CHICKEN BANH MI

Chicken Banh Mi image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
Kosher salt
3 medium carrots, julienned
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3)
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 cup cilantro leaves, plus 3 cilantro sprigs
1/3 cup mayonnaise, plus more for bread
2 to 3 tablespoons sriracha
2 cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds
Four 8-inch French baguettes (ficelle)

Steps:

Combine the vinegar, 1 cup water, sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Soak the carrots in the vinegar brine for at least 30 minutes.
Place the chicken breasts in a small saucepan with just enough water to cover. Add 1/4 cup of the soy sauce and cilantro sprigs and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer, about 18 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, uncover and cool the chicken in the liquid, about 30 minutes.
Tear the chicken into shreds and toss with the mayonnaise, sriracha and the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Slice the baguettes lengthwise, leaving a hinge intact. Spread mayonnaise on both sides of the bread. Add the chicken and toast, open faced, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain the carrots. Add the carrots, cucumbers and cilantro leaves to each sandwich and serve immediately.