Caramelized Black Pepper Chicken

Caramelized Black Pepper Chicken

4 servings
At the Slanted Door in San Francisco, chef Charles Phan prepares spectacular Vietnamese specialties like this intensely sweet and savory caramelized black pepper chicken.

Ingredients

  • dark brown sugar
    ½ c
  • about 1/4 cup nam pla

    fish sauce

  • water
    ¼ c
  • rice vinegar
    3 tbsp
  • minced garlic
    1 tsp
  • finely grated fresh ginger
    1 tsp
  • coarsely ground pepper
    1 tsp
  • fresh thai chiles

    halved, or dried red chiles

    2
  • canola oil
    1 tbsp
  • shallot

    thinly sliced

    1
  • skinless

    boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

    1 lb
  • cilantro sprigs
    4

Directions

  1. 1

    In a small bowl, combine the sugar, fish sauce, water, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, pepper and chiles.

  2. 2

    Heat the oil in a large deep skillet. Add the shallot and cook over moderate heat until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the fish sauce mixture and the chicken and simmer over high heat until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with the cilantro and serve.

    Step 2
Caramelized Black Pepper Chicken

Caramelized Black Pepper Chicken

5.0(7)35 min4 servings1345 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 7 ratings

foodandwine.com
5.0(7 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving the iconic flavors of restaurant-quality Vietnamese cuisine right in your own kitchen? This Caramelized Black Pepper Chicken delivers the intensely sweet and savory profile reminiscent of chef Charles Phan's famous Slanted Door dish, all in a convenient 35-minute preparation.

Why This Chicken Recipe Works

The magic in this dish comes from the perfect harmony of bold flavors. You'll discover how brown sugar caramelizes with savory fish sauce and aromatic rice vinegar, creating a glistening glaze that coats every tender piece of chicken. The generous kick of coarsely ground pepper and fresh Thai chiles provides a vibrant contrast, elevating the entire experience beyond ordinary weeknight fare.

What to Expect

Prepare your senses for a symphony of taste. Each bite of this Caramelized Black Pepper Chicken offers tender, succulent chicken thighs coated in a rich, sticky sauce that’s wonderfully balanced—sweet, deeply savory, and brightened by hints of ginger and garlic. The heat from the chiles and black pepper provides a delightful warmth without overpowering, inviting you to savor every complex layer of flavor. It's a remarkably satisfying entree that tastes far more intricate than its simple preparation suggests.

Customization & Variations

While chicken thighs are fantastic here for their tenderness and flavor, you could experiment with other proteins like pork or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option, adjusting cooking times accordingly. If you prefer less heat, simply reduce the amount of fresh Thai chiles or coarsely ground pepper. For an extra aromatic touch, a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can brighten the flavors even further.

Serving & Context

This Caramelized Black Pepper Chicken is an ideal entree for a weeknight meal or for impressing guests with minimal effort. Serve it over a bed of steamed jasmine rice to soak up every last drop of the luscious sauce, and garnish with the fresh cilantro sprigs for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions