Mongolian Chicken Recipe
Mongolian Chicken is a delightful dish that captures the essence of savory flavors and tender chicken, making it a fantastic option for dinner. Imagine juicy slices of chicken coated with a sweet and savory sauce that has a perfect balance of saltiness from the soy sauce and sweetness from brown sugar. Every bite is a treat, and the fresh garlic and ginger bring a fragrant, comforting aroma that results in a meal you’ll want to make again and again.
This dish is versatile enough for various occasions. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner, planning a casual get-together with friends, or simply craving some hearty comfort food, Mongolian Chicken fits the bill. It pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, making it a complete dish in its own right.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time:
Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 35 min
How to Make Mongolian Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2–3 green onions, sliced (whites and greens separated)
- Optional: red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce for heat
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Coat Chicken: Start by evenly coating the sliced chicken with cornstarch. Make sure to shake off any excess. This step is crucial for getting that crispy texture you’ll love.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches until it turns golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Once cooked, set it aside and keep it warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Let this mixture simmer for about 2 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. The combination of soy sauce and brown sugar creates a beautiful glaze that clings to the chicken.
- Finish Cooking: Return the chicken to the pan, tossing it to ensure it’s well coated in the sauce. Cook another 1–2 minutes, then stir in the green onion tops.
- Serve: Serve your delicious Mongolian Chicken over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Pro Tips
- Cornstarch Coating: Don’t skip this step! It’s what gives the chicken its crispy texture. Make sure that the chicken is well-coated for the best results.
- Even Cooking: If your skillet/wok is overcrowded, the chicken may steam instead of fry, resulting in less crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Prep Ingredients First: Have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking. Since this recipe comes together quickly, prepping ahead will save you from some kitchen chaos.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture. This will give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- Storage Considerations: Mongolian Chicken can be made in advance for meal prep. Just ensure to store sauce and chicken separately if making ahead, to maintain crispness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mongolian Chicken is a crowd-pleaser, delighting both kids and adults alike with its sweet and savory flavors. The tenderness of the chicken, combined with the glossy sauce, creates a comforting dish that warms the heart and satisfies the craving for something hearty.
This recipe is straightforward, taking only about 35 minutes from prep to plate. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want a delicious meal without hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s adaptable to fit various dietary needs—just swap out ingredients as necessary to suit your guests or family.
How to Serve Mongolian Chicken
For a beautiful presentation, serve the Mongolian Chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. You can also use noodles for a heartier meal. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions on top adds a pop of color and hints at the flavor within.
To complement this dish, consider serving it with a side of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli, which add vibrancy to the meal. For drinks, a light iced tea or even a chilled beer can balance the sweetness of the dish nicely.
How to Store Mongolian Chicken
You can store your leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the chicken (up to 3 months) but be aware that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
For fridge storage, place the Mongolian Chicken in the container directly after cooling to room temperature. For freezing, let it cool down first, then transfer it to a freezer-friendly bag or container.
Tips to Make Mongolian Chicken Even Better
- Chicken Quality: Use good-quality chicken for the best flavor. Fresh chicken will typically have better taste and texture than frozen, especially if it’s been frozen for a while.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little bit of water mixed with cornstarch once you return the chicken to the pan; stir to achieve your desired thickness.
- Time Management: While the chicken cooks, you can prep the sauce in another pan to save time. Just make sure to keep an eye on the chicken!
- Garnishes for Extra Flavor: Try adding some chopped cilantro on top for freshness or sliced chili peppers for an added kick.
Variations
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh. Make sure to marinate it to absorb flavors.
- Spicy Twist: Add Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce into the sauce for an extra kick, appealing to spice lovers.
- Low-Carb: Serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or noodles for a low-carb option.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce to keep this dish gluten-free without sacrificing any of the fabulous flavor.
Nutrition Information:
(Serving Size | Calories: 340 | Protein: 30g | Carbs: 35g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g)
This dish is relatively high in protein due to the chicken, making it a filling option. However, it is also higher in sugar due to the brown sugar used in the sauce, so be mindful if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Storage and Reheating
To reheat your Mongolian Chicken and keep it fresh, you can choose from several methods:
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Microwave: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds until heated through.
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Skillet: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally until it’s hot. This method helps maintain the chicken’s texture.
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Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Customization Ideas
You can adjust flavors in Mongolian Chicken by incorporating different herbs or spices. For instance, adding a sprinkle of five-spice powder can give it a unique twist. You can also experiment with different vegetables mixed into the dish, such as snap peas or carrots.
Additionally, if you’re using different proteins, like shrimp or beef, make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is perfectly cooked.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the Chicken: Ensure not to overcook the chicken, as it can become tough. Check for doneness as soon as it’s golden brown.
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Skipping the Cornstarch: It’s crucial for crispiness; if it’s missed, the dish won’t have the right texture.
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Too Much Sauce: Adding too much sauce can make the dish soggy. Stick to the recipe for balanced flavors.
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Neglecting the Sauté Stage: This stage enhances flavor through aromatics; do not skip it!
Serving Occasions
Mongolian Chicken is perfect for family dinners, birthdays, or a cozy night at home. It’s also a fantastic dish to serve guests during casual gatherings, as it’s both easy to make and appealing to a variety of palates.
Why Make This Recipe
This Mongolian Chicken recipe stands out due to its simple preparation and rich flavors. It’s a wonderful gateway dish for those looking to explore Asian cuisine without diving into overly complicated recipes. The balance of sweet and savory coupled with the tenderness of the chicken makes it a unique offering compared to other chicken dishes.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. -
Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can make it ahead of time, but it’s best to store the sauce separately if possible to keep the chicken crisp. -
Can I use leaner cuts of chicken?
Yes, chicken breasts will work well. Just note that they may not be as juicy as thighs. -
How spicy can I make this?
You control the spice level! Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to suit your taste, or leave it out for a milder dish. -
Does this recipe work well in a slow cooker?
You can adapt it for a slow cooker, but the texture may differ without the crispness you get from frying.
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredients used and portion sizes, so use this information as a general guide.
Print
Mongolian Chicken
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A delightful dish featuring tender chicken slices coated in a sweet and savory sauce with garlic and ginger.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2–3 green onions, sliced (whites and greens separated)
- Optional: red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce for heat
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Coat Chicken: Start by evenly coating the sliced chicken with cornstarch. Make sure to shake off any excess.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches until it turns golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Once cooked, set it aside and keep it warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Let this mixture simmer for about 2 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Finish Cooking: Return the chicken to the pan, tossing it to ensure it’s well coated in the sauce. Cook another 1–2 minutes, then stir in the green onion tops.
- Serve: Serve the Mongolian Chicken over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds.
Notes
Ensure the chicken is well-coated with cornstarch for crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg