If there’s one dish that instantly takes me back to my childhood, it’s Ga Roti—Vietnamese roast chicken. There’s just something about the sweet, savory, and slightly caramelized flavors that make this dish a family favorite. Growing up, I remember my mom marinating the chicken in the fridge, the smell of garlic and five-spice filling the house, and how we’d eagerly wait for dinner.
The crispy, golden-brown skin was always the best part! Now, I love recreating this nostalgic meal with a few modern twists, like using an Instant Pot to speed things up. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen!
Where did Ga Roti Come From?
Ga Roti is a Vietnamese take on French-inspired roasted chicken. While “Roti” refers to roasting and “Ga” means chicken, this version stands out with its Asian marinade made from Hoisin sauce, Maggi seasoning, and five-spice powder. The use of coconut water or Coco Rico adds a subtle sweetness and makes the chicken incredibly tender.
This dish is a favorite in Vietnamese households, often served with rice, pickled vegetables, and a bit of fish sauce on the side. Over the years, the recipe has evolved, with modern appliances like the Instant Pot making it easier to prepare. If you’ve ever dined at a Vietnamese home or restaurant, chances are you’ve had some version of Ga Roti.
Why This Recipe Works:
– Flavor-packed marinade: Hoisin sauce, Maggi seasoning, and five-spice powder give the chicken a bold, sweet-savory flavor that’s irresistible.
– Tender, juicy chicken: Thanks to the use of coconut water (or Coco Rico), the chicken stays moist and tender as it cooks.
– Quick and easy: Using an Instant Pot significantly cuts down on cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
– Crispy skin finish: After pressure cooking, a quick broil in the oven crisps up the skin, giving you that perfect balance of juicy chicken and crunchy skin.
Tips for Making Ga Roti
– Marinate overnight: While marinating for 6-8 hours works well, letting the chicken marinate overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
– Be cautious while broiling: Keep a close eye on the chicken when it’s under the broiler, as the skin can burn quickly. A minute or two is all you need to achieve that golden, crispy finish.
– Use Coco Rico: If you can’t find Coco Rico, regular coconut water works too. Just make sure it’s unsweetened for the best flavor.
– Double the glaze: Want extra glaze for dipping? Double the recipe for the honey-butter glaze so you can drizzle it over the chicken or your rice.
How to make Ga Roti
- 4 chicken quarters1/2 cup Hoisin sauce1/4 cup Maggi Seasoning1 teaspoon Five Spice Powder1/2 tablespoon garlic powder1 tablespoon sugar1 tablespoon honey2 cloves garlic, minced1 tablespoon vegetable oil1 cup of Coco Rico or coconut water
For the Glaze
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Step 1: In a large bow, mix Hoisin sauce, Maggie Seasoning, Five Spice powder, garlic powder, sugar, honey, and garlic. Add the chicken and ensure it is coated in the marinade. Marinate in the fridge for 6-8 hours, or overnight for the best result. You can also do this in a zip-lock bag.
Step 3: Once cooked, carefully quick release the knob. Remove lid, and switch to Saute mode for 5-10 minutes to thicken sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Turn your oven broiler to low and place about 7-8 inches away from source heat. Place the chicken, skin side up on a baking dish or sheet pan. Broil on low until skin is crispy, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to walk away!
Serve with rice, tomatoes, and picked radish and daikon.
Crispy, Juicy, Perfection—Ga Roti Done Right!
Ga Roti is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes—savory, sweet, and a little crispy. It’s comfort food at its finest and is perfect for impressing guests or making a casual weeknight dinner feel special. So, what do you think? Will you give this Vietnamese roasted chicken a try? Let me know how yours turns out, and don’t forget to serve it with some pickled veggies for the full experience!
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Instant Pot Ga Roti (Vietnamese Roasted Chicken)
Ingredients
4 chicken quarters
1/2 cup Hoisin sauce
1/4 cup Maggi Seasoning
1 teaspoon Five Spice Powder
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup of Coco Rico or coconut water
Glaze
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon white vinegar
Instructions
4 chicken quarters
138 g Hoisin sauce
59 g Maggi Seasoning
4 g Five Spice Powder
4 g garlic powder
12 g sugar
14.79 ml honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
14.79 ml vegetable oil
240 g of Coco Rico or coconut water
Glaze
14 g melted butter
14.79 ml honey
14.79 ml white vinegar
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Nutrition Facts
Calories
555.34
Fat
32.34 g
Sat. Fat
9.35 g
Carbs
42.27 g
Fiber
8.3 g
Net carbs
33.97 g
Sugar
23.25 g
Protein
27.08 g
Sodium
759.61 mg
Cholesterol
150.16 mg