FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE CHICKEN

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, ensuring the pieces are roughly uniform in size so they cook evenly. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
2. Marinate the Chicken (optional): To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken for 10-15 minutes in a mixture of 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (optional). This step helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a deeper flavor profile, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.

SECOND STEP: MAKE THE CARAMEL SAUCE

1. Caramelize the Sugar: In a medium skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of sugar over medium heat. Allow the sugar to melt slowly, stirring occasionally. Watch the sugar closely as it will begin to bubble and turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn it. Once the sugar is fully melted and golden brown, add the 1/3 cup of water to the pan. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
2. Add the Flavoring: Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and stir until everything is well combined. The vinegar adds an acidic tang, while the soy and fish sauces bring depth and saltiness to balance the sweetness. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little extra water to adjust the consistency.

THIRD STEP: COOK THE CHICKEN

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the grated ginger and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn them. The ginger and garlic will release their essential oils and infuse the oil with their flavors.

FOURTH STEP: COMBINE THE CHICKEN WITH THE CARAMEL SAUCE

1. Return the Chicken to the Pan: Once the ginger and garlic are ready, add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Pour the prepared caramel sauce over the chicken and stir to coat the pieces evenly. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, so it absorbs the rich caramel flavor.
2. Adjust the Flavor: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a little extra sugar. If you want a deeper savory taste, add a little more soy sauce or fish sauce.

FIFTH STEP: FINISH AND SERVE

1. Garnish the Dish: Once the chicken is fully coated in the caramel sauce and has absorbed all the flavors, transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced red chili peppers (if desired), and sliced green onions for an extra touch of freshness and color.
2. Serve: Vietnamese Caramel Ginger Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or noodles. Serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables, pickled vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete and balanced meal.