Are you searching for that perfect weeknight dinner that’s quick, flavorful, and satisfies everyone at the table? Look no further than this incredibly easy Mongolian Chicken recipe! Forget the takeout menus; you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes. This dish features tender chicken pieces enveloped in a glossy, sweet, and savory sauce that’s utterly irresistible. Get ready to add a new favorite to your rotation!
Why This Mongolian Chicken Will Be Your New Go-To
Life is busy, but delicious, homemade meals don't have to be a luxury. Our Easy Mongolian Chicken is designed for efficiency without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. Here’s what makes it a standout:
- Lightning Fast: From start to finish, you can have this amazing dish on your table in about half an hour, making it ideal for the busiest of evenings.
- Unforgettable Flavor: The star of the show is undeniably the rich, balanced sauce. It's a perfect blend of sweet and savory with aromatic hints of garlic and ginger.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Most of the components are common staples, meaning you likely won’t need a special trip to the grocery store.
- Versatile: Feel free to add your favorite quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for an even heartier meal.
Mastering the Savory Mongolian Sauce
The magic of classic Mongolian Chicken lies in its signature sauce – a thick, glossy, and deeply flavored glaze that perfectly coats every piece of chicken. It’s a symphony of Asian-inspired flavors, striking a beautiful balance between sweetness and a rich umami depth. We achieve this by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, and aromatic fresh garlic and ginger, along with a touch of liquid for the perfect consistency. For other comforting and flavorful Asian-inspired dishes, consider trying our Slow Cooker Beef Curry: An Easy, Flavorful & Comforting Recipe.
Key Ingredients for Success
Our recipe uses thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken, lightly dusted with cornstarch. This crucial step helps create a slightly crispy exterior and also contributes to the sauce's desired thickness. For precise and effortless slicing of your chicken and aromatics, a Quality Chef's Knife is an invaluable tool in any kitchen, speeding up your prep considerably.
Step-by-Step: Your Guide to Perfect Mongolian Chicken
Ready to transform simple ingredients into a show-stopping meal? Follow these straightforward steps to bring this incredible Easy Mongolian Chicken to your dinner table tonight. It’s simpler than you think to get that craveable, sticky sauce!
For another fantastic chicken dish that's equally quick and delicious, check out our Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Your 15-Minute Recipe Guide!
Tips for the Best Results
- Don't Rush the Browning: When searing the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches to ensure the chicken browns nicely rather than steaming. This gives it a delicious texture.
- Fresh is Best: While powdered garlic and ginger work in a pinch, fresh minced garlic and grated ginger truly elevate the flavor profile of the sauce.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken back in. If you prefer it less sweet, slightly reduce the brown sugar. For a kick, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- Serve Promptly: This dish is best enjoyed immediately when the chicken is crispiest and the sauce is perfectly hot and glossy.
- Perfect Pairings: Mongolian Chicken is excellent served over fluffy jasmine rice. For vegetable sides, steamed broccoli, stir-fried bell peppers, or snow peas complement the rich sauce beautifully. You can learn more about healthy stir-frying techniques at Food Network.
This Easy Mongolian Chicken is more than just a recipe; it's a solution for busy evenings that demands flavor and efficiency. It proves that you don't need hours in the kitchen to create something truly delicious and satisfying. So gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to enjoy a weeknight winner that everyone will adore. Happy cooking!
FAQs
What kind of chicken is best for Mongolian Chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs work best for Mongolian Chicken. Chicken breast is leaner and cooks quickly, while chicken thighs offer a juicier, richer flavor and are more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Both should be thinly sliced for even cooking.
Can I prepare Mongolian Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The sauce can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also slice and coat the chicken ahead of time. For best results, cook the chicken fresh and then combine it with the pre-made sauce right before serving to maintain its crispy texture.
What side dishes pair well with Mongolian Chicken?
Mongolian Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For lighter options, consider cauliflower rice, zoodles, or a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas.
Is Mongolian Chicken spicy?
Traditionally, Mongolian Chicken (and its beef counterpart) is more sweet and savory than spicy, though a touch of heat from red pepper flakes is often included. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes, or a dash of sriracha or chili oil for an extra kick.
Easy Mongolian Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
This easy Mongolian Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce, perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that rivals your favorite takeout.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating chicken)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup water or chicken broth
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Thinly slice the chicken and toss it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. This helps create a crispy crust and thickens the sauce.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add half of the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside. Repeat with the remaining chicken, adding more oil if needed.
Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water or chicken broth, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 5: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the garlic and ginger. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing gently to coat all the pieces evenly with the rich, glossy sauce.
Step 7: Serve the Easy Mongolian Chicken immediately over steamed rice, garnished generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your homemade takeout!
Notes
For extra crispiness, ensure your wok or skillet is very hot and don't overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary. Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level. You can add vegetables like broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers during step 3 to cook alongside the aromatics, ensuring they are tender-crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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