Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian Chicken is a delicious and flavorful Chinese-American stir-fry dish featuring tender, crispy chicken coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy brown sauce. Inspired by Mongolian Beef, this dish replaces beef with chicken while keeping the iconic garlic-ginger-soy glaze that makes it so irresistible.

Despite its name, Mongolian Chicken is not originally from Mongolia. Instead, it is a popular dish in Chinese restaurants, particularly in the United States. The dish is known for its perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. The crispy, pan-fried chicken absorbs the sauce beautifully, making it a perfect meal to serve over rice or noodles.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy homemade Chinese takeout recipe, Mongolian Chicken is an excellent choice. It’s simple to prepare and can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

 The Chicken:

• 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into thin strips
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch (for coating)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

 The Mongolian Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (light)
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (adds color and depth)
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce (adds sweetness and thickness)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (or honey, for caramelization)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken the sauce)

 The Aromatics & Garnish:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 3 green onions, sliced (divided into white and green parts)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

How to Make Mongolian Chicken

 1: Coat and Fry the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with cornstarch until well coated. This helps create a crispy texture when fried.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the fried chicken from the pan and set it aside.

 2: Prepare the Mongolian Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, sesame oil, water, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and set the sauce aside.

 3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

1. In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
2. Add the garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions to the pan.
3. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

 4: Combine Everything

1. Pour the Mongolian sauce mixture into the pan.
2. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and stir well.
4. Return the fried chicken to the pan and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.
5. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle the green parts of the onions over the chicken.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds for extra flavor.
3. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Variations

• Spicy Mongolian Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of Sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
• Healthier Version: Use grilled chicken instead of fried, and reduce the sugar.
• Vegetable Mongolian Chicken: Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra crunch.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce.

Cooking Notes for Mongolian Chicken

• Crispy Chicken Tip: Coating the chicken with cornstarch helps create a restaurant-style crispy texture.
• Balance the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your preference by adding more or less brown sugar and soy sauce.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Garlic and ginger should be fresh for the best flavor.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches for an evenly crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed White or Brown Rice: Perfect for soaking up the delicious Mongolian sauce.
• Fried Rice: Adds more texture and flavor to the dish.
• Lo Mein or Noodles: A great alternative to rice.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas make a healthy side.

Tips

• Marinate for More Flavor: Let the chicken sit in soy sauce for 15 minutes before frying for extra taste.
• Make it Extra Saucy: Double the sauce ingredients if you love a rich, thick Mongolian glaze.
• Reheat Properly: Heat leftovers in a pan with a splash of water to restore moisture.
• Best Oil for Frying: Use vegetable oil or peanut oil for a high-smoke point and crispy texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 35g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 40g

FAQs

1. What does Mongolian Chicken taste like?

Mongolian Chicken has a sweet and savory flavor, with hints of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, balanced by a mild spicy kick.

2. Can I make Mongolian Chicken without hoisin sauce?

Yes, you can substitute hoisin sauce with oyster sauce or a mix of soy sauce and honey.

3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, for a healthier option.

4. How do I store and reheat Mongolian Chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a little water to refresh the sauce.

5. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

Conclusion

Mongolian Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make stir-fry that brings the flavors of Chinese takeout to your home kitchen. With crispy chicken, a rich savory-sweet sauce, and aromatic garlic-ginger flavors, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re cooking for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, this homemade Mongolian Chicken recipe will impress with its bold flavors and restaurant-style quality. Try it today and enjoy an authentic Asian-inspired meal!

 

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