Ga Kho Ginger Chicken

Infuse your dinner table with the bold, aromatic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with this Ga Kho Ginger Chicken recipe. Tender bone-in chicken thighs are simmered to perfection in a rich, caramelized fish sauce-based glaze, infused with the warmth of fresh ginger and garlic. This classic dish features a balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, heightened by caramelization techniques that create a luscious sauce. Perfectly paired with steamed jasmine rice, this one-pan recipe is as comforting as it is satisfying, making it an ideal choice for a weekday dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Ready in just 45 minutes, Ga Kho is topped with fragrant green onions for a burst of freshness and is sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
• 2 inches Fresh ginger
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves
• 1 medium Yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons Neutral cooking oil (e.g., vegetable or canola)
• 2.5 tablespoons Fish sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons Granulated sugar
• 3 cups Water or chicken stock
• 0.5 teaspoons Fresh ground black pepper
• 2 stalks Green onions for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Peel and thinly slice the ginger into matchstick-sized strips. Peel and finely mince the garlic. Thinly slice the onion.

Step 2

Clean and pat dry the chicken thighs. For even flavor absorption, trim excess fat and lightly score the meat with a knife.

Step 3

In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the neutral cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sugar and cook until it begins to caramelize and turns a golden brown color, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the sugar.

Step 4

Immediately add the sliced onion, ginger, and garlic to the caramelized sugar. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the chicken thighs to the pan, skin side down. Allow them to sear for about 4-5 minutes until the skin turns golden brown.

Step 6

Flip the chicken thighs over and add the fish sauce, water (or chicken stock), and black pepper. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Occasionally spoon the sauce over the chicken to ensure it's well-coated. The sauce should reduce to a rich and slightly thick consistency.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed (e.g., more fish sauce for saltiness or a pinch of sugar for sweetness).

Step 9

Garnish with sliced green onions if desired, and serve the Ga Kho hot over steamed jasmine rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1662.3 grams (1662.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1976

Total Fat 133.90g	172%
Saturated Fat 31.40g	157%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 640mg	213%
Sodium 3712mg	161%
Total Carbohydrate 41.50g	15%
Dietary Fiber 3.80g	14%
Total Sugars 26.10g
Protein 143.20g	286%

Vitamin D 89IU	443%
Calcium 164mg	13%
Iron 8mg	42%
Potassium 2010mg	43%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.0%

Protein: 29.5%

Carbs: 8.5%