Chicken is a delicious and nutritious food that is a staple in many Vietnamese households. With this versatile protein, you can create a myriad of mouth-watering dishes such as salted chicken, spicy lemongrass chicken stir-fry, chicken salad with lime leaves, and chicken marinated in salt.
Today, let’s explore a unique and tasty dish that combines chicken with turnips – chicken braised with turnips. This dish is not only flavorful but also offers a refreshing change of pace for your palate.
1. Ingredients for Chicken Braised with Turnips
– Chicken: ½ chicken
– White turnip: ½ turnip
– Ginger: 3 slices
– Green bell pepper: 1
– Garlic: 2 cloves
– Cinnamon stick: 1 small piece
– Seasonings: Salt, 1 tablespoon cooking wine, 1 tablespoon soy sauce

White turnips – a nutritious and affordable ingredient for braising with chicken.
2. How to Make Chicken Braised with Turnips
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
– Rinse the chicken thoroughly. Rub it with some coarse salt, then rinse again with clean water. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
– Peel and wash the turnip, then cut it into slices of similar thickness.
– Wash the green bell pepper, remove the stem, and deseed. Cut it into bite-sized pieces.
– Peel and slice the ginger thinly.
– Peel and slice the garlic cloves.
– Rinse the cinnamon stick and set it aside in a clean bowl to dry.
Step 2: Stir-fry the Chicken
– Heat some cooking oil in a pan or wok. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry until they change to a deeper color.
– Quickly add the ginger, garlic, and cinnamon stick to the pan and continue stir-frying.
– When the chicken becomes fragrant, pour in the soy sauce and cooking wine.
– Continue stir-frying until the chicken turns golden brown. Then, add just enough water to barely cover the chicken.

Stir-fry the chicken until it changes to a deeper color.
Step 3: Braise the Chicken with Turnips
– Once the chicken is boiling, cover the pan and simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes.
– Add the turnip slices and continue cooking over low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the turnips are tender.
– Toss in the green bell pepper and season with salt to taste. Braise for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and serve this delicious dish with steamed rice.
Chicken braised with turnips is a simple yet aromatic and visually appealing dish. The tender chicken and turnips create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This dish is best enjoyed with hot rice for a satisfying meal.

Chicken braised with turnips is a perfect companion to hot steamed rice.
3. Notes when Making Chicken Braised with Turnips
– When purchasing chicken, look for birds with pale yellow, thin, and smooth skin. Choose fresh meat that doesn’t have an unpleasant odor, and avoid any signs of bruising or blood clots on the skin.
– Select straight and tapered turnips that feel firm when gently squeezed. The ideal turnip should have a crisp skin and be slightly hard.
– While turnips are nutritious, those with weak constitutions, low blood pressure, or frequent diarrhea should consume them in moderation.