If you’ve ever bitten into a Vietnamese sandwich and wondered how something could be so fresh, savory, crunchy, and satisfying all at once, you’re not alone. This Vietnamese Chicken Banh Mi Recipe brings together marinated chicken, crisp pickled vegetables, soft herbs, and a perfectly crusty banh mi bun—all in one unforgettable sandwich.
The best part? You don’t need specialty equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. This recipe is approachable for busy home cooks, budget-friendly, and flexible enough to work as a sub roll, wrap, or even a low-carb option. Whether you’re making lunch for the week or a quick dinner everyone will love, this chicken banh mi delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
What Is a Vietnamese Chicken Banh Mi?
A banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that blends French and Vietnamese culinary influences. Traditionally served on a light, crispy baguette, it’s filled with protein (often chicken, pork, or tofu), pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a creamy-savory sauce.
This Vietnamese Chicken Banh Mi Recipe focuses on:
- Juicy marinated chicken
- Quick-pickled carrots and daikon
- Fresh cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeño
- A balanced, umami-rich spread
It’s no surprise banh mi sandwiches rank among the best subs for lunch—they’re filling without being heavy.
Why This Vietnamese Chicken Banh Mi Recipe Works
- Balanced flavors: sweet, salty, tangy, and fresh
- Budget-friendly protein: chicken thighs or breasts
- Customizable: keto banh mi, wrap version, or classic sub
- Meal-prep friendly: components store well
This recipe also adapts beautifully into:
- Meat all subs
- Banh mi platter
- Banh mi wrap
- Low carb sub sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- Boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- Soy sauce
- Fish sauce
- Garlic
- Brown sugar or honey
- Neutral oil
For Pickled Vegetables
- Carrots
- Daikon radish
- Rice vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
For Assembly
- Banh mi bun or sub roll
- Cucumber slices
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeño
- Mayo or spicy mayo
How to Make Vietnamese Chicken Banh Mi (Step-by-Step)
1. Marinate the Chicken
Mix soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and sugar. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor).
2. Make Quick Pickles
Julienne carrots and daikon. Toss with vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let sit 20–30 minutes.
3. Cook the Chicken
Grill, pan-sear, or air-fry until caramelized and cooked through. Rest, then slice thin.
4. Toast the Bread
Lightly toast your banh mi bun or sub roll so it’s crisp outside but soft inside.
5. Assemble
Spread mayo, add chicken, pickled vegetables, cucumber, herbs, and jalapeño.
Vietnamese Chicken Banh Mi
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 cup carrots julienned
- 1 cup daikon radish julienned
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 banh mi buns or sub rolls
- cucumber slices
- fresh cilantro
- jalapeño sliced
- mayonnaise or spicy mayo
Method
- Mix soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, sugar, and oil. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
- Toss carrots and daikon with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let pickle for 20–30 minutes.
- Cook chicken in a skillet or grill pan until caramelized and fully cooked. Rest and slice thin.
- Lightly toast the banh mi buns or sub rolls.
- Spread mayo on bread, then layer chicken, pickled vegetables, cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeño. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Want the same flavors without the bread? Try my Banh Mi Bowl next—it’s meal-prep friendly and just as satisfying: banh-mi-bowl
Best Banh Mi Bun and Bread Options
Traditional banh mi uses a light Vietnamese baguette, but you can also use:
- French baguette
- Soft sub roll
- Hoagie roll
Avoid overly dense bread—it should stay crisp without overpowering the fillings.
Sub Roll vs Banh Mi Bun: Which Is Better?
Banh Mi Bun
- Lighter crumb
- Crisp exterior
- More authentic
Sub Roll
- Easier to find
- Works well for meat-heavy subs
- Great for meal prep
Both work beautifully in this Vietnamese Chicken Banh Mi Recipe.
Banh Mi Wrap and Low Carb Sub Sandwich Options
Looking for alternatives?
Banh Mi Wrap
Use a large tortilla or lettuce leaf and wrap the fillings tightly for an easy lunch.
Keto Banh Mi / Low Carb Sub Sandwich
- Skip the bread
- Serve over shredded lettuce
- Use low-carb wraps
You’ll still get all the classic flavors without the carbs.
Is Vietnamese Chicken Banh Mi Healthy?
Calories and Nutrition Facts
This sandwich can fit into a balanced diet thanks to lean protein, vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Protein Content
Chicken makes this a high-protein meal, helping you stay full longer.
Weight Loss Friendly?
With lighter sauces and controlled portions, a Vietnamese chicken banh mi can be a weight loss–friendly lunch option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Vietnamese Chicken Banh Mi ahead of time?
Yes! Prep chicken and pickles in advance. Assemble just before serving.
What cut of chicken is best?
Thighs for juiciness, breasts for leaner macros.
Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely—add extra jalapeño or chili sauce.
Is this recipe authentic?
It’s a home-cook–friendly version inspired by traditional Vietnamese flavors.
Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, cooked chicken freezes well for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
This Vietnamese Chicken Banh Mi Recipe proves that bold, fresh flavors don’t require complicated techniques. Whether you serve it on a classic banh mi bun, turn it into a wrap, or keep it low carb, this sandwich is endlessly versatile and always satisfying.
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