieve a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

The dish is served with rice cooked in chicken broth and saffron, which adds a beautiful color and rich flavor.

Accompanied by a fresh salad of cabbage, carrot, and Vietnamese mint, this dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it a popular choice in Vietnamese cuisine for both its taste and visual appeal.

14. Lemongrass Chicken Stir Fry

This recipe results in a fragrant and flavorful dish that highlights the aromatic power of lemongrass.

In this recipe, chicken thighs are seasoned with turmeric, salt, and pepper, then stir-fried in a neutral oil to create a rich base.

The sauce, a combination of brown sugar and fish sauce, adds a perfect balance of sweetness and umami.

The stir-fry is completed with the addition of finely minced lemongrass, sliced shallots, minced garlic, and a splash of dry sherry or white wine, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavors and textures.

This dish is a favorite for its ability to marry the intense aroma of lemongrass with the savory depth of the chicken.

Innovative Fusion Recipes

Vietnamese cuisine is constantly evolving, blending traditional flavors with modern cooking styles.

These fusion chicken recipes reflect the innovative and adaptive nature of Vietnamese culinary practices.

15. Vietnamese Fish Sauce Chicken Wings

Vietnamese Fish Sauce Fried Chicken Wings are a popular choice known for their unique blend of flavors.

The wings are marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, garlic, and sugar, which impart a deep umami flavor with a hint of sweetness.

After marinating, they are fried to crispy perfection. The result is a delicious combination of crispy texture and savory-sweet glaze, often finished with a sprinkle of chili and fresh lime juice.

This dish is a favorite for its irresistible flavor and is a staple in many Vietnamese restaurants and home kitchens.

Final Thoughts

Through these recipes, we journey through the streets, homes, and history of Vietnam.

Each dish, from the humble Phở Gà to the festive Gà Tần, tells a story of cultural influences, regional diversity, and culinary innovation.

This exploration of Vietnamese chicken dishes offers not just a taste of the country’s cuisine but a glimpse into its soul – where every ingredient has a purpose, and every flavor tells a tale.

Which Vietnamese chicken recipe will you try first?

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Vietnamese word for chicken?

The Vietnamese word for chicken is gà.

What is lemongrass chicken made of?

Lemongrass chicken, known as Gà Nướng Sảu in Vietnamese, is made of chicken marinated in lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and sometimes sugar, then grilled or stir-fried.

Is there ginger in Vietnamese food?

Yes, ginger is commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine, often in soups, stews, and braised dishes, for its aromatic and warming flavor.

15 Tasty Vietnamese Chicken Recipes To Make

Recipe by Barbara HuntCourse: Other Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Directions

  • Choose a recipe
  • Gather your ingredients
  • Prepare your dish
  • Enjoy.

Barbara Hunt

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