Vietnamese Crispy Roasted Chicken Ga Roti Recipe

OMG, you guys, this Vietnamese crispy roasted chicken is an absolute game-changer for dinner! The combo of fish sauce, soy, and lemongrass takes the flavors to another level, and trust me, the honey glaze makes it irresistibly crispy and golden-brown delicious.

My adoration for the wonderful, creamy flavors of the dish known as Ga Roti permeates throughout my very being. I have attempted time and again to recreate this splendid dish that I first fell in love with during my studies abroad in France.

Though this version is not identical to the one I remembered, it is close enough to satisfy my cravings and is far from being a poor replica. My Gaston Bachelard moment happens every time I bite into Ga Roti—simple and so good.

Vietnamese Crispy Roasted Chicken Ga Roti Recipe Ingredients

• Fish Sauce: Rich in umami, adds depth and savory intensity.
• Soy Sauce: Provides salty, savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
• Honey: Sweetens and caramelizes, offering a sticky roasted crust.
• Oyster Sauce: Sweet and savory, enhances umami and richness.
• Lemongrass: Optional, but contributes citrusy freshness and fragrance.
• Garlic: Pungent and aromatic, deepens flavor complexity.
• Shallots: Mild, sweet onion flavor, enhances savory profile.

Vietnamese Crispy Roasted Chicken Ga Roti Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cleaned and patted dry
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced shallots
• 1 tablespoon lemongrass, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons honey

How to Make this Vietnamese Crispy Roasted Chicken Ga Roti Recipe

1. In a bowl, mix fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, oyster sauce, ground black pepper, minced garlic, minced shallots, and lemongrass to make the marinade.

2. Massage the entire chicken with the marinade. Make sure to get it into every nook and cranny of the chicken, even inside the cavity, which should also be well-seasoned with the marinade. If you can, let the chicken hang out in the marinade for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator before cooking. If you can’t wait that long, let it go for at least a couple of hours.

3. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.

4. Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit for about 30 minutes to come to room temperature before cooking.

5. Mix the honey and vegetable oil in a small bowl to create a glaze.

6. Set the chicken on a roasting rack placed in a roasting pan. Brush the chicken with a honey and oil glaze, ensuring an equal amount coats the entire surface.

7. In the preheated oven, roast the chicken for approximately
1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). The chicken skin should be golden brown and crispy when it’s done.

8. Every 20 to 30 minutes during roasting, baste the chicken with its pan juices to keep it moist and make the flavor pop.

9. If you notice the chicken is turning brown too fast, make a loose covering for it out of aluminum foil and place it over the chicken. This will prevent it from burning while still allowing it to brown nicely.

10. After the cooking process is complete, take the chicken out of the oven and allow it to rest for approximately 10-15 minutes. Then, carve and serve the chicken. Enjoy your Vietnamese Crispy Roasted Chicken!

Vietnamese Crispy Roasted Chicken Ga Roti Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Spoon or spatula for mixing
4. Roasting pan
5. Roasting rack
6. Basting brush
7. Aluminum foil
8. Oven thermometer (optional)
9. Meat thermometer
10. Carving knife
11. Cutting board

FAQ

• Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?You can use chicken parts like thighs or drumsticks, but how long you cook them may depend on the size of the cut.
• What can I use as a substitute for fish sauce?Fish sauce can be replaced with soy sauce, but be mindful that this substitution will change the flavor slightly.
• Is lemongrass necessary for this recipe?You can skip the lemongrass, but know that its absence diminishes the flavor of the dish. Lemongrass is what makes this dish sing.
• How do I ensure the chicken gets crispy?Before marinating, dry the chicken thoroughly; then roast it at a high temperature, letting it rest uncovered before serving. This is the way to maintain crispiness.
• Can this dish be made ahead of time?Certainly, marinating the chicken a day in advance is possible. However, for peak flavor and juiciness, roast the chicken the day you plan to serve it. You can always reheat it if you must, but it will not be nearly as succulent. When it comes to marinating, you can use the following methods:

  • Wet brine: this consists of water and salt, with or without sugar, or other flavoring agents. The water penetrates the cell walls of the meat, carrying everything else along for the ride (tenderness and flavor). No wet brining and direct heat cooking are necessary for this recipe.

• Is there an alternative to honey?In this recipe, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
• How should I serve Ga Roti?Ga Roti, serve with steamed rice, salad, or vegetables and it will be delicious. Ga Roti is a crunchy flatbread that’s equally at home with pickled vegetables as it is with fresh salad.

Vietnamese Crispy Roasted Chicken Ga Roti Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Tamari or coconut aminos make fine substitutes for soy sauce if you need a gluten-free option. They are not only equally good with the flavors they bring but are also at least as healthy as soy sauce.
Substitutes: Use brown sugar or palm sugar for a deeper flavor.
Oyster sauce: Substitute hoisin sauce or a vegan mushroom stir-fry sauce in its place for a taste profile that’s different.
Vegetarian alternative to fish sauce: Choose soy sauce or tamari with a splash of lime.
Agave nectar or maple syrup can be used for a similar sweetness and consistency.

Pro Tips

1. Marination Technique For deeper flavor penetration, gently separate the skin from the chicken breast and legs, and carefully rub some marinade directly onto the meat. This ensures that the flavors infuse both the skin and the meat itself.

2. Enhanced Aromatics Before adding the lemongrass to the marinade, bruise it slightly with the back of a knife or a mallet. This releases more of its essential oils, boosting the aroma and flavor infusion.

3. Crispier Skin For an even crispier skin, after applying the marinade, let the chicken air-dry uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours. This helps dry out the skin, allowing it to roast to golden crispiness.

4. Spice Variation Experiment by adding a pinch of five-spice powder to the marinade for a complex and aromatic twist that complements the existing flavors.

5. Flavorful Drippings Collect the pan drippings during roasting and use them to make a simple sauce or gravy. Deglaze the roasting pan with a splash of water or chicken stock, scraping up brown bits, and reduce to make a flavorful accompaniment.