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.
Fast forward to today, Garden Focaccia has gained popularity not just for its deliciousness but for its artistic presentation. Topped with vibrant vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, and fresh basil leaves arranged into beautiful patterns, it has become an Instagram-worthy dish that foodies love to share. While it stays true to its Italian roots, this version of focaccia embodies a modern twist—tapping into the farm-to-table movement, focusing on fresh, seasonal produce.
Though traditionally savory, Garden Focaccia feels like a colorful homage to summer, a way to celebrate the bounty of the harvest as the seasons change. Even as summer fades, there’s no reason to give up on its bright, fresh flavors. Swing by your local farmer’s market and make this dish with the best in-season vegetables, supporting your community and making the most of nature’s bounty!
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.
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 2: Once cooked, carefully quick release the knob. Remove lid, and switch to Sauté mode for 5-10 minutes to thicken sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve with rice, tomatoes, and picked radish and daikon.
Step 3: Bake the focaccia until the top is browned and the vegetables are tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Cut into wedges or slices and serve at once.
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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✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
Instant Pot Ga Roti (Vietnamese Roasted Chicken)
Ingredients
For the Focaccia
For the Glaze
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 136kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Trans Fat 0.1g
- Cholesterol 6mg2%
- Sodium 430mg18%
- Potassium 154mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 21g8%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 15g
- Protein 1g2%
- Calcium 25 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
