Vietnamese Chicken Banh Mi Sandwiches

Serves 4 · 25 min prep · 15 min cook

Ingredients

• 1.25 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 Tbsp fish sauce
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 Tbsp neutral oil
• 2 medium carrots, julienned
• 1 cup daikon or cucumber, julienned
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 4 French baguettes or soft sub rolls
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1–2 tsp Sriracha
• 1 cup fresh cilantro sprigs
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
• 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. 1In a medium bowl whisk fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar dissolves. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat; marinate at room temperature 15 minutes or refrigerate up to 4 hours.
2. 2While the chicken marinates, make quick pickles: combine julienned carrots and daikon (or cucumber) in a bowl with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Massage 30 seconds, then let sit at least 15 minutes, stirring once.
3. 3Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Remove chicken from marinade (discard excess) and cook 5–6 minutes per side until deeply browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and rest 5 minutes.
4. 4Slice the rested chicken into thin strips against the grain. Taste and sprinkle with salt if needed.
5. 5Stir mayonnaise with Sriracha to taste for a spicy aioli; set aside.
6. 6Split the baguettes lengthwise, leaving a hinge. Toast cut-side down in the same skillet 1–2 minutes until lightly crisp and warm.
7. 7Spread a generous layer of spicy mayo on both cut sides of each roll. Layer sliced chicken, drained pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, jalapeño, and a big handful of cilantro.
8. 8Press the sandwiches gently closed, slice in half on the bias if desired, and serve immediately while the bread is still warm and the pickles are crunchy.
9. 9For meal-prep, pack chicken, pickles, and herbs separately and assemble just before eating so the bread stays crisp.