Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Crispy Mongolian Chicken Recipe With Sweet Garlic Sauce

Mongolian chicken bursts with bold, mouthwatering flavors that promise an exciting dinner experience.

Serious home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together for a satisfying meal.

Rich sauces and tender meat create a delightful combination that feels like restaurant-quality comfort food.

Families frequently request this crowd-pleasing dish for its impressive presentation and delectable taste profile.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet spectacular solutions, and Mongolian chicken delivers precisely what busy households crave.

Savory notes and perfectly balanced seasonings make this recipe a standout choice for anyone seeking something beyond ordinary chicken preparations.

Jump into this delicious adventure and prepare to wow your dinner companions with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

What Makes Mongolian Chicken So Satisfying

  • Quick Weeknight Dinner: This Mongolian Chicken comes together faster than ordering takeout, giving your family a delicious meal without complicated steps or tons of dishes to clean.
  • Flavor Powerhouse: The combination of garlic, ginger, and that tangy-sweet sauce creates such a robust taste that even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.
  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: Making this dish lets you control the ingredients, skip the extra oil of takeout, and customize spice levels exactly how your family likes them.
  • Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Most of these ingredients are probably already in your kitchen, making this a smart choice when you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dinner solution.

Which Are The Ingredients For Mongolian Chicken

Chicken:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 lb): Slice these into thin strips for quick and even cooking. These tender chicken pieces will soak up the delicious sauce perfectly.
  • Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): This helps create a light, crispy coating on your chicken that holds the sauce beautifully.
  • Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for getting a golden, crispy exterior on your chicken strips.
  • Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a rich, nutty flavor that makes the dish feel authentic and delicious.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (½ cup), Water (¼ cup), Brown Sugar (⅓ cup): These form the base of the sauce, creating a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors.
  • Garlic (3 cloves), Fresh Ginger (1 tablespoon): Freshly minced aromatics that give the sauce its deep, complex flavor profile.
  • Rice Vinegar (1 teaspoon), Hoisin Sauce (1 tablespoon), Red Pepper Flakes (1 teaspoon): Optional additions that can boost the sauce’s tanginess and heat.
Garnish:
  • Green Onions (3), Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon): These final touches add fresh color and a subtle crunch to your finished dish.

Required Kitchen Tools for Mongolian Chicken

  • Large Skillet or Wok: Your go-to pan for stir-frying that gives chicken those perfect golden edges.
  • Cutting Board: A sturdy surface where you’ll slice chicken into neat, even pieces.
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for precise chicken slicing without struggling.
  • Mixing Bowl: Helps coat chicken evenly with cornstarch for that crispy exterior.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and tossing ingredients without scratching your skillet.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures your sauce ingredients are balanced for consistent flavor.
  • Tongs: Great for safely moving and flipping chicken during cooking.
  • Small Prep Bowls: Helpful for organizing sauce ingredients before cooking starts.

Steps for Making Mongolian Chicken

Steps for Making Mongolian Chicken
1

Prepare Chicken Coating

Slice 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons cornstarch over the chicken and toss until every piece gets a light, even coating. Let the chicken sit for 10 minutes while the cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior.

2

Heat the Cooking Surface

Grab a large skillet and pour in 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Warm the pan over medium-high heat until the oil starts to shimmer and looks ready for cooking.

3

Crisp the Chicken

Drop chicken strips into the hot oil in small batches. This prevents overcrowding and ensures each piece gets golden and crisp. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, watching for a beautiful light brown color. Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate.

4

Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Quickly toss in:

  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

Stir these around for about 1 minute until they become fragrant.

5

Create Sauce Mixture

Pour into the skillet:

  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup water
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

Let everything simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.

6

Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the crispy chicken strips to the skillet. Gently toss until each piece gets completely coated with sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

7

Final Touches

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes over the dish for a little kick. Garnish with:

  • 3 sliced green onions
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Helpful Cooking Notes For Mongolian Chicken

  • Ensure your chicken pieces are evenly and thoroughly coated with cornstarch for that perfect crispy exterior that seals in juiciness.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying chicken – cook in batches to get that beautiful golden color and crisp texture on each piece.
  • Let the sauce simmer and reduce just enough to get a glossy, clingy consistency that will beautifully coat your chicken.
  • Taste the sauce before adding chicken and adjust sweetness or saltiness by tweaking brown sugar or soy sauce to match your personal preference.
  • Sprinkle fresh green onions and sesame seeds right before serving to add a burst of color and extra layer of flavor to your dish.

Which Creative Spins Elevate Mongolian Chicken

  • Tofu Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, pressed and cubed, for a vegetarian protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
  • Turkey Version: Swap chicken for ground turkey, adjusting cooking time to ensure meat is fully cooked through.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure hoisin is gluten-free to make the dish safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Double the red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chili peppers for heat lovers who want an extra zesty sauce.

Best Ways To Plate Mongolian Chicken

  • Serving Size: Prepare about 6 ounces of chicken per person, which gives everyone a hearty portion without overwhelming their plate.
  • Perfect Rice Pairing: Serve this chicken over fluffy white jasmine rice to soak up that delicious sauce and add a gentle, soft texture contrast.
  • Veggie Companion: Roast some broccoli or snap peas on the side to add a fresh crunch and balance the rich, savory chicken flavors.
  • Quick Garnish Trick: Sprinkle extra green onions and sesame seeds right before serving to give your plate a fresh, vibrant look that makes the dish feel restaurant-quality.

Best Storage Practices For Mongolian Chicken

  • Refrigerate leftover Mongolian Chicken in an airtight container, keeping the sauce separate from rice to prevent soggy texture.
  • Cool the dish completely before storing, which helps maintain crispiness and prevents bacterial growth in your refrigerator.
  • Consume stored chicken within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture, reheating gently in a skillet to restore some of the original crispness.
  • Freeze portions in sealed freezer bags for up to two months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before warming through carefully to preserve the chicken’s tender quality.

Mongolian Chicken Common FAQs

FAQ

What makes the cornstarch coating so important?

Cornstarch creates a crispy exterior and helps seal in chicken’s moisture, ensuring each bite stays tender and develops a beautiful golden color when frying.

FAQ

Can beef or tofu replace chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Both work perfectly, though cooking times might slightly vary depending on protein thickness and type.

FAQ

How spicy does this dish become with red pepper flakes?

Red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth without overwhelming heat. Start with a small pinch and adjust according to your personal spice preference.

FAQ

What if fresh ginger isn’t available?

Dried ground ginger works as a substitute, though fresh provides a more vibrant, bright flavor. Use about half the amount of ground ginger compared to fresh.

FAQ

Should the chicken be cut into specific sizes?

Slice chicken into uniform, thin pieces around 1/4-inch thick to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.

Print
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Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Mongolian Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 21-25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mongolian Chicken delivers a spicy-sweet punch that will have your taste buds dancing with excitement. Crispy chicken pieces tossed in a tangy sauce make this easy weeknight dinner a total crowd-pleaser.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
  • ¼ cup water

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 green onions
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Slice 1 lb chicken breasts into thin strips and coat thoroughly with 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Allow chicken to rest for 10 minutes to help cornstarch adhere.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet at medium-high heat (375°F). Fry chicken strips in single-layer batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  3. Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate. Keep warm while preparing sauce.
  4. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon sesame oil, then sauté 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated ginger for exactly 1 minute.
  5. Pour ½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup water, and ⅓ cup packed brown sugar into the skillet. Stir in 1 teaspoon rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce.
  6. Simmer sauce at medium heat for 3-5 minutes until it slightly thickens and reduces.
  7. Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat completely with sauce. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes over the dish for optional heat.
  9. Garnish with 3 sliced green onions and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds before serving hot.

Notes

  • Let the chicken rest in cornstarch for exactly 10 minutes to help create a crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
  • Use a hot skillet and cook chicken in small batches to prevent steaming and ensure each piece gets perfectly golden and crisp.
  • Adjust the sauce’s sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar, depending on your preference for balance between savory and sweet.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free certified.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 11-15 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Mary Sue

Mary Sue

Founder & Creative Recipe Developer

Expertise

Comfort Food Twists, Seasonal Cooking, Creative Flavor Pairings, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Flexible Pantry Cooking

Education

Trident Technical College, Culinary Institute of Charleston
  • Program: Culinary Arts Technology, A.A.S.
  • Focus: Built a strong foundation in professional food preparation, cooking, and presentation while also learning the hospitality side of the industry, including quality standards, sanitation, and the real-world pace of working kitchens

Mary Sue is the playful, creative recipe mind behind Mary Sue & Susan, known for big flavor ideas, warm storytelling, and dishes that feel both comforting and a little unexpected. She has a talent for taking familiar meals and giving them just enough personality to make them memorable.

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