The first time I tried Mongolian Chicken, I was blown away by the rich, savory sauce that clung to each tender bite of chicken. It’s the kind of dish that beckons you to the table, combining a sweet and salty symphony that dances on your palate. The best part? This recipe is so easy to whip up, you’ll wonder why it ever took a backseat to takeout!
As the sizzle of sizzling garlic and ginger fills your kitchen, the promise of a delicious homemade meal quickly becomes irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, Mongolian Chicken offers a delightful mix of flavor and comfort without the fuss. Toss it together in just 30 minutes, and watch your family gather around, ready to dig in. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive in!
Why is Mongolian Chicken a Must-Try?
Simplicity at its finest: With just 10 minutes of prep and a total cook time of 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights!
Bold flavors in every bite: The sweet and savory sauce, enhanced by ginger and garlic, makes for a mouthwatering experience that your taste buds won’t forget.
Versatile enough for anyone: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even salad for a delicious twist, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Crowd-pleaser guaranteed: Whether it’s a family weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe always impresses.
Healthy balance: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on nutrition.
For more quick recipes that are sure to tickle your taste buds, check out our easy weeknight meals.
Mongolian Chicken Ingredients
• Get ready to savor every bite!
For the Chicken
• Boneless skinless chicken breast – 1 1/4 pounds, thinly sliced for even cooking and tender pieces.
• Cornstarch – 1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons, this will give the chicken a crispy texture when cooked.
For the Sauce
• Vegetable oil – 3 tablespoons, used to sauté the chicken to perfection.
• Minced garlic – 1 1/2 teaspoons, adds a fragrant note to the dish.
• Minced ginger – 1 teaspoon, enhances the flavor profile with warmth.
• Toasted sesame oil – 1 teaspoon, provides that distinctive, nutty aroma.
• Low sodium soy sauce – 1/2 cup, the base of our sweet and savory sauce; use low sodium to balance flavors.
• Water – 1/3 cup, for diluting and simmering the sauce.
• Dark brown sugar – 1/2 cup, infuses sweetness that counters the soy sauce’s saltiness.
For the Topping
• Green onions – 1/2 cup, cut into 1-inch pieces for a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
• Salt and pepper – to taste, essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors in your Mongolian Chicken.
How to Make Mongolian Chicken
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Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken and 1/4 cup cornstarch in a resealable plastic bag. Shake well to ensure each piece is evenly coated, which helps achieve that delightful crispy texture.
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Heat the Oil: In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over high heat until shimmering. This high temperature is key to searing the chicken quickly, keeping it juicy and flavorful.
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Sear the Chicken: Add the coated chicken to the pan in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until beautifully browned. If you’re making a large batch, do this in multiple batches for even cooking.
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Drain the Chicken: Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps to absorb excess oil while you prepare the sauce.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds. This will infuse the oil with a lovely fragrance that sets the stage for the sauce.
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Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, water, and dark brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the flavors meld together.
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Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Add this to the simmering sauce and bring to a boil, cooking for 30-60 seconds until the sauce thickens beautifully.
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Combine and Serve: Add the chicken back into the pan along with the green onions. Toss everything in the sauce to ensure the chicken is well coated. Serve your delicious Mongolian Chicken over hot rice or your favorite noodles if desired.
Optional: Garnish with additional green onions for a fresh touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Mongolian Chicken
Fridge: Keep leftover Mongolian Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing to preserve texture and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a sealed, freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Reheating: Thaw frozen Mongolian Chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a pan over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
What to Serve with Mongolian Chicken?
Imagine a dinner table filled with vibrant, flavorful dishes that complement the rich taste of Mongolian Chicken. Each bite of this delightful meal deserves to be celebrated with perfect pairings!
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant and fluffy base that absorbs the sweet-savory sauce beautifully, making each bite truly comforting.
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Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots add a fresh crunch and a pop of color, rounding out the meal with healthy goodness.
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Egg Fried Rice: This indulgent twist on traditional rice brings added flavor and texture, perfectly offsetting the savoriness of the chicken.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: Filled with crunchy veggies, these make a fun appetizer to kick off your meal, adding a delightful contrast in texture.
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Garlic Noodles: Rich and buttery noodles infused with garlic provide a decadent twist that pairs wonderfully with the flavors of Mongolian Chicken.
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Asian Slaw: A refreshing mix of cabbage and carrots tossed in a zesty dressing will add a crunchy, bright element to the meal.
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Chilled Green Tea: A soothing beverage to cleanse your palate, the subtle flavors of green tea can complement the boldness of the dish beautifully.
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Mango Sticky Rice: For a sweet ending, this dessert pairs well with the savory notes of your meal, balancing flavors with its creaminess and sweetness.
Expert Tips for Mongolian Chicken
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Proper Coating: Make sure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with cornstarch. This aids in achieving that splendid crispy texture you crave.
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High Heat Searing: Use high heat when cooking the chicken. This locks in moisture and gives it a golden-brown color. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
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Thickening Help: If your sauce isn’t thickening as expected, you can mix a bit more cornstarch with cold water. Add it to the sauce slowly and monitor the consistency as it cooks.
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Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh garlic and ginger for the most aromatic flavor. Dried versions don’t compare in flavor and can make your Mongolian Chicken less vibrant.
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Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a little more, but do this gradually to avoid overpowering the savory elements.
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Customizing the Dish: Experiment with veggies! Adding bell peppers or broccoli not only boosts nutrition but also adds a lovely crunch and color to your Mongolian Chicken.
Mongolian Chicken Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you adapt this recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option without sacrificing flavor.
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Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a delightful kick.
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Veggie Delight: Mix in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to add color, texture, and extra nutrients to your dish. The crunch of fresh veggies complements the tender chicken perfectly.
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Pineapple Sweetness: Add pineapple chunks to the sauce while simmering for a tropical twist that balances out the savory flavors beautifully.
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Sesame Topping: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty crunch and an appealing visual touch.
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Baked Variation: Instead of pan-frying, bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes for a healthier, hands-off approach.
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Creamy Addition: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory notes.
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Herbal Infusion: Enhance the flavor profile by adding fresh basil or cilantro just before serving. Their freshness brightens the overall dish and adds a fragrant note.
Make Ahead Options
These Mongolian Chicken components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken with cornstarch up to 24 hours in advance; simply coat the chicken in the cornstarch and store it in a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. Additionally, prepare the sauce mixture (without the cornstarch thickener) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, ensuring all flavors meld perfectly before cooking. When you’re ready to serve, just follow the cooking instructions: heat the oil, sauté the aromatics, and add the chilled mixture to the pan, thickening the sauce as directed. This makes for a stress-free dinner on busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade Mongolian Chicken with minimal effort!
Mongolian Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for Mongolian Chicken?
Absolutely! I recommend using boneless skinless chicken breasts, as they are tender and cook evenly. Thinly slicing the chicken helps it absorb the flavorful sauce better!
How do I properly store leftover Mongolian Chicken?
Leftover Mongolian Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it has completely cooled before sealing to maintain its delicious flavor and texture.
Can I freeze Mongolian Chicken? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze Mongolian Chicken! To do this, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Why is my sauce not thickening properly?
Very! If your sauce isn’t thickening as expected, don’t worry. Simply mix 1 to 2 more teaspoons of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water until smooth, then slowly add it to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously. Allow it to boil for 30-60 seconds to achieve that lovely consistency.
Can I adjust the sweetness of Mongolian Chicken?
Of course! If you prefer a sweeter flavor, feel free to add more dark brown sugar. Just do it gradually and taste as you go to ensure it doesn’t overwhelm the savory elements of the dish.
Is Mongolian Chicken suitable for special diets?
Absolutely! This dish can be adapted for various dietary preferences. If you’re avoiding gluten, use gluten-free soy sauce. For a lighter option, consider using chicken thighs or substituting the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey, keeping in mind to adjust the measurements accordingly.
Savory Mongolian Chicken: Quick Dinner in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Coat the chicken in cornstarch in a resealable bag, shaking well to ensure even coating.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the coated chicken in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
- Drain the chicken on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Sauté garlic and ginger in the same pan for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, water, and brown sugar. Simmer until dissolved.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water, add to the sauce, and cook until thickened.
- Combine chicken and green onions, tossing in the sauce and serve over rice or noodles.