Vietnamese-Style Sticky Chicken Skewers Recipe

Dive into the rich and vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with this Vietnamese-style sticky chicken skewers recipe. Tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and sour sauce, skewered, and broiled to perfection. A delicious and simple dish that brings a taste of Vietnam to your home kitchen.

Photos of Vietnamese-Style Sticky Chicken Skewers Recipe

In this recipe, we use palm sugar and fish sauce - two key ingredients in Vietnamese cuisine. Palm sugar, extracted from the sap of palm trees, has a unique sweetness that's less harsh than regular sugar. You can find it in the Asian section of most supermarkets or online. Fish sauce, made from fermented fish and salt, is a flavor powerhouse, adding umami and depth to dishes. If you're not accustomed to these flavors, start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Sticky Chicken Skewer Recipe Ingredients

Palm sugar: A natural sweetener derived from the sap of palm trees, palm sugar gives a unique sweet taste that's less harsh than regular sugar.

Rice wine vinegar: Used in Asian cuisines, this vinegar lends a mild and slightly sweet tanginess to the dish.

Fish sauce: A staple in Vietnamese cuisine, fish sauce gives the dish its distinct umami and salty flavors.

Chili sauce: Adds a spicy kick to the marinade.

Garlic: Used for its strong and pungent flavors.

Fresh ginger: Adds a spicy, aromatic note to the dish.

Chicken thighs: Preferred for their juiciness and flavor, but you can also use chicken breast.

Vegetable oil: Used for broiling the chicken.

Cilantro: Freshens up the dish with its tangy and slightly citrusy flavor.

Scallions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish.

Cooked rice: Served as a side to make this a complete meal.

One reader, Cathe Rodgers says:

The Vietnamese-style sticky chicken skewers recipe is a game-changer! The marinade is bursting with flavor, and the chicken turns out tender and juicy. The broiling method gives it a perfect char. It's a hit with my family every time. A must-try for anyone who loves bold, delicious flavors!

Cathe Rodgers

Techniques Required for Vietnamese-Style Sticky Chicken Skewers

How to marinate the chicken: Mix the sugar, vinegar, fish sauce, chili sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature.

How to broil the chicken skewers: Set an oven rack 4 inches from the broiler element and turn on the broiler to high. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, lightly oil it, then place the skewers on the sheet. Broil for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.

How to cook the excess marinade: In a small skillet over medium heat, bring the excess marinade to a boil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Brush the chicken with the reduced marinade.

How To Make Vietnamese-Style Sticky Chicken Skewers

These sticky chicken skewers are sweet, salty, sour, and savory. It has such a well-balanced flavor you’ll find yourself asking for seconds.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½cuppalm sugar,or substitute brown sugar
½cupunseasoned rice wine vinegar
¼cupfish sauce
½cupchili sauce,like sriracha, to taste
1garlic clove,minced
2tbspfresh ginger,minced peeled
1½lbschicken thighs,skinless, boneless, cut into 2-inch pieces
vegetable oil,for the baking sheet
¼bunchleave from cilantro,for garnish
3scallions,thinly sliced, for garnish
cooked rice,or rice noodles, for serving

Instructions

Soak the skewers: If using bamboo skewers, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes.
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, stir together the sugar, vinegar, fish sauce, chili sauce, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature but no more than 30—otherwise the flavors become too pungent.
Heat the broiler: Set an oven rack 4 inches from the broiler element and turn on the broiler to high. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Lightly oil or spray it with vegetable oil. (This is important—the marinade tends to burn on the pan, but not on the chicken, and you will save yourself from a tedious cleaning job.)
Thread the chicken on the skewers: Place 3 to 5 pieces of chicken on each skewer, depending on whether you’re using small or large skewers. Don’t crowd the chicken pieces too close together; they will brown better if there’s a little bit of space in between each piece. Transfer the skewers to the baking sheet. Pour the excess marinade into a small skillet.
Cook the excess marinade: In a small skillet over medium heat, bring the excess marinade to a boil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Brush the chicken all over with the reduced marinade.
Broil the chicken skewers: Broil for 3 to 4 minutes, or until browned on top. With tongs, turn skewers over and brush with more marinade. Broil for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until browned on the other side and cooked all the way through. Exact time will depend on the heat of your particular broiler; when done, the chicken should no longer be pink in the middle.
Serve the skewers: Transfer the skewers to a platter, or remove the chicken from the skewers and serve the pieces on a platter without the skewers, whichever you prefer. Sprinkle with cilantro and scallions and serve with rice or rice noodles.

Nutrition

Calories: 534.20kcal
Fat: 32.33g
Saturated Fat: 7.98g
Trans Fat: 0.17g
Monounsaturated Fat: 14.65g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.63g
Carbohydrates: 27.32g
Fiber: 2.45g
Sugar: 22.19g
Protein: 30.25g
Cholesterol: 166.70mg
Sodium: 2016.69mg
Calcium: 54.91mg
Potassium: 609.33mg
Iron: 1.95mg
Vitamin A: 65.49µg
Vitamin C: 8.72mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Vietnamese-Style Sticky Chicken Skewers

When marinating the chicken, ensure that all pieces are evenly coated with the marinade. This will not only ensure that each piece is flavorful, but also helps the chicken cook evenly. For a more intense flavor, you can also score the chicken pieces lightly with a sharp knife before marinating. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeper into the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Remember, the longer you marinate, the more flavorful your chicken will be, but don't exceed 30 minutes as the flavors may become too pungent.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Vietnamese-Style Sticky Chicken Skewers

Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge. This will allow the flavors to develop and save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-cut chicken: Purchase pre-cut chicken thighs to save time on prep work. This will eliminate the need for cutting and trimming the chicken, making the process more efficient.

Broil multiple batches: If making a large quantity, broil the chicken skewers in multiple batches to ensure even cooking and browning, rather than overcrowding the pan.

Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather and organize all the ingredients and utensils needed for the recipe. This will streamline the cooking process and minimize the chances of overlooking an ingredient.

Substitute Ingredients For Vietnamese-Style Sticky Chicken Skewers Recipe

palm sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar can provide a similar sweetness and caramel flavor to the dish.
unseasoned rice wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide a slightly sweet and tangy flavor similar to rice wine vinegar.
fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a salty and savory flavor similar to fish sauce.
chili sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can provide a spicy and tangy flavor similar to chili sauce.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor to fresh garlic, but in a powdered form.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can provide a similar flavor to fresh ginger, but in a dried form.
chicken thighs - Substitute with pork loin: Pork loin can provide a similar texture and flavor to chicken thighs when grilled.
vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil can be used as a neutral cooking oil similar to vegetable oil.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
scallions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a similar mild onion flavor to scallions.
cooked rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a nutritious and gluten-free alternative to rice.

Plating Ideas for Vietnamese-Style Chicken Skewers

Elevate the skewers: Arrange the chicken skewers on a rectangular plate, slightly overlapping each other for an elegant and refined presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with finely chopped cilantro and thinly sliced scallions to add a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
Serve with precision: Place a small mound of cooked rice on the plate, carefully shaped into a neat and compact form to complement the skewers.
Drizzle with reduced marinade: Artfully drizzle the reduced marinade around the skewers, creating a visually appealing pattern on the plate.
Incorporate symmetry: Ensure that the arrangement of the skewers, garnishes, and rice creates a balanced and visually pleasing composition on the plate.
Utilize negative space: Allow some of the plate to remain uncovered, using the concept of negative space to highlight the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sticky Chicken Skewers

Pots and pans: Essential for cooking and simmering the chicken skewers and marinade.
Skewers: Used to thread the marinated chicken for grilling or broiling.
Baking sheet: Used to broil the chicken skewers in the oven.
Small skillet: Used to cook the excess marinade and brush it onto the chicken skewers.
Tongs: Used for turning the chicken skewers while broiling.
Rimmed baking sheet: Lined with foil and lightly oiled to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Food processor: Optional for blending the marinade ingredients such as garlic and ginger.
Mixing bowl: Used for marinating the chicken with the sauce.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Vietnamese-Style Sticky Chicken Skewers

Let the chicken skewers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze the chicken skewers, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the skewers to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
Frozen chicken skewers can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
To reheat the skewers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Cover the skewers with foil to prevent them from drying out and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the skewers in the microwave. Place the skewers on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat the skewers, as they may become tough and dry.
If you have leftover marinade, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, it is not recommended to reuse the marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken due to the risk of bacterial contamination.

How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Skewers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover chicken skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Brush the skewers with a little bit of vegetable oil to help them retain moisture. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the edges start to caramelize slightly. This method will help the chicken retain its crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
For a quicker option, you can use your microwave. Place the chicken skewers on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. This will help prevent the chicken from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can quickly become rubbery in the microwave.
If you have an air fryer, this is another excellent option for reheating your vietnamese-style sticky chicken skewers. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers in the basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside. This method will help restore the crispy texture of the chicken while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
For a stovetop method, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken skewers and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy. Be sure to watch the skewers closely to avoid burning the sugary marinade.
If you want to add a little extra flavor to your leftover skewers, try brushing them with some reserved marinade or a mixture of honey and sriracha sauce before reheating. This will give the chicken a nice glaze and a spicy-sweet kick that complements the original flavors of the dish.

Interesting Fact About Vietnamese-Style Sticky Chicken Skewers

The Vietnamese-style sticky chicken skewers are a popular street food in Vietnam, often enjoyed as a quick and flavorful snack. They are commonly sold by street vendors and are a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Is Making Vietnamese-Style Sticky Chicken Skewers at Home Cost-Effective?

The Vietnamese-style sticky chicken skewers recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The key ingredients such as chicken thighs, palm sugar, and rice wine vinegar are reasonably priced and readily available. The recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, making it a hit with both kids and adults. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it an affordable yet impressive meal option. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is This Chicken Skewer Recipe Healthy?

The Vietnamese-style sticky chicken skewers recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish, but it does have some aspects that could be considered unhealthy:

The recipe uses a significant amount of sugar (palm sugar) and chili sauce, which can contribute to high sugar and sodium intake.
The marinade ingredients, such as fish sauce and rice wine vinegar, are high in sodium.
Chicken thighs are higher in fat compared to leaner cuts like chicken breast.
The recipe doesn't include a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for a balanced meal.

However, the recipe also has some positive aspects:

Ginger and garlic offer potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and immune system support.
The dish is served with rice, which can provide a source of complex carbohydrates.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of palm sugar and chili sauce to decrease the sugar and sodium content.
Use low-sodium alternatives for the fish sauce and rice wine vinegar.
Opt for skinless chicken thighs or replace them with chicken breast for a leaner protein option.
Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as grilled or stir-fried bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. These can be served alongside the skewers or even threaded onto the skewers between the chicken pieces.
Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
Serve the skewers with a side salad or steamed vegetables to increase the overall vegetable content of the meal.

Editor's Opinion on This Vietnamese-Inspired Chicken Skewer Recipe

The Vietnamese-style sticky chicken skewers recipe is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that perfectly complement the tender chicken. The marinade infuses the chicken with a rich umami taste, while the broiling method creates a beautiful caramelized exterior. The use of palm sugar and fish sauce adds an authentic Vietnamese touch, and the garnish of cilantro and scallions provides a fresh, aromatic finish. This dish is a wonderful balance of textures and tastes, making it a surefire hit for any occasion. Serve with rice or rice noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enhance Your Vietnamese-Style Sticky Chicken Skewers Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Vegetables: Create a colorful and flavorful medley of grilled vegetables to complement the sticky chicken skewers. The charred and smoky flavors will add a delicious contrast to the sweet and tangy chicken marinade.

Fruit Salad: Prepare a refreshing and vibrant fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits. The juicy and sweet fruits will provide a refreshing balance to the savory and spicy flavors of the chicken skewers.

Coconut Rice: Serve fragrant and creamy coconut rice as a side dish to the sticky chicken skewers. The subtle sweetness and rich texture of the coconut rice will complement the bold and zesty flavors of the chicken.

Similar Recipes to Vietnamese-Style Sticky Chicken Skewers

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Mango Coconut Rice Pudding: Indulge in this creamy and tropical dessert that combines sweet mango with rich coconut milk and tender rice. It's a delightful treat that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Vietnamese-Style Chicken Skewers

Appetizers:

Crispy Calamari: Lightly breaded and fried to perfection, our crispy calamari is served with a zesty marinara dipping sauce for a delightful start to your meal.

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Our savory stuffed mushrooms are filled with a flavorful blend of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. Each bite is bursting with deliciousness.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a creamy and luscious strawberry cheesecake, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a vibrant strawberry topping. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.

Why trust this Vietnamese-Style Sticky Chicken Skewers Recipe:

This recipe offers an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine, with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The combination of palm sugar, rice wine vinegar, and fish sauce creates a rich and complex marinade, while the addition of chili sauce adds a delightful kick. The use of chicken thighs ensures juicy and flavorful skewers, and the broiling method guarantees a caramelized exterior. The finishing touch of cilantro and scallions adds freshness and aroma. Trust in the traditional ingredients and cooking techniques to transport your taste buds to the streets of Vietnam.

Want to share your experience making these Vietnamese-Style Sticky Chicken Skewers or have any tips to perfect the recipe? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

How long should I marinate the chicken for?

I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 10 minutes at room temperature, but no more than 30 minutes. Marinating for longer than 30 minutes can make the flavors too pungent.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs if you prefer. However, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

Can I grill the chicken skewers instead of broiling them?

Absolutely! Grilling the chicken skewers will also yield delicious results. Just make sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Can I substitute palm sugar with regular sugar?

While palm sugar has a unique flavor, you can substitute it with regular sugar if needed. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.

What can I serve with the Vietnamese-style sticky chicken skewers?

You can serve the chicken skewers with cooked rice or rice noodles. Additionally, a side of fresh vegetables or a light salad would complement the dish nicely.