Vietnamese Sticky Rice with Chicken

Short Description

Vietnamese Sticky Rice with Chicken, or Xôi Gà, is a comforting and flavorful dish that features tender shredded chicken served over steamed glutinous rice, often topped with Chinese sausage, fried shallots, and green onions. This savory, aromatic dish is commonly eaten for breakfast or lunch in Vietnam and is a staple in many Vietnamese households.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and filling—perfect for any meal of the day
• Full of savory, umami-packed flavors
• Great for meal prepping and reheats well
• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or proteins
• A satisfying gluten-free option (if using gluten-free soy sauce)
• Offers a delicious taste of traditional Vietnamese home cooking

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• glutinous (sticky) rice
• salt
• shallots
• vegetable oil (for frying)
• Chinese sausage
• yellow onion
• cooked shredded chicken
• ground black pepper
• chicken bouillon powder
• sweet soy sauce
• green onions
• soy sauce (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare the Sticky Rice
   • Rinse the glutinous rice until the water runs clear.
   • Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
   • Drain and steam the rice or cook in a rice cooker with a pinch of salt until tender.
2. Fry the Shallots
   • Slice the shallots thinly.
   • Heat oil in a pan over medium-low heat and fry the shallots until golden brown.
   • Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Cook the Chicken and Sausage
   • In a pan, cook thinly sliced Chinese sausage until it releases its oil and crisps slightly.
   • Add sliced onion and sauté until translucent.
   • Add shredded chicken, black pepper, bouillon powder, and sweet soy sauce. Stir until heated through and well coated.
4. Assemble the Dish
   • Plate the sticky rice.
   • Top with the chicken and sausage mixture.
   • Garnish with fried shallots and chopped green onions.
   • Drizzle with extra soy sauce if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes (including soaking time)

Variations

• Add a fried egg on top for extra protein
• Replace Chinese sausage with grilled pork or tofu for a different flavor profile
• Use turmeric in the rice for added color and aroma
• Swap chicken for duck or roast pork for a richer taste
• Incorporate pickled vegetables on the side for contrast and acidity

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Sprinkle a little water on the rice and reheat covered to prevent drying out.
• Steamer: Reheat in a steamer for best texture.
• Pan: Warm chicken and sausage mixture separately in a skillet.

FAQs

What type of rice is used in Vietnamese sticky rice?

This dish uses glutinous or sticky rice, also known as sweet rice, which becomes chewy and sticky when cooked.

Can I use regular rice instead of sticky rice?

No, regular rice won’t achieve the same texture. Glutinous rice is essential for this dish.

Do I need to soak the rice?

Yes, soaking helps the sticky rice cook evenly and reach the proper texture.

What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?

Shredded boiled or rotisserie chicken works well, depending on your preference and convenience.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace chicken and sausage with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

How do I keep the fried shallots crispy?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and make sure they’re completely cool before storing.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can make the components ahead and reheat before serving.

What is sweet soy sauce, and can I substitute it?

Sweet soy sauce is thicker and sweeter than regular soy sauce. You can substitute with a mix of regular soy sauce and a bit of sugar or honey.

What sides go well with this dish?

It pairs nicely with pickled vegetables, sliced cucumber, or a light broth-based soup.

Conclusion

Vietnamese Sticky Rice with Chicken is a deliciously satisfying dish that brings together the rich flavors of savory chicken, aromatic rice, and crispy shallots. Easy to customize and great for any time of day, it offers a warm and comforting meal that showcases the heart of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether enjoyed fresh or reheated, it’s a dish that never fails to impress.

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