Name: Mongolian Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added); 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the sauce); 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness); 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium); 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes); 1 cup cornstarch (for coating the chicken); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon ginger (minced); 6 pieces red chilies (dried); 3 pieces green onions (sliced for garnish); 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

When it comes to comfort food with a kick, Mongolian Chicken is a standout dish that never fails to impress. This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Mongolian cuisine right into your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your home. With tender chicken, a sweet and savory sauce, and a touch of spice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, Mongolian Chicken is a recipe you’ll want to keep handy.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of flavors in Mongolian Chicken. The balance of sweetness from the brown sugar, the umami from the soy sauce, and the aromatic garlic and ginger create a symphony of tastes that dances on your palate. Plus, it’s quick to make, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The best part? It’s versatile! You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.

Ingredient Breakdown

To make the perfect Mongolian Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 cup chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added for a healthier option)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness)
3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium to keep it heart-healthy)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes)
1 cup cornstarch (for coating the chicken)
4 cloves garlic (minced for flavor)
1 teaspoon ginger (minced for a warm, spicy note)
6 red chilies (dried, for heat)
3 green onions (sliced for garnish)
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Recommended Tools

To ensure a seamless cooking experience, gather these tools before you start:

Wok or Large Skillet: Perfect for frying and sautéing.
Mixing Bowls: For mixing sauces and coating the chicken.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure ingredients.
Spatula: For stirring and flipping the chicken.
Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for chopping the chicken and vegetables.

Cook Mongolian Chicken Like This

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) into 1-inch cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve a nice crisp when frying.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the chicken cubes into the cornstarch mixture until they are evenly coated. This will give your chicken a delightful crispy texture.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce until smooth.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

In the same wok or skillet, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add minced garlic, minced ginger, and dried red chilies. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and bubbles. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Step 7: Add Chicken

Add the fried chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Health-Conscious Tweaks

If you’re looking to make Mongolian Chicken even healthier, consider these options:

Use skinless chicken thighs for added moisture and flavor without extra fat.
Replace brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Incorporate more vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition.
Substitute vegetable oil with a healthier option like olive oil or avocado oil.

Little Things that Matter

The beauty of Mongolian Chicken lies in its simplicity and flavor. Here are a few tips to elevate your dish:

Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to lock in moisture and achieve a crispy texture.
Don’t skip the ginger and garlic; they are key to the authentic flavor profile.
Adjust the number of dried red chilies based on your heat preference.
Always taste your sauce before adding the chicken, adjusting sweetness or saltiness as needed.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), here’s how to store them properly:

Allow the Mongolian Chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the chicken and sauce.

Quick Q&A

Can I use other proteins besides chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with beef, tofu, or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I serve with Mongolian Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles.

How can I adjust the spice level?

To make it milder, you can reduce the number of dried red chilies or omit them altogether. Adding a bit of honey can also balance the heat.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes, Mongolian Chicken is great for meal prep! Just store it in individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Don’t Miss These

Honey Garlic Chicken – another sweet and savory delight.
General Tsos Chicken – a classic favorite with a twist.

Final Bite

This Mongolian Chicken recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and delightful textures. With its ease of preparation and the ability to customize, it’s a dish that fits perfectly into any busy lifestyle. So grab your ingredients, heat up that skillet, and get ready to indulge in a delicious homemade feast that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite!