Mongolian Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor, then this Mongolian Chicken is just what you need. This recipe has been a favorite in my home for years, and I can’t wait to share it with you! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. And trust me, once you whip this up, your family will be asking for seconds!

The sweet and savory sauce combined with crispy slices of chicken makes this dish a real winner. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, Mongolian Chicken is bound to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: With its delicious flavors, even picky eaters will enjoy this dish—everyone will want to join the table!
• Versatile: Pair it with rice or veggies, and feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients.
• Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time or prep it for meal prep, saving you time during the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find! Here’s what you’ll need to make your own delicious Mongolian Chicken:

For the Chicken

• 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons cornstarch (divided use)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce

• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar

For Serving

• 1/2 cup green onions (cut into 1 inch pieces)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

This Mongolian Chicken recipe is quite flexible—feel free to get creative! Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try substituting chicken with beef or tofu for a different twist.
• Add some crunch: Toss in some bell peppers or snap peas for added texture and color.
• Make it spicy: Add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha for a little heat if you love spice!
• Change up the greens: Use broccoli or bok choy instead of green onions for extra nutrition.

How to Make Mongolian Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by placing your thinly sliced chicken breast into a resealable plastic bag along with 1/4 cup of cornstarch. Shake it well until all pieces are evenly coated. This step is crucial because it helps create that delightful crispy exterior when we fry the chicken!

Step 2: Heat Up the Oil

In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. It’s important that the oil is hot enough so that when we add the chicken, it sears nicely. This creates a great texture while locking in moisture.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the coated chicken to the pan in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper, keeping in mind that our sauce will have plenty of flavor already. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown. If your pan isn’t big enough, don’t hesitate to cook in batches—this ensures everything gets that lovely crispiness!

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels. In the same pan, add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them briefly until fragrant—this step infuses amazing flavors into our sauce.

Step 5: Combine Sauce Ingredients

Next, pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, water, and brown sugar. Bring everything to a simmer; this will help dissolve the sugar and meld all those wonderful flavors together.

Step 6: Thicken It Up

Mix those last two teaspoons of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into your simmering sauce and bring it to a boil; cook until it’s just thickened—about 30-60 seconds will do!

Step 7: Final Touches

Finally, add your cooked chicken back into the pan along with those vibrant green onions. Toss everything together so each piece gets coated in that luscious sauce. Serve hot over rice if desired—you’re going to love every bite of this homemade Mongolian Chicken!

Pro Tips for Making Mongolian Chicken

Making Mongolian chicken at home can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve the best results!

• Use thinly sliced chicken: Thin slices cook faster and allow for a crispier exterior while staying juicy inside. This creates that perfect texture contrast that makes this dish so enjoyable.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures it crisps up nicely. If you add too many pieces at once, they will steam instead of sear, resulting in a less desirable texture.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to increase the amount of brown sugar. Just remember to taste as you go to find your perfect balance!
• Let the sauce thicken: Adding cornstarch will help create a glossy, thick sauce that clings to the chicken beautifully. Be sure to boil it properly after adding the cornstarch for that ideal consistency.
• Pair with fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the flavors significantly. Using fresh rather than powdered versions brings out their natural zest and aroma, enhancing your dish.

How to Serve Mongolian Chicken

Presenting your Mongolian chicken in an appealing way can enhance both its visual appeal and dining experience. Here are some ideas to make it look as good as it tastes!

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty crunch and an appealing aesthetic to your dish.
• Red chili flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, red chili flakes can be sprinkled on top just before serving for an extra kick.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: Light and fluffy jasmine rice serves as an excellent base for soaking up the delicious sauce from your Mongolian chicken.
• Stir-fried vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots tossed with soy sauce adds vibrant colors and nutrition, creating a well-rounded meal.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar offers a cool contrast to the savory chicken while adding crunch.
• Fried rice: Upgrade your meal by serving it with flavorful fried rice loaded with peas, carrots, and green onions for extra substance.

With these tips on serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to impressing family or friends with homemade Mongolian chicken that’s bursting with flavor! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mongolian chicken is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, ensuring you have a tasty and satisfying meal ready to go during the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy your Mongolian chicken within 3-4 days for the best flavor and quality.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist.
• Microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Mongolian chicken:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for Mongolian Chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

What can I serve with Mongolian Chicken?

Mongolian chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. You can also add steamed vegetables for a complete meal!

How do I make Mongolian Chicken spicier?

If you enjoy some heat, try adding sliced red chilies or a dash of chili sauce when cooking the sauce.

Is Mongolian Chicken healthy?

This dish is packed with protein from the chicken and can be made healthier by using less sugar or serving it with vegetables.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Mongolian chicken at home! With its crispy texture and sweet-savory sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or any variations you try. Happy cooking!