Banh Mi Vietnamese Sandwich

With juicy chicken and tangy pickled veggies sandwiched between two slices of baguette, this recipe inspired by Vietnamese bánh mì is sure to take your lunch game from good to great. It’s a medley of flavors that will have your taste buds singing! Bánh mì is one of my favorite dishes from Vietnamese cuisine. It’s so fresh and flavorful but still hearty and filling! If you’re not lucky enough to have a banh mi restaurant nearby, this recipe is a great substitute. Try it out for lunch with some spring rolls or egg rolls!

Chicken Banh Mi Recipe

Growing up, we were surrounded by a lot of delicious Vietnamese restaurants, so things like phở and bún bò huế were common dinners at our house. (Just thinking of a spicy bowl of bún bò huế makes my mouth water!) My older brother was always taking us to try out local pho spots. I’m so happy I was introduced to such an amazing cuisine! Surprisingly enough, it wasn’t until later on in my life that I tried banh mi for the first time, and holy cow was it a game-changer. Banh mi sandwiches actually have a pretty interesting history. In the early 1900’s, Vietnam was a French colony, so it only makes sense that there would be Vietnamese dishes with some French influence. Hence, the baguette! Besides the baguette, banh mi is chock full of all of those classic Vietnamese flavors you know and love; tangy pickled veggies, tender, savory meat, and of course some fresh cilantro! Banh mi comes in all different flavors and is made with all kinds of protein, but for my version today I’m using grilled chicken breast! The great thing about making sandwiches at home is that you can customize them however you’d like, so feel free to swap out the chicken for pork, steak, or tofu instead!

Ingredients for Chicken Banh Mi

From juicy chicken breast to pickled veggies, this sandwich is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. And the best part? You can customize it to your heart’s content – extra jalapenos, hold the cilantro, add some sriracha mayo – the possibilities are endless! Check out the recipe card below for the exact measurements I used.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: It’s tender and juicy when cooked correctly and makes for a great source of protein in your sandwich. Garlic Powder: Adds savory, garlicky goodness to the chicken breast. You can also use fresh minced garlic if you prefer! Salt and Black Pepper: The salt and pepper work together to enhance the flavor of the chicken. Add to taste! Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken in. Yellow Onion: The sweet and tangy flavor of yellow onion pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and gives the sandwich a bit of crunch. Italian Bread or Baguette: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this is the ideal bread for a banh mi sandwich. Mayonnaise: This creamy spread gives the sandwich a bit of richness and tang, adding a delicious layer of flavor. Pickled Carrots and Daikon: These tangy and slightly sweet pickled vegetables are a staple in a traditional banh mi sandwich. They add a bit of crunch and a ton of flavor. Cucumber: Cucumbers add a delicious texture and also help to balance out the heat of the jalapenos. Jalapeno: Adds a delicious kick of heat to the sandwich! Cilantro: An essential part of Vietnamese cuisine. This herb adds a fresh and bright flavor to the banh mi sandwich.

How to Make Chicken Banh Mi

All it takes is a few steps of searing your chicken, sautéing your onions, and then piling your delicious toppings on a soft, sliced baguette! I’m sure this easy take on the traditional banh mi sandwich will become one of your new favorite lunch recipes.

More Spice: Love a bit of heat? Add extra jalapenos or sriracha sauce to your banh mi for a spicy kick. Different Veggies: Load up on fresh veggies like lettuce, sliced bell peppers, or even some bean sprouts to make your banh mi more colorful and nutritious. Make it Saucy: Swap out the classic mayo for some spicy mayo, hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, or even peanut sauce to switch up the flavor profile. Add a Fried Egg: For an extra indulgent twist on your banh mi, top your sandwich with a fried egg for an extra protein boost and a delicious runny yolk. Toast Your Bread: Toast your bread or baguette before assembling your banh mi for a crunchy and satisfying sandwich.

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All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.