Vietnamese Caramel Chicken, known as Gà Kho, is one of Vietnam’s most comforting and deeply flavorful home-style dishes. This dish is famous for its glossy, dark caramelized sauce that perfectly coats tender chicken with a beautiful balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors.

Unlike Western caramel dishes, Vietnamese caramel sauce is made by melting sugar until amber-dark and then building layers of flavor with fish sauce, garlic, and sometimes coconut water.

As the chicken slowly simmers, it absorbs the rich caramel glaze, becoming unbelievably tender and aromatic. This is a dish that represents Vietnamese home cooking at its finest—simple ingredients, slow simmering, and bold, unforgettable flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Vietnamese Caramel Chicken because it proves how a handful of pantry ingredients can create incredible depth of flavor. The contrast between the sweetness of caramel and the salty umami of fish sauce is absolutely addictive.

I also love how cozy and comforting this dish feels—it’s the kind of meal that tastes like home. The sauce becomes thick, sticky, and glossy, perfect for spooning over hot rice. It’s simple, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying every time.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

One of the most authentic Vietnamese home-style recipes
Perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Comforting, cozy, and deeply satisfying
Perfect for family dinners and meal prep
Tastes even better the next day

If you love bold flavors and comforting rice dishes, Vietnamese Caramel Chicken is an absolute must-try.

Recipe Overview

Dish Name: Vietnamese Caramel Chicken (Gà Kho)
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30–60 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 4
Calories (Approx): 390–430 calories per serving

Ingredients

For the Chicken

700 g chicken thighs or drumsticks, cut into pieces
1 tbsp vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion or 2 shallots, sliced
1–2 red chilies, sliced (optional)

For the Caramel Sauce

3 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp water

For Seasoning

2½ tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional for extra depth)
1 cup coconut water or regular water
1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional for thickening)

Optional Garnish

Fresh cilantro
Green onions
Sliced red chilies

Cooking Directions (Quick Overview)

Make the caramel sauce.
Sauté garlic and onion.
Add chicken and brown lightly.
Add sauces and coconut water.
Simmer until tender and glossy.
Garnish and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Optional Marination

For deeper flavor, marinate chicken with 1 tbsp fish sauce, ½ tsp pepper, and garlic for 30–60 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium heat. Let it melt and turn into a deep amber caramel (about 3–4 minutes). Do not stir—swirl gently. Remove from heat immediately.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Heat oil in a deep pan. Add garlic, onion/shallots, and chilies. Sauté until fragrant and slightly golden.

Step 4: Add Chicken

Add chicken pieces and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until lightly seared.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Carefully pour in the caramel sauce, remaining fish sauce, soy sauce, pepper, and coconut water. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 6: Simmer Until Tender

Lower heat, cover partially, and let the chicken simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens and turns glossy.

Step 7: Final Thickening (Optional)

If you prefer thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer 1–2 minutes.

How to Serve Vietnamese Caramel Chicken

Serve with steamed jasmine rice or broken rice (Com Tam)
Pair with stir-fried morning glory or greens
Add pickled vegetables for freshness
Serve with fried egg on the side
Drizzle extra caramel sauce over rice for maximum flavor

Recipe Tips

Do not burn the caramel—deep amber, not black
Chicken thighs give the best juicy result
Coconut water adds authentic mild sweetness
Simmer gently for tender, flavorful meat
Adjust fish sauce last—it is salty and powerful

Variations (In Detail)

1. Vietnamese Caramel Pork (Thit Kho)

Use pork belly or pork shoulder instead of chicken for a richer dish.

2. Spicy Caramel Chicken

Add extra chilies or chili paste for a hotter version.

3. Caramel Chicken with Eggs

Add boiled eggs in the last 10 minutes to soak up the sauce.

4. Lemongrass Caramel Chicken

Add minced lemongrass with garlic for a fragrant twist.

5. Low-Sugar Version

Reduce caramel sugar by half and use more coconut water.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheat on stovetop with a splash of water

Freezing:

Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months
Store in freezer-safe containers
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Special Equipment Needed

Heavy-bottom pan or pot
Small saucepan for caramel
Wooden spoon
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Does this dish taste overly sweet?
No, the sweetness is balanced by fish sauce and pepper.

Q2. Can I make this with chicken breast?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier during simmering.

Q3. What if I burn the caramel?
If bitter, discard and remake—it will affect the entire dish.

Q4. Is coconut water necessary?
No, regular water works, but coconut water adds authentic sweetness.

Q5. Is Vietnamese caramel chicken spicy?
Traditionally mild; spice level is adjustable.

Conclusion

Vietnamese Caramel Chicken (Gà Kho) is a timeless comfort dish that beautifully showcases the magic of sweet and savory cooking. With its glossy caramel sauce, fork-tender chicken, and rich umami depth from fish sauce, this dish delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, especially when served over hot fluffy rice. Whether you’re discovering Vietnamese cuisine for the first time or revisiting a beloved classic, this caramel chicken recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.