Vietnamese Caramel Chicken Recipe

Name: Vietnamese Caramel Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons white sugar; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; ground black pepper to taste; 3 pounds chicken thighs; Caramel Sauce:; 3 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1/2 tablespoon white sugar; 3 teaspoons rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 2 jalapeno peppers, sliced

Servings: persons

2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons fish sauce
ground black pepper to taste
3 pounds chicken thighs
Caramel Sauce:
3 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1/2 tablespoon white sugar
3 teaspoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 jalapeno peppers, sliced

1
Combine sugar, fish sauce, and black pepper in a shallow plate and turn chicken in the marinade. Set aside for 10 minutes.
2
Combine water, fish sauce, sugar, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Set caramel sauce aside.
3
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and pan-fry chicken, skin-side up, until bottoms turn slightly crispy and brown, about 5 minutes. Turn and cook until skin is slightly charred, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and transfer to a plate.
4
Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the skillet and cook garlic for 30 seconds. Return chicken to the skillet and add caramel sauce. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear. Caramel sauce should be reduced and turn amber in color. Add jalapenos and cook for 1 more minute.

760

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 tablespoons white sugar, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, ground black pepper to taste, 3 pounds chicken thighs, and more.

Yes, Vietnamese Caramel Chicken falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Vietnamese Caramel Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions