After a long week of fast food takeout, my taste buds were yearning for something vibrant and downright delicious. That's when I decided to dive into the world of Mongolian chicken. The moment I started sizzling the garlic in my kitchen, the fragrant aroma transported me to the bustling markets of Mongolia, igniting my passion for homemade meals.
With its crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance between hearty and satisfying. Not only does it bring joy to my dinner table, but it's also incredibly easy to whip up, making it a perfect solution for any weeknight dinner. In just 30 minutes, you can impress family or friends with a dish that feels both comforting and exotic. Let’s unravel the magic behind this enticing Mongolian chicken recipe—your kitchen will be buzzing in no time!
Why You'll Love This Mongolian Chicken
- This Mongolian Chicken recipe is a breeze to prepare, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish.
- The irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
- Its versatility allows you to customize the dish with your favorite veggies or spice level, ensuring it suits any palate.
- Plus, the vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma make it an eye-catching dish that will impress your family and friends at the dinner table.
Mongolian Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – For extra tenderness, thighs are a great choice, but breasts work just as well!
• ¼ cup cornstarch – This key ingredient helps create that sought-after crispy coating on the chicken.
For Cooking
• ¼ cup vegetable oil – Choose a high smoke point oil to achieve perfect frying results.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Season to enhance the chicken's natural flavors.
For the Sauce
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce – Opting for low-sodium reduces the saltiness while keeping the rich umami flavor.
• ½ cup brown sugar – This balances the savory notes in the sauce with a delightful sweetness.
• ¼ cup water – Helps thin out the sauce for the perfect consistency.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic brings an aromatic kick that elevates the dish.
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced – Ginger adds warmth and a slight spice, enhancing the flavor profile.
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil – This nutty oil infuses the dish with authentic Asian flavor.
For Thickening
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry) – This mixture is crucial for achieving an ideal sauce thickness.
For Garnishing
• 2-3 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces – Fresh green onions add a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional) – Sprinkle these on top for a bit of crunch and visual appeal.
• Dried red chili peppers (optional, for heat) – Add these for an extra punch if you love some spice in your Mongolian chicken!
How to Make Mongolian Chicken
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Prepare the Slurry: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until dissolved. This will help thicken your sauce later on, so set it aside for now.
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Season the Chicken: Place your chicken cubes in a large bowl. Generously season them with salt and pepper. Add ¼ cup of cornstarch and toss everything until the chicken is evenly coated, providing a delicious crispy texture.
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Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring for around 30 seconds until fragrant—your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
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Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and sesame oil. Stir to combine and bring this lush mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Thicken the Sauce: Give your cornstarch slurry one last stir and then pour it into the simmering sauce. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes. It'll have a glossy finish.
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Combine and Serve: Add the fried chicken and green onions to the thickened sauce. Gently toss everything together to ensure the chicken is coated with that mouthwatering sauce. Remove from heat, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired.
Optional: Add dried red chili peppers for an extra kick of heat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Mongolian Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover Mongolian chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool before sealing to prevent excess moisture.
Freezer: If you want to freeze it, portion the chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers and keep for up to 3 months. For best quality, avoid storing it with the sauce.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist and restore some of that flavorful sauciness.
Meal Prep: Consider making a double batch for easy weeknight meals! Just divide and freeze portions, so you always have homemade Mongolian chicken ready to go.
What to Serve with Mongolian Chicken?
Create a delightful feast that enhances the flavors of your delicious meal!
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: Soft and fragrant, this rice absorbs the sauce beautifully, making every bite harmonious and satisfying.
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Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots adds a crunchy texture and fresh flavor, complementing the savory chicken.
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Sesame Noodles: These flavorful noodles tossed in sesame oil match the rich taste of Mongolian chicken, creating a delightful balance of tastes.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: The crunchy exterior and fresh, vibrant interior of spring rolls provide a wonderful contrast, making for a fun and interactive meal.
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Mango Salad: A refreshing mango salad with lime dressing cuts the sweetness of the dish, infusing a citrusy brightness that elevates your dining experience.
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Green Tea: Sipping on this light and aromatic tea soothes the palate, enhancing the savory flavors of the chicken without overpowering your taste buds.
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Chocolate Mousse: End your meal on a sweet note with a light and airy mousse that offers a decadent finish to your culinary journey.
With these pairings, dinner transforms into a culinary adventure you won’t forget!
Mongolian Chicken Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own with these fun twists!
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Spicy Kick: Add dried red chili peppers for an extra fiery flavor that will excite your taste buds. The heat perfectly balances the sweetness of the sauce.
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Citrus Zest: Squeeze in some fresh lemon or lime juice before serving to brighten the dish and add a refreshing tang that elevates the flavors beautifully.
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Vegetable Boost: Toss in your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or snap peas, in the sauce to add color and nutrition. This brings a delightful crunch and vibrant freshness to every bite.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep this dish gluten-free without sacrificing the mouthwatering taste.
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Honey-Sweetened: Swap brown sugar with honey for a more natural sweetness that beautifully melds with the savory components of the sauce, creating a unique flavor profile.
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Sesame Crust: Instead of cornstarch, coat the chicken with sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch, making every bite nutty and delicious.
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Nut Butter Twist: Stir a spoonful of creamy peanut or almond butter into the sauce for a rich and creamy mouthfeel that will transform the dish entirely.
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Coconut Sauce: Use coconut milk instead of water to make it extra creamy, offering a tropical twist to this classic dish while enhancing its richness.
Make Ahead Options
These Mongolian Chicken preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season and coat the chicken with cornstarch up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain optimal crispiness. Additionally, you can prepare the sauce (without the cornstarch slurry) up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate it—this allows all the flavors to meld beautifully! When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, just fry the chicken and simmer with the prepared sauce, adding the slurry toward the end to thicken it. You'll have a delightful homemade dinner ready in no time, even on the busiest weeknights!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For Mongolian Chicken, ensure your chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- When coating the chicken with cornstarch, make sure each piece is fully covered to achieve that crispy texture.
- To maintain the chicken's crispiness, avoid overcrowding the pan while frying; cook in batches if necessary.
- Finally, monitor the sauce closely as you thicken it; it can go from perfect to too thick quickly, so stirring continuously helps achieve the desired consistency.
Mongolian Chicken Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best chicken for Mongolian chicken?
Absolutely! For Mongolian chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness, but chicken breasts work well too. Look for bright, pinkish meat without any dark spots or signs of spoilage. If you can, choose organic or locally sourced chicken for the best flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftover Mongolian chicken?
To store your Mongolian chicken, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Remember to let the chicken cool down before sealing the container to prevent moisture buildup, which could lead to sogginess!
Can I freeze Mongolian chicken, and how should I do it?
Yes! Freezing Mongolian chicken is a great way to preserve it for later. Portion the chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers, separating it from the sauce if possible, as the sauce may affect the chicken's texture when thawed. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, label your containers with the date!
What if my sauce is too thick while making Mongolian chicken?
If you find your sauce has thickened too much, no worries! Simply add a bit of water or broth, stirring continuously over low heat until the desired consistency is reached. Adding liquid gradually helps you control the thickness, ensuring your sauce stays luscious and pourable.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with this dish?
Definitely! If you're cooking for someone with allergies, be cautious with ingredients like soy sauce, which contains gluten. For gluten-free options, look for tamari or coconut aminos. Additionally, if you’re cooking for pets, avoid adding ingredients like garlic or onion to their portions, as these can be harmful to them.
Can I alter the spice level of Mongolian chicken?
The more the merrier! If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add dried red chili peppers or chili flakes to the sauce. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can leave them out completely. Adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste is part of the fun of cooking at home!
Mongolian Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Slurry: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until dissolved.
- Season the Chicken: Place chicken cubes in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and toss with ¼ cup cornstarch.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Add chicken and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat and add minced garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and sesame oil. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in cornstarch slurry and keep stirring until sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Add fried chicken and green onions, toss together, and serve hot over rice or noodles.
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