Mongolian Chicken is a crispy, flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce with garlic, ginger, and chili aromas. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for recreating takeout at home. With minimal ingredients and a simple preparation process, it’s a delicious meal ready in just 25 minutes.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast (cubed or sliced)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

For the Aromatics:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 2 dried chiles (crushed) or fresh chiles

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Slurry:

• ½ tablespoon cornstarch mixed with ½ cup water

For Garnish:

• 1 green onion, chopped
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a bowl, mix hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
• Prepare the cornstarch slurry in a separate bowl by combining cornstarch and water.

2. Coat the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add cornstarch and toss until the chicken is evenly coated.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken pieces and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
• Remove chicken and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

4. Sauté Aromatics:

• Drain excess oil from the wok, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
• Over medium heat, sauté garlic, ginger, and dried chiles until fragrant (about 1 minute).

5. Add the Sauce and Chicken:

• Pour the prepared sauce into the wok, followed by the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
• Return the chicken to the wok and toss to coat evenly.

6. Serve:

• Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 690 mg

What Makes Mongolian Chicken Unique?

Mongolian Chicken stands out for its balance of textures and flavors. The crispy exterior of the chicken contrasts beautifully with the rich, velvety sauce, while the combination of garlic, ginger, and chili adds layers of depth and aroma. Unlike traditional fried chicken, the cornstarch coating keeps the chicken light and allows it to soak up the sauce without becoming soggy.

This dish also offers a homemade alternative to takeout that’s healthier and customizable. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, Mongolian Chicken is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

• Chicken:
  Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts are ideal for this recipe, offering tender and juicy results. Thighs provide extra flavor and moisture, while breasts offer a leaner option.
• Cornstarch:
  Used to coat the chicken, cornstarch creates a crispy crust when fried, giving the dish its signature texture.
• Aromatics:
  Garlic, ginger, and chili bring bold, fragrant notes that elevate the sauce and complement the sweet and savory flavors.
• Sauce:
  The combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil creates a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and umami. This sauce is what gives Mongolian Chicken its distinct taste.
• Cornstarch Slurry:
  The slurry thickens the sauce, ensuring it clings to the chicken and enhances every bite.
• Garnishes:
  Green onions and sesame seeds add a fresh, nutty finish, enhancing both the flavor and presentation of the dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy:
   With a preparation and cooking time of just 25 minutes, Mongolian Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Better Than Takeout:
   This homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and fresher meal.
3. Customizable:
   Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer chiles, or swap out chicken for beef, tofu, or shrimp for a variation.
4. Versatile Pairings:
   Serve Mongolian Chicken with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. Add sautéed vegetables for an extra nutritional boost.

Cooking Tips for the Best Mongolian Chicken

1. Coat the Chicken Properly:
   Toss the chicken thoroughly in cornstarch to ensure an even, crispy coating. Shake off excess cornstarch before frying.
2. Don’t Crowd the Pan:
   Fry the chicken in batches if necessary to maintain the oil’s temperature and achieve an evenly crispy texture.
3. Control the Heat:
   Cook the aromatics over medium heat to prevent burning. Garlic and ginger should be sautéed until fragrant but not browned.
4. Perfect the Sauce:
   Simmer the sauce gently to avoid over-thickening. The consistency should be rich and smooth, coating the chicken evenly.
5. Add a Fresh Touch:
   Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds just before serving to brighten the flavors and enhance the presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Mongolian Chicken is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

• Steamed Rice:
  The fluffy texture of rice complements the bold flavors of the chicken and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Noodles:
  Toss the chicken with lo mein or rice noodles for a hearty and satisfying dish.
• Vegetables:
  Add stir-fried or steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
• Soup:
  Pair with a light soup, such as egg drop soup or miso soup, for a well-rounded meal.

Variations to Try

1. Vegetarian Mongolian Chicken:
   Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Press and coat the tofu in cornstarch before frying for a crispy texture.
2. Spicy Version:
   Add extra dried or fresh chiles for a fiery kick. You can also drizzle sriracha over the finished dish for additional heat.
3. Low-Carb Option:
   Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly meal.
4. Beef Mongolian Style:
   Swap the chicken for thinly sliced beef, such as flank or sirloin, for a classic Mongolian Beef variation.

Conclusion

Mongolian Chicken is a delightful fusion of crispy chicken and rich, flavorful sauce, making it a must-try recipe for anyone who loves takeout-style meals. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, Mongolian Chicken offers a quick and easy solution that doesn’t compromise on taste or presentation.

By recreating this dish at home, you can enjoy a healthier, fresher version of your favorite takeout meal while customizing it to suit your preferences. Pair it with your choice of rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner. With its bold flavors and simple preparation, Mongolian Chicken is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.