Chicken Banh Mi Vietnamese Sandwich

Chicken Banh Mi Vietnamese Sandwich is a great way to use up leftover chicken (especially when you’re sick of chicken salad!). My recipe uses just one baguette and takes only 30 minutes to prep.

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Burnt out on boring sandwiches? Maybe I can interest you in this chicken banh mi, instead. This creative way to use up leftover protein yields a sandwich with a distinct savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the pickled vegetables. This recipe comes together quickly and easily, and is a great way to avoid food waste!

Since my family has become so fickle about their chicken consumption (devouring it some weeks, leaving it entirely untouched to dry out others), I’ve had to get creative with ways to use up leftover poultry. Aside from making chicken soup or chicken tacos, my most recent and favorite method has been to toss it into a batch of banh mi sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sandwich delivers bold flavor without making things complicated.

Fresh crunch: Pickled vegetables add snap and brightness to every bite.

Creamy balance: Mayo and pate bring richness that never feels heavy.

Easy prep: Most parts come together ahead of time.

Layered texture: Soft bread meets crisp veggies and tender chicken.

Custom friendly: You can adjust heat, herbs, and fillings easily.

Street food feel: It tastes like something special made at home.

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Ingredients

For the Pickled Vegetables

• 2 medium carrots peeled and julienned
• ½ large white radish daikon peeled and julienned
• 1½ cups boiling water
• ½ cup white sugar
• 4 teaspoons cooking salt
• ¾ cup rice wine vinegar

For the Sandwich

• 4 crusty white rolls
• 2 to 3 tablespoons salted butter softened
• 120 g chicken pate
• 4 tablespoons whole egg mayonnaise
• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cucumber thinly sliced
• 2 to 3 green onion stems cut to bread length
• 1½ cups fresh coriander or cilantro sprigs
• 2 to 3 birds eye or Thai red chilies finely sliced
• ¼ teaspoon Maggi seasoning

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Soften the Vegetables

Place the carrots and daikon into a heat safe bowl. Pour boiling water over them and let them sit for one minute. Drain well and set aside. This step softens the vegetables slightly while keeping their crunch.

2. Pickle the Vegetables

Add sugar, salt, and rice wine vinegar to the drained vegetables. Toss well until the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture rest for at least 30 minutes. The flavor should taste sweet, tangy, and bright.

3. Prepare the Bread

Slice each roll lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Spread softened butter inside each roll. Warm the bread in a pan until lightly crisp outside and soft inside.

4. Add the Spreads

Spread chicken pate evenly on one side of each roll. On the other side, spread whole egg mayonnaise. These layers create a rich base for the fillings.

5. Season the Chicken

Place shredded chicken in a bowl. Sprinkle Maggi seasoning over it and toss gently so the flavor spreads evenly.

6. Build the Sandwich

Layer the seasoned chicken inside each roll. Add pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, green onion, and fresh coriander on top.

7. Add Heat

Scatter sliced chilies over the filling based on how spicy you like it. Press the sandwich gently to keep everything in place.

8. Serve Fresh

Serve right away while the bread stays warm and crisp and the fillings stay cool and crunchy.

Tips & Variations

• Make the pickled vegetables a day ahead for deeper flavor.
• Store them in the fridge in a sealed container.
• Add extra mayonnaise if you love a creamy bite.
• Skip chilies for a milder version or add more for extra heat.
• Grilled chicken works well if you want a firmer texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Banh Mi fresh and sliced in half so the layers show nicely. It works great on its own or paired with light soup or crispy fries.

For gatherings, set everything out buffet style and let everyone build their own sandwich. It turns lunch into something fun and relaxed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make parts ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare pickles and chicken earlier, then assemble before serving.

How long do the pickles last?

They stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week.

What bread works best?

Crusty white rolls with a soft center work best.

Can I skip pate?

Yes, though pate adds depth and richness.

Is this sandwich spicy?

You control the heat by adjusting the chilies.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Banh Mi Vietnamese Sandwich brings together freshness, comfort, and bold flavor in one satisfying meal. Each layer plays a role and nothing feels extra.