Easy Mongolian Chicken
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that will impress your family and friends, Easy Mongolian Chicken is the recipe for you! This dish is a tantalizing blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce. Perfect for serving over rice or noodles, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes this Easy Mongolian Chicken stand out is its simplicity and the use of pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes. The combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, and fresh ginger provides a depth of flavor that elevates the chicken, making it a dish you’ll crave again and again. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it a versatile option for everyone at your table.
What We’re Using
To make this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts – the star of the show!
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – for a hint of flavor.
- Salt & pepper to taste – to season the chicken perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch – for coating the chicken to achieve a crispy texture.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided) – for frying the chicken.
- 1 small bunch scallions (green parts only) – for garnish and freshness.
- 1/3 cup (packed) brown sugar – for sweetness.
- 1/3 cup water – to help create the sauce.
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce – gives the dish its savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – to thicken the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger – adds a lovely warmth.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) – for that aromatic kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – for a touch of heat.
Hardware & Gadgets
Before you start cooking, make sure you have these handy tools:
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping up the chicken and scallions.
- Large skillet or wok – for frying the chicken and simmering the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- Whisk – for mixing the sauce ingredients.
- Spatula or tongs – for flipping the chicken in the pan.
Easy Mongolian Chicken — Do This Next
Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into making this delicious dish!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure they cook quickly and evenly. Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Next, coat the chicken pieces with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, making sure they are well covered.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown on one side.
Step 3: Flip and Cook Through
Flip the chicken pieces and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, whisk together the brown sugar, water, low sodium soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
Step 5: Combine and Thicken
Once the sauce begins to bubble, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes at this stage.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Toss in the scallions and give everything a final stir. Serve your Easy Mongolian Chicken over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Smart Substitutions
If you find yourself missing some ingredients or want to make this dish your own, consider these substitutions:
- Chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Agave syrup or honey can replace brown sugar for a different sweet note.
- Coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.
- Red onion can be used in place of scallions for a stronger flavor.
Slip-Ups to Skip
To ensure your cooking experience is seamless, here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. This can lead to steaming instead of browning.
- Make sure to whisk the sauce ingredients well to prevent lumps from the cornstarch.
- Keep an eye on the sauce as it thickens; it can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
- Don’t skip the ginger! It adds a unique flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
If you happen to have any leftovers, you’re in luck! Easy Mongolian Chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- This dish also makes a great meal prep option; simply divide into meal containers with rice or veggies.
Common Qs About Easy Mongolian Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While fresh chicken is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s fully thawed and pat it dry before seasoning and coating with cornstarch.
Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently! The recipe is sweet and savory, with the crushed red pepper flakes being optional. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and follow the same instructions. Just ensure you adjust cooking times accordingly.
What can I serve with Easy Mongolian Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, fried rice, or steamed vegetables. You can also try it over noodles for a different twist!
Explore More
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might want to try these delicious dishes:
- Honey Garlic Chicken – A sweet and savory favorite.
- General Tsos Chicken – Another classic with a spicy kick!
Serve & Enjoy
There you have it! A simple yet flavorful recipe for Easy Mongolian Chicken that you can whip up in no time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this dish is sure to please. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delightful experience of cooking this easy and delicious meal. Happy cooking!
Easy Mongolian Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the chicken pieces and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk together the brown sugar, water, low sodium soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Remove from heat, toss in the scallions, and serve over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
- This dish is great for meal prep; divide into containers with rice or veggies.
