World Kitchen
Vietnamese Chicken Bánh Mì
Bánh Mì is a legendary Vietnamese sandwich that has become a shining symbol of culinary fusion, blending classic French techniques with the explosive flavor profiles of Southeast Asia. The heart of this recipe is an ultra-crispy, airy baguette generously layered with rich, savory liver pâté and creamy mayonnaise. Inside hides juicy chicken thigh slices marinated with aromatic lemongrass, complemented by signature quick-pickled daikon and carrots that cut through the richness with a sweet-and-sour crunch. Thin cucumber spears and a carpet of fresh cilantro finish the assembly, crafting a complex, deeply satisfying umami-rich bite.
Dishday
Recipe overview
- Total time
- 30 min
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cooking
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Cuisine
- World Kitchen
Nutrition
per serving
- Calories
- 520 kcal
- Protein
- 28 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Carbs
- 54 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Step by step
Method
- 01
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and sear for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked and a glossy, caramelized outer glaze forms.
- 02
Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board, let it rest f…
Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board, let it rest for a couple of minutes to retain its juices, and then slice it with a sharp knife into thin strips.
- 03
Slice the baguettes lengthwise, keeping one side attached so…
Slice the baguettes lengthwise, keeping one side attached so it opens like a book. Toast the inside on a dry, hot skillet for 1 minute until lightly crisped.
- 04
While the baguette is still warm, generously spread smooth li…
While the baguette is still warm, generously spread smooth liver pâté onto the bottom half and a thin layer of mayonnaise onto the top half.
- 05
Use a peeler to shave the fresh cucumber into long, thin ribb…
Use a peeler to shave the fresh cucumber into long, thin ribbon-like strips. Layer the cucumber ribbons directly over the pâté base.
- 06
Arrange the warm sliced chicken tightly over the cucumbers, d…
Arrange the warm sliced chicken tightly over the cucumbers, drizzle with a dash of soy sauce, and pile a generous handful of drained pickled carrots and daikon on top.
- 07
Finish the assembly by packing the wrap with fresh cilantro s…
Finish the assembly by packing the wrap with fresh cilantro sprigs, press the baguette halves firmly together, and slice diagonally.
Dishday
Useful advice
Cooking tip
To make the baguette crust phenomenally crispy, mist the bread lightly with water before assembling and bake it in an oven preheated to 200°C for 3 minutes—the interior will stay soft while the crust gets shatteringly crisp.
How to serve
Slice the assembled bánh mì diagonally in half before serving to showcase the vibrant, multicolored layers of the filling. Serve immediately while the bread and chicken are still warm.
How to store
Do not store the assembled sandwich, as the juicy pickles and sauces will quickly make the crispy bread soggy. The pickled carrots and daikon can be kept in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Note
If you enjoy a spicy kick, be sure to scatter a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño or bird's eye chili directly over the cucumber layer inside the sandwich.
