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Chef John’s Caramel Chicken

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Chef John’s Caramel Chicken is a Vietnamese-inspired dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy caramel sauce. Balanced with fish sauce, soy, ginger, and vinegar, it’s bold, glossy, and perfect served over rice.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup cold water
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 2 jalapeño peppers (or other chiles), sliced
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cold water, fish sauce, rice wine vinegar, garlic, soy sauce, and grated ginger until sugar dissolves.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer.
  3. Pour one-third of the caramel sauce mixture over chicken. Cook, stirring, until reduced to a syrupy glaze, about 6–7 minutes.
  4. Add the remaining sauce mixture and continue cooking until chicken is cooked through and tender, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in roasted peanuts, green onions, and sliced jalapeños. Cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
  6. Remove from heat, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot over steamed rice or vegetables.

Notes

For less heat, reduce or omit jalapeños.Add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or onions for extra bulk.Substitute cashews for peanuts or omit nuts for nut-free diets.Chicken breasts can be used but may dry out—adjust cooking time.Squeeze lime juice at the end for added brightness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/chef-johns-caramel-chicken/