There’s nothing quite like the enticing aroma of soy sauce and ginger mingling in the kitchen – it has the power to transport me straight to my favorite takeout spot without ever leaving home. When I found myself craving this comforting flavor, I knew it was time to bring a little Mongolian magic into my weeknight meals. As I sifted through my pantry, I discovered I had all the essentials – boneless chicken, fresh veggies, and those beloved Asian flavors just waiting to be stirred into a vibrant dish.
This Mongolian Chicken stir fry has quickly become a household favorite, transforming regular dinners into something extraordinary. It’s not just quick to whip up; it boasts a sweet-savory glaze that envelopes tender pieces of chicken, creating an explosion of flavor with each bite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a delicious homemade meal, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will keep everyone coming back for more. Let’s dive in and create a delightful dish that banishes the boredom of fast food once and for all!
Why is Mongolian Chicken a must-try?
Flavor Explosion: Each bite is a burst of sweet-savory goodness, drenching tender chicken in a luscious glaze.
Quick and Easy: Whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile Dish: Pair with rice, noodles, or your favorite veggies for a personalized touch.
Family Favorite: This recipe promises to entice everyone at the dinner table, even the picky eaters!
Healthy Option: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a nutritious alternative to takeout.
Mongolian Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless skinless chicken breast – make sure to slice it thinly for quick cooking and tenderness.
• Cornstarch – this creates a light coating that helps the chicken achieve that delightful crispy texture.
For the Sauce
• Vegetable oil – use for frying to give the chicken a nice golden color.
• Minced garlic – adds a fragrant and aromatic base to enhance the flavors in your Mongolian Chicken.
• Minced ginger – it provides a zesty kick that perfectly balances the sweetness.
• Toasted sesame oil – just a small amount adds depth and a rich nuttiness to the dish.
• Low sodium soy sauce – provides the saltiness while allowing room for the other flavors to shine.
• Water – this helps to whisk together the sauce smoothly.
• Dark brown sugar – it sweetens the sauce, giving that classic Mongolian Chicken taste.
For the Garnish
• Green onions – their fresh crunch and mild flavor brighten up the dish beautifully.
• Salt and pepper – add as needed to enhance the overall flavor of your Mongolian Chicken.
How to Make Mongolian Chicken
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Slice the chicken: Begin by thinly slicing 1 1/4 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breast. This not only quickens the cooking process but also ensures tenderness in every bite.
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Coat the chicken: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup of cornstarch with the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Let this sit for a moment while the oil heats; it’s a game-changer for the crispy texture!
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Heat the oil: In a large pan, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering. This will create the perfect environment for browning your chicken beautifully.
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Sauté the aromatics: Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger to the heated oil. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant and golden, filling your kitchen with irresistible scents.
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Cook the chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken to the pan. Cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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Whisk the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1/2 cup of low sodium soy sauce, 1/3 cup of water, 1/2 cup of dark brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil until smooth and well combined.
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Combine the sauce and chicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the pan, stirring well to coat all the pieces evenly. Allow it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Add the green onions: Toss in 1/2 cup of cut green onions and let everything cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. The greens add a fresh crunch that’s simply delightful.
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Season to taste: Finally, season your dish with salt and pepper as needed. Taste and adjust for a balanced flavor, making sure every bite is extraordinary!
Optional: Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Mongolian Chicken?
There’s nothing like a colorful table setting filled with vibrant sides to enhance your homemade culinary adventure.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fragrant rice absorbs the sweet-savory sauce perfectly, creating a delightful harmony with the chicken.
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Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls: These crunchy delights add a fresh texture and flavor contrast that complement the richness of the Mongolian Chicken.
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Stir-Fried Broccoli: A touch of green keeps the meal balanced, plus the slight crunch adds freshness to each savory bite.
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Garlic Noodles: Tossed with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, they provide a deliciously chewy contrast that elevates your stir fry experience.
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Asian Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and cool, this salad’s crispness cuts through the richness of the dish, balancing out each mouthful.
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Mango Sticky Rice: Finish off your meal on a sweet note, as the coconut and mango flavors perfectly harmonize with the dish’s bold profile.
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Chilled Green Tea: This light beverage refreshes while enhancing the flavors, making it an ideal pairing with your hearty Mongolian Chicken.
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Fruit Sorbet: A light and refreshing dessert option, the fruit sorbet cleanses the palate after the savory intensity, providing a sweet conclusion.
How to Store and Freeze Mongolian Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover Mongolian Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making each reheat even more delicious.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Mongolian Chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before freezing to preserve its texture.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to maintain moisture, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Airtight Storage: Always use airtight containers to prevent freezer burn and retain the succulent flavor of your Mongolian Chicken during storage.
Expert Tips for Mongolian Chicken
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Cut Chicken Thinly: Ensure your chicken is sliced thinly for quick cooking and maximum tenderness. A sharp knife makes all the difference!
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Cornstarch Coating: Don’t skip the cornstarch coating; it’s essential for that crispy texture. Let the coated chicken rest a bit before cooking to help it adhere.
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Watch Your Heat: Maintain medium heat to prevent burning the garlic and ginger. High heat might brown them too quickly, resulting in bitterness.
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Sauce Consistency: Make sure to whisk the sauce ingredients until smooth. A well-mixed sauce ensures the flavors meld perfectly in your Mongolian Chicken.
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Garnish for Freshness: Green onions aren’t just for looks; they add a wonderful crunch. Add them just before serving to keep their color vibrant and flavor fresh.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Mongolian Chicken stir fry components are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time during hectic weeknights! You can coat the sliced chicken with cornstarch and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking to maintain that crispy texture. Additionally, you can whisk together the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil) and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy your Mongolian Chicken, simply sauté the aromatics and chicken as directed, pour in the prepared sauce, and cook until everything is heated through. This way, your delicious homemade meal will be just as satisfying as takeout, with minimal effort!
Mongolian Chicken Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own with delicious variations that enhance flavor and accommodate your preferences!
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce for some heat. Spice lovers will relish this zesty twist!
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with cubed firm tofu; the sauce will infuse the tofu with savory goodness, making it just as delightful.
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Veggie Boost: Include bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and vibrant color. Stir-frying these veggies enhances the dish while bringing freshness to each bite.
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Pineapple Twist: Toss in pineapple chunks during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet, tropical flair that balances the savory sauce beautifully.
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Brown Sugar Substitute: Use honey or maple syrup instead of dark brown sugar for a different sweetness. These options add unique flavor notes to the dish.
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Whole Grain Alternative: Swap out the soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free—perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
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Citrus Zest: A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving adds a zingy brightness that complements the sweetness perfectly.
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Herbaceous Flavor: Stir in fresh basil or cilantro just before serving for a burst of fresh herbal aroma. It elevates the dish to a new level of enjoyment!
Mongolian Chicken Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to select chicken for Mongolian Chicken?
Absolutely! When selecting chicken, look for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are bright pink without any dark spots. The pieces should be firm to the touch. Thinly slicing the chicken not only helps with quicker cooking time but also ensures tenderness throughout the dish.
How should I store leftover Mongolian Chicken?
After enjoying your delicious meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld even more, so each time you reheat, you’re in for a treat!
Can I freeze Mongolian Chicken?
Very! To freeze Mongolian Chicken, let it cool completely and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. For best results, divide it into meal-sized portions, making it easier to thaw only what you need.
What’s the best method to reheat Mongolian Chicken?
To reheat, transfer the frozen Mongolian Chicken to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to maintain moisture and ensure it stays juicy and flavorful.
Are there any common troubleshooting tips for this recipe?
If you find the sauce isn’t thickening properly, make sure to whisk the cornstarch and liquid ingredients well before adding them to the pan. If the flavors are off, seasoning with salt and pepper can really enhance the overall dish. Also, if the chicken doesn’t seem crispy, ensure you’re not overcrowding the pan, as this will trap steam.
Is Mongolian Chicken safe for pets or allergy-conscious individuals?
It’s best to keep Mongolian Chicken away from pets, especially due to the soy sauce and seasonings, which may not be good for them. For those with allergies, always double-check ingredient labels, especially for soy sauce and vegetable oils, as these can contain allergens.
Savory Mongolian Chicken Stir Fry for Quick Comfort Food
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Thinly slice the chicken breast.
- Mix cornstarch with chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté minced garlic and ginger in heated oil for 1 minute.
- Add coated chicken to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Whisk together sauce ingredients in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Pour sauce over chicken, stir well, and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Add green onions and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.