Simple Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken Recipe That Wows

Crispy, golden vietnamese coconut caramel chicken dances with sweet and savory notes that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Layers of rich coconut milk blend seamlessly with deep caramel undertones.

Fragrant herbs and spices create a symphony of flavors from southeast asian cuisine.

Delicate chicken pieces absorb complex marinades that promise an unforgettable dining experience.

Seasonal ingredients combine to craft a meal that feels both comforting and exotic.

Vibrant colors and aromas will transport you straight to the bustling streets of hanoi.

Come explore this culinary adventure that turns an ordinary dinner into something truly extraordinary.

Why Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken Is So Addictive

• Savor Exotic Flavors: Indulge in a perfect blend of sweet caramel, creamy coconut, and tangy fish sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Master Global Cuisine Easily: Create an impressive Vietnamese-inspired meal without complex techniques, making international cooking accessible for home chefs of all skill levels.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adjust spice levels by adding or omitting chili, making this recipe adaptable for different taste preferences and family members.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single skillet recipe that delivers maximum flavor and minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend cooking.

All the Good Stuff in Coconut Caramel Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs the rich caramel sauce beautifully.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Classic Vietnamese flavor base that adds depth and complexity.
• Chili: Optional ingredient that provides a subtle heat and spicy kick.

• Brown Sugar: Creates a deep caramel foundation with rich sweetness.
• Coconut Milk: Provides a creamy, tropical base for the sauce.
• Fish Sauce, Soy Sauce: Adds umami and salty depth to the overall flavor profile.

• Lime Juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh, tangy accent.
• Fresh Coriander, Green Onions: Adds fresh herbal notes and a pop of color for garnish.

Steps to Sweet-Savory Chicken Goodness

Step 1: Create Caramel Base

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle brown sugar into the pan and gently swirl it around.

Let the sugar slowly melt and transform into a gorgeous golden-brown caramel, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Coconut milk
• Fish sauce
• Soy sauce

Add the liquids to the caramel and whisk them together until they create a smooth, rich sauce.

Step 3: Introduce Aromatic Ingredients

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Sliced chili (optional)

Sauté these ingredients for about 3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful fragrance.

Step 4: Simmer Chicken in Sauce

Nestle chicken thighs directly into the bubbling sauce, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated.

Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let the chicken gently cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping occasionally to guarantee even cooking.

Step 5: Reduce and Concentrate Sauce

Remove the lid and allow the sauce to simmer uncovered. This will help the liquid reduce and thicken, creating a more intense flavor profile.

Continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Bright Notes

Squeeze fresh lime juice into the sauce, adding a zesty brightness.

Sprinkle chopped fresh coriander and sliced green onions over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the chicken over steamed jasmine rice, generously spooning the luscious coconut caramel sauce on top.

Prepare for a flavor explosion that combines sweet, savory, and tangy elements.

Tips for Caramelizing Without Stress

• Choose bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture, preventing dry meat during cooking.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili amount or using milder pepper varieties like jalapeño.
• Swap fish sauce with soy sauce or coconut aminos for vegetarian or gluten-free dietary needs.
• Enhance sauce thickness by reducing heat longer or adding a cornstarch slurry if needed.
• Marinate chicken beforehand in mixture for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat.

Tasty Twists on Coconut Caramel Chicken

• Spicy Lemongrass Variation: Replace chili with fresh lemongrass and add extra red pepper flakes for a zesty, spicier flavor profile.
• Ginger-Turmeric Fusion: Incorporate ground turmeric and increase ginger amount for an earthy, warm undertone with enhanced anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Pineapple Coconut Remix: Mix in fresh pineapple chunks during the last 10 minutes of cooking to create a tropical, sweet-savory combination.
• Herb-Infused Edition: Blend fresh Thai basil and mint leaves into the sauce for an aromatic, refreshing Vietnamese-inspired experience.

Delicious Pairings for This Vietnamese Classic

• Amplify Coconut Sweetness: Pair with a crisp Riesling wine that echoes the recipe's tropical coconut notes and balances the caramel's rich sweetness.
• Refresh the Palate: Serve a bright, zesty cucumber and mint salad alongside the chicken to cut through the rich, savory sauce and provide a cool contrast.
• Cool Down the Heat: Choose a cold Thai-style iced tea with its creamy sweetness to complement the dish's complex flavor profile and soothe any chili-induced warmth.
• Complement Caramel Depth: Prepare a side of grilled pineapple slices to enhance the caramel's depth and add a charred, sweet dimension that matches the chicken's intense flavor.

Best Storage Tips for Coconut Caramel Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor.
• Freeze: Pack chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve taste.
• Microwave Reheat: Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, add splash of coconut milk to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed to 165°F.
• Stovetop Reheat: Warm chicken in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of water or coconut milk to restore sauce's moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking meat's texture.

FAQs on Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken

• Is this dish spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on the amount of chili you add. You can control the heat by using less chili or removing the seeds for a milder version.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Chicken thighs work best because they’re more tender and flavorful. Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so if you use them, reduce cooking time and watch carefully.

• What does fish sauce do in this recipe?

Fish sauce adds depth and umami flavor, creating a rich, savory taste that balances the sweetness of the caramel and coconut milk.

• How do I know when the caramel is ready?

The caramel is ready when it turns a golden brown color and has a smooth, slightly bubbling consistency. Be careful not to burn it, as it can quickly turn bitter.

Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken blends rich coconut milk with deep caramel notes, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and umami flavors. Succulent chicken pieces simmered in this luscious sauce promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs

Sauce and Sweeteners:

• 1 can (400 milliliters / 13.5 fluid ounces) coconut milk
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1 onion, finely sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 red chili, sliced (optional)
• Fresh coriander and sliced green onions for garnish

Serving:

• Steamed jasmine rice

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Instructions

1. Caramelize brown sugar in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring until it turns golden and develops a rich, amber color.
2. Pour coconut milk, fish sauce, and soy sauce into the caramelized sugar, whisking smoothly to create a unified sauce.
3. Introduce finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional chili to the sauce, sautéing for approximately 3 minutes until onions become translucent.
4. Nestle chicken thighs into the aromatic sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the caramel mixture.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow chicken to simmer for 25-30 minutes, gently rotating pieces midway to ensure even cooking.
6. Uncover the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, letting the sauce reduce and concentrate its flavors.
7. Brighten the dish with a splash of fresh lime juice, creating a tangy contrast to the rich sauce.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh coriander and thinly sliced green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
9. Serve the chicken atop steamed jasmine rice, drizzling the remaining coconut caramel sauce generously over the dish.

Notes

• Select bone-in chicken thighs for deeper flavor and juicier meat that stays tender during slow cooking.
• Control caramel color carefully to prevent burning, which can create bitter undertones in the sauce.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing chili amount, making the dish adaptable for mild or heat-loving palates.
• Replace fish sauce with coconut aminos for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains similar umami depth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Vietnamese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg