Vietnamese Chicken Bánh Mì

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Introduction

Vietnamese Chicken Bánh Mì is a flavorful and exciting sandwich that brings together the best of both French and Vietnamese cuisine. This vibrant dish features tender, marinated chicken, crunchy pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a spicy mayo, all nestled in a perfectly crispy baguette. The fusion of these ingredients creates a mouthwatering, satisfying meal with a delightful balance of savory, sweet, sour, and spicy notes. Whether you’re craving lunch, dinner, or a snack, this Bánh Mì is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

The first time I made this sandwich, I was amazed by how easily the ingredients came together to create such a complex, delicious dish. Marinating the chicken in flavorful spices and then layering it with the fresh herbs and tangy pickles was a game-changer. The crunchy baguette added the perfect texture, and the spicy mayo gave it just the right kick. The result was a sandwich that was as satisfying as it was bursting with bold flavors.

What I love most about Vietnamese Chicken Bánh Mì is its versatility. You can adjust the heat with more or less chili in the mayo, or switch up the veggies to suit your taste. It’s easy to prepare, and it’s a great way to enjoy a fun, refreshing twist on a classic sandwich. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light meal or pairing it with a side of fries, this Bánh Mì will never disappoint!

Perfect for:

  • Lunch or dinner
  • Casual gatherings
  • Sandwich lovers
  • Vietnamese cuisine enthusiasts
  • A twist on traditional sandwiches

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Vietnamese Chicken Bánh Mì will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

  • Flavorsome Chicken: The marinated chicken is juicy, savory, and full of flavor, making every bite delicious.
  • Crispy Baguette: The fresh baguette adds the perfect crunch, providing a satisfying contrast to the tender fillings.
  • Fresh and Crunchy Veggies: The pickled carrots, daikon radish, and cucumber add crunch and a tangy flavor that elevates the sandwich.
  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: With the right amount of sweetness, sourness, and spice, this sandwich delivers a well-balanced flavor profile.
  • Customizable: You can adjust the heat, pickling, and even substitute ingredients to suit your tastes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4 sandwiches
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Vietnamese Chicken Bánh Mì:

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Pickled Vegetables:

  • 1 small carrot, julienned
  • 1 small daikon radish, julienned
  • ½ cucumber, julienned
  • 1 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sandwich:

  • 4 small French baguettes or Vietnamese baguettes
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (or more to taste)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Sliced jalapeños (optional, for added heat)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are juicy and tender, ideal for marinating and grilling.
  • Fish Sauce: A key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine, adding depth and umami to the marinade.
  • Pickled Vegetables: The pickled carrots, daikon, and cucumber offer a tangy crunch that balances the rich chicken.
  • Baguette: The crispy exterior and soft interior of the baguette create the perfect vessel for the fillings.
  • Sriracha Sauce: Adds a spicy kick to the mayo, which complements the other flavors beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and black pepper.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).

Pickle the Vegetables:

  1. Prepare the Pickling Solution: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Pickle the Vegetables: Add the julienned carrot, daikon radish, and cucumber to the pickling liquid. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes to pickle.

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Grill or Pan-Fry the Chicken: Preheat a grill or pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  2. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Assemble the Bánh Mì:

  1. Prepare the Baguettes: Slice the baguettes lengthwise, leaving a hinge so they stay together.
  2. Make the Sriracha Mayo: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and sriracha sauce.
  3. Spread the Mayo: Spread the sriracha mayo on the inside of each baguette.
  4. Layer the Chicken and Vegetables: Place a generous amount of sliced chicken in each baguette. Top with the pickled vegetables and fresh cilantro leaves.
  5. Add Jalapeños: If desired, add sliced jalapeños for extra spice.

Serve:

  1. Serve the Bánh Mì: Serve immediately, or wrap the sandwiches in parchment paper for a packed lunch or picnic.

How to Serve

  • Traditional Style: Serve the sandwiches with the pickled veggies, cilantro, and jalapeños for a classic Bánh Mì experience.
  • On a Platter: Cut the Bánh Mì into halves or thirds and serve as a platter with other Vietnamese dishes like pho or spring rolls.
  • With Chips or Fries: Pair with crispy potato chips or French fries for a more substantial meal.
  • As a Meal Prep Option: Prepare the chicken and pickled veggies ahead of time and assemble the sandwiches just before serving.

Additional Tips

  • Marinate the Chicken Longer: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for 2 hours or more.
  • Use Fresh Baguettes: For the best texture, use fresh baguettes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
  • Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce based on your preferred spice level.
  • Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of the Bánh Mì.
  • Crisp the Baguette: Toast the baguette lightly before assembling for added crunch.

Recipe Variations

  1. Grilled Pork Bánh Mì: Swap the chicken for marinated grilled pork for a traditional option.
  2. Spicy Chicken Bánh Mì: Add extra sriracha or hot sauce to the chicken marinade for more heat.
  3. BBQ Chicken Bánh Mì: Use shredded BBQ chicken and add a tangy barbecue sauce for a fusion twist.
  4. Tofu Bánh Mì: For a vegetarian version, use marinated grilled tofu slices.
  5. Shrimp Bánh Mì: Replace the chicken with grilled shrimp for a seafood version.
  6. Pineapple Bánh Mì: Add grilled pineapple slices to the sandwich for a sweet and savory twist.
  7. Mango Bánh Mì: Add thin slices of mango for a tropical flavor.
  8. Spicy Mayo-Free: Skip the sriracha mayo for a lighter version of the sandwich.
  9. Extra Veggies: Add extra fresh veggies like cucumber or radishes for a crunchier sandwich.
  10. Coconut Chicken Bánh Mì: Coat the chicken with shredded coconut for a tropical touch.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: It’s best to freeze the chicken and pickled vegetables separately. Once cooked and cooled, wrap the chicken and vegetables tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer. To assemble, thaw the ingredients and build the sandwiches fresh.
  • Storage: Store leftover sandwiches in the fridge for up to 1 day. The baguette may soften, but the filling will stay flavorful.

Special Equipment

  • Grill or Skillet
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Knife and Cutting Board
  • Small Bowl for Pickling Solution
  • Parchment Paper (for wrapping)

FAQ

  1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, chicken breast is a leaner option, though it might be slightly less juicy.
  2. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time? It’s best to assemble the Bánh Mì right before serving, but you can prepare the chicken and pickled veggies in advance.
  3. What if I don’t have fish sauce? You can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce, though the flavor will be different.
  4. Can I use a different type of bread? While a French baguette is traditional, you can use any crusty roll or sandwich bread.
  5. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover sandwiches in the fridge, but be aware that the bread may soften.

Conclusion

Vietnamese Chicken Bánh Mì is a flavorful and fun twist on the traditional sandwich. With tender marinated chicken, tangy pickled vegetables, and the perfect crunch from a fresh baguette, this sandwich is a delightful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual lunch or serving it at a dinner party, this Bánh Mì offers an exciting way to experience the bold flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

Simple to make and customizable to your taste, this sandwich can be adapted with your favorite ingredients, whether you prefer extra herbs, spicy chilies, or a drizzle of mayonnaise. The balance of savory, sweet, and sour flavors makes it a perfect option for any occasion.

I can’t wait to see your version of this Vietnamese classic! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make it your own. Don’t forget to share any creative twists you added in the comments. Happy cooking!

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