Fish Sauce and Oyster Sauce Glazed Vietnamese Curry Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chicken pieces glazed with a savory mixture of fish sauce, oyster sauce, and curry powder that creates a deeply flavorful Vietnamese-inspired dish. This vietnamese-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken drumsticks or thighs, salt, cooking oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sprinkle 1 tsp salt evenly over 2 lbs chicken drumsticks or thighs. Set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the salted chicken pieces to the skillet and brown on all sides for 7-8 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 2 tbsp curry powder evenly over the chicken, stirring to coat and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1/2 cup water, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir well.
  6. Step 6: Cover and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes, turning chicken occasionally until cooked through and the sauce thickens.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 sliced scallions and fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fish Sauce and Oyster Sauce Glazed Vietnamese Curry Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Fish Sauce and Oyster Sauce Glazed Vietnamese Curry Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken drumsticks or thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fish Sauce and Oyster Sauce Glazed Vietnamese Curry Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Fish Sauce and Oyster Sauce Glazed Vietnamese Curry Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Fish Sauce and Oyster Sauce Glazed Vietnamese Curry Chicken?

Vietnamese chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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