Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken (Ga Kho Gung)

Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken, or Ga Kho Gung, is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory caramel sauce infused with the warm aroma of ginger. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

500g chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in preferred)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Caramel Sauce:

3 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons water

For the Braise:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece ginger, julienned

2 tablespoons fish sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 cup water

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1-2 Thai bird chilies, chopped (optional, for spice)

Optional: 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for richness)

Garnish:

2 scallions, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

Season the Chicken:

Pat the chicken pieces dry and season with salt and black pepper. Set aside.

Make the Caramel Sauce:

In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 2 tablespoons of water over medium heat.

Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the mixture turns a deep amber color (about 4-5 minutes). Be careful not to burn it.

Remove from heat and set aside. The caramel will continue to darken slightly off the heat.

Sear the Chicken:

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken pieces and sear on all sides until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Aromatics:

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Add the caramel sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and 1 cup of water. Stir to combine.

Simmer the Chicken:

Return the seared chicken to the skillet.

Add black pepper and Thai chilies (if using).

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken occasionally, until it is tender and cooked through.

Thicken the Sauce:

Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium.

Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a glossy consistency. Add sesame oil for extra richness if desired.

Serve:

Transfer the chicken to a serving plate.

Spoon the sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro.

Tips:

Use bone-in chicken for deeper flavor, but boneless chicken thighs work well for convenience.

Adjust sweetness or saltiness by adding more sugar or fish sauce to taste.

If you prefer a lighter dish, replace some of the fish sauce with extra soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with steamed jasmine rice or broken rice to soak up the sauce.

Pair with sautéed greens, pickled vegetables, or a light cucumber salad for balance.

Enjoy the rich, sweet, and savory flavors of Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken, a comforting dish with a perfect balance of spice and warmth!