Vietnamese Caramelized Chicken Marinade
Infuse your next meal with bold, savory-sweet flavors using this Vietnamese Caramelized Chicken Marinade recipe. Perfectly balancing the umami depth of soy sauce and fish sauce with the rich sweetness of brown sugar and honey, this marinade transforms chicken thighs or drumsticks into tender, caramelized perfection. Fragrant additions like minced garlic, shallots, and black pepper elevate the profile of this irresistible dish, while a touch of vegetable oil ensures even coating for a flawless result. Ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-frying, this versatile recipe is quick to prepare, requiring only 15 minutes of prep time, plus time to marinate for maximum flavor. Pair the sticky, golden-brown chicken with steamed jasmine rice, pickled vegetables, or a refreshing salad for an authentic and satisfying Vietnamese-inspired meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large shallot, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and honey. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Add the minced garlic, minced shallot, and black pepper to the liquid mixture. Mix well.
Whisk in the vegetable oil to help emulsify the marinade and ensure even coating of the chicken.
Place the chicken thighs or drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. If using a bag, seal it tightly and massage the marinade into the chicken.
Refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting or making a sauce, if desired.
Cook the chicken using your preferred method: grill over medium heat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or pan-fry until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature).
If desired, reduce the reserved marinade in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened and use as a glaze or dipping sauce.
Serve the caramelized chicken immediately with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1278 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 79.2 g | 102% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.2 g | 91% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 336 mg | 112% | |
| Sodium | 4581 mg | 199% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.1 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.3 g | ||
| Protein | 88.9 g | 178% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 125 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 5.9 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 1337 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
