Stovetop Vietnamese Ginger Chicken: Flavorful Weeknight Meal

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Tender chicken breast is kissed with the warmth of ginger, caramelized brown sugar, and the savory depth of fish sauce. This Stovetop Vietnamese Ginger Chicken hits all the right flavor notes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet exciting. You will just need a few ingredients to put this weeknight dinner together.

Chinese chicken stir fry in a pan with chopsticks.

Stovetop Vietnamese Ginger Chicken


This dish is a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy. The ginger infuses the chicken with a subtle spiciness, while the brown sugar adds a lovely caramelized richness. The fish sauce brings a depth of umami that ties everything together beautifully. Paired with the crunch of julienne carrots and the freshness of green onions, each bite is a pleasing balance of textures and tastes.

Stovetop Vietnamese Ginger Chicken in a skillet with carrots and onions.

Ingredients

The full Stovetop Vietnamese Ginger Chicken recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions is at the bottom of this post. You can save a tree and the recipe to your personal and private recipe box here on Call Me PMc. This way, you’ll never misplace it.

Caramelized Sauce

  • brown sugar
  • warm water
  • fish sauce, soy sauce, or tamari
Stovetop Vietnamese Ginger Chicken in a pan with chopsticks.

How to store leftovers

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

How to freeze

Allow to cool down and freeze in an airtight container for 1 month.

How to reheat

Reheat in the microwave until heated through.

Chinese chicken stir fry in a skillet with carrots and chopsticks.

Stovetop Vietnamese Ginger Chicken Cooking Tips:

  1. Prep is Key: Make sure to julienne your carrots, onions, and ginger before you start cooking. This will help everything cook evenly and ensure you get those lovely caramelized bits on the chicken.
  2. Cornstarch for Crispness: Coating the chicken in cornstarch before cooking helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Don’t skip this step!
  3. Don’t Rush the Caramelization: When cooking the chicken, resist the urge to crank up the heat. Let it cook low and slow to develop that golden-brown crust and maximize the flavor.
  4. Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences. If you like it spicier, add more ginger. If you prefer it sweeter, increase the amount of brown sugar. Cooking is all about making it your own!
Stovetop Vietnamese Ginger Chicken in a wok with carrots and onions.

Frequently Asked Questions:

    Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
    A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

    Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
    A: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prep the ingredients ahead of time to make cooking dinner a breeze. Store the prepped vegetables in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

    Q: What can I serve with Vietnamese Ginger Chicken?
    A: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. Add a side of stir-fried veggies or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

    A pan with Stovetop Vietnamese Ginger Chicken in it.

    Conclusion

    I have very few recipes that are complex and difficult to make. I like to focus on quick meals for busy parents. Here are a few more recipes that are popular with parents and kids: Ginger Ground Beef Stir Fry, EASY STOVETOP CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP, Blue Ribbon Chewy Molasses Ginger Cookies, Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip Recipe, and Caramelized Onion Tart Recipe.


    Stovetop Vietnamese Ginger Chicken is a winner for any night of the week. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to please. So, grab your apron and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade Vietnamese cuisine!

    Chinese chicken stir fry in a pan with chopsticks.

    Stovetop Vietnamese Ginger Chicken

    Juicy chicken bites with a lot of ginger and a sweet sauce. You will just need a few ingredients to put this weeknight dinner together.
    Author: Paula
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate

    Want to save recipes? Create an account or login & then you can use the “Save Recipe” button when viewing a recipe to save it to your Recipe Box. You can access your saved recipes on any device and generate a shopping list for recipes in your collections.

    Save To Your Recipe Box
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings

    Ingredients

    • 3 large (1 lb | 453 g) chicken breast boneless, skinless
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
    • 1 and ½ tablespoons vegetable oil
    • 1 and ½ cups 6.77 oz | 192 g carrots julienne
    • 1 medium white onion or shallot
    • ½ cup green onion chopped with green and white
    • 2 inches ginger cut in julienne

    Caramelized Sauce

    • ¼ cup brown sugar 1.86 oz | 53 g
    • ½ cup warm water 4.22 fluid oz | 125 ml
    • 2 tablespoons fish sauce substitute soy sauce or tamari sauce

    Instructions

    • Cut chicken in large chunks, 2 inches. Season with salt and pepper. Then dust cornstarch over the chicken, stir them to coat in cornstarch.
      3 large (1 lb | 453 g) chicken breast, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
      A white plate with pieces of chicken on it.
    • Heat a nonstick skillet on medium high heat with oil and sear chicken for 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
      1 and ½ tablespoons vegetable oil
      Fried chicken in a frying pan.
    • Turn heat to medium. In the same skillet with the grease from the chicken, sauté carrot and onion for 2 minutes then add green onion and ginger. Cook for another minute.
      1 and ½ cups 6.77 oz | 192 g carrots, 1 medium white onion or shallot, ½ cup green onion, 2 inches ginger
      A frying pan filled with carrots and onions.
    • Bring the chicken back and cook for 1 minute.
      A pan with chicken and vegetables in it.

    Caramelized Sauce:

    • In a bowl, stir brown sugar and water until well dissolved. Add fish sauce and stir again. Make sure sugar is dissolved.
      ¼ cup brown sugar, ½ cup warm water, 2 tablespoons fish sauce
      A bowl of brown sauce sitting on a table.
    • Pour on the chicken. Stir until the sauce caramelizes. Remove from the stove.
      A frying pan filled with chicken and vegetables.
    • Serve as is or with rice or noodles.
    • Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 0.5mg | Sodium: 922mg | Potassium: 422mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 14949IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1mg
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