"Let’s take your lunch to the next level with this mouth-watering Vietnamese-inspired sandwich, the Chicken Banh Mi. It’s a delightful mix of juicy chicken and tangy pickled veggies nestled in a baguette. The fusion of flavors will have your tastebuds doing a happy dance!
Banh Mi is a Vietnamese classic that I love. It’s fresh, packed with flavor, and satisfying. If you can’t find a banh mi spot nearby, don’t worry. This homemade version is just as good. Pair it with spring rolls or egg rolls for a perfect lunch!
I grew up around some fantastic Vietnamese restaurants, so dishes like pho and bun bo hue were regulars at our dinner table. I even got introduced to banh mi later in life, and believe me, it was a game-changer.
The Banh Mi sandwich has a unique history, rooted in the French colonial period of Vietnam. It’s why you see a French influence, like the baguette, in this Vietnamese dish. Besides the baguette, banh mi is bursting with classic Vietnamese flavors – pickled veggies, savory meat, and of course, fresh cilantro! You can use any protein, but for this recipe, I’m going for grilled chicken breast. The best part about making sandwiches at home is you can customize them. Feel free to switch out the chicken for pork, steak, or tofu instead!
Here are the ingredients you need for Chicken Banh Mi. Don’t forget, you can tailor it however you want – extra jalapenos, hold the cilantro, add some sriracha mayo – the sky’s the limit!
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
- Garlic Powder
- Salt and Black Pepper
- Olive Oil
- Yellow Onion
- Italian Bread or Baguette
- Mayonnaise
- Pickled Carrots and Daikon
- Cucumber
- Jalapeno
- Cilantro
Now let’s get to the cooking. It’s a simple process of cooking your chicken and onions, then stacking up your delicious fillings on a soft, sliced baguette.
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Prepare your chicken by rubbing it with garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside. In a skillet, heat the oil and sauté your onions until browned. Remove the onions from the skillet and cook the chicken for about 8 minutes on each side. Once done, slice the chicken into about ½ inch thick pieces.
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While your chicken cooks, slice your loaf lengthwise and spread the mayonnaise on each side. Place your cooked chicken inside the bread, then add the sautéed onions on top.
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Time to layer with veggies and cilantro. Spread your pickled carrots and daikon over the chicken and onions, then add the cucumber and jalapenos. Add your cilantro and salt and pepper to taste.
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Close your sandwich, cut in half, and enjoy fresh.
You can also jazz up your chicken banh mi in various ways. Add extra jalapenos or sriracha sauce for more heat. Stack more fresh veggies like lettuce, sliced bell peppers, or bean sprouts. Swap out the mayo for some hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, or peanut sauce. For an indulgent twist, top your banh mi with a fried egg. You could also toast your bread before assembling your banh mi for an extra crunch.
Banh mi is best served fresh. If you have to store it, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for a day or two. Just remember, the bread may become soggy over time.
Looking for more sandwich recipes? Try these next time you want something different from your typical ham and cheese sandwich!
- The Absolute Best BLT
- Monte Cristo Sandwich (Disneyland Copycat)
- Classic Club Sandwich
- Easy Cuban Sandwich Recipe
That’s it! Now you’re all set to enjoy a delicious Chicken Banh Mi at home. Enjoy!"