When the dinner clock is ticking and everyone is ready to eat, I crave something quick yet unforgettable. That’s when I turn to my Easy Mongolian Chicken—a dish that never fails to impress my family. Imagine crispy chunks of chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce that dances on your taste buds. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when fast food isn’t an option, yet you still want to create a feast that feels special.
This Asian-inspired recipe is not only ready in just 30 minutes, but it’s also incredibly versatile! Whether you’re looking to spice things up with shrimp or venture into the world of plant-based eating with tofu, you can easily customize this dish to suit anyone’s palate. Plus, it’s gluten-free and family-friendly! Gather your loved ones and dive into a meal that brings everyone to the table, ready for flavors that will have them asking for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
Why is this Delicious Easy Mongolian Chicken a must-try?
Delicious results in no time: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Family-friendly flavors: Everyone, from kids to adults, will love the sweet and spicy sauce.
Customizable options: Easily swap the chicken for tofu, shrimp, or even veggies like bell peppers for a delightful twist.
Health-conscious: With a gluten-free option available, you can enjoy great taste without the guilt.
Crowd-pleaser: Impress your guests with restaurant-quality cuisine made right at home!
Delicious Easy Mongolian Chicken Ingredients
Elevate your family dinner with these simple ingredients!
For the Chicken
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Main protein ensuring tenderness and juiciness; swap with shrimp or tofu for variety.
• Cornstarch – Essential for achieving that crispy texture; all-purpose flour works as a substitute.
• Canola Oil – Used for frying; consider sesame oil for a nutty twist.
• Salt and Pepper – Amplifies flavor; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
For the Sauce
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth – Acts as a flavorful base; use vegetable broth for a non-meat option.
• Dark Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the spice; light brown sugar is a suitable alternative.
• Cornstarch (for sauce) – Thickens the sauce; ensure it’s well-mixed to avoid lumps.
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce – Provides necessary saltiness while keeping sodium levels in check.
• Water – Adjusts thickness of sauce; add as needed for your desired consistency.
• Garlic (minced) – Infuses aromatic depth; fresh is preferable for the best flavor.
• Ginger (chopped) – Adds warmth and spice; opt for fresh or use ground ginger in a pinch.
• Dried Red Chilies – Introduces heat and a pop of color; red chili flakes can be a milder substitute.
For the Garnish
• Green Onions – Adds freshness and color; it’s optional but enhances presentation.
With these Delicious Easy Mongolian Chicken ingredients in hand, you’re all set to create a stunning meal that your family will savor!
How to Make Delicious Easy Mongolian Chicken
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Coat Chicken: Begin by placing your chicken chunks in a resealable bag with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Shake until they are evenly coated, creating that perfect crispy texture.
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Cook Chicken: Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn crispy and golden brown. Drain the cooked pieces on paper towels.
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Make Sauce: In a measuring cup, whisk together chicken broth, dark brown sugar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and water until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Prepare Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add a drizzle more of oil. Sauté ginger, garlic, and dried red chilies for about 30 seconds until they become aromatic and fragrant.
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Combine: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet, bringing it to a boil. Then, add the fried chicken and stir until every piece is well-coated.
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Garnish & Serve: Finish by topping with chopped green onions and serve this scrumptious dish hot over cooked rice.
Optional: Serve with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a nutritious boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Delicious Easy Mongolian Chicken Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity shine by putting your own twist on this delicious dish!
- Tofu: Swap chicken for firm tofu, marinating it in the sauce before frying for extra flavor.
- Shrimp: For a coastal delight, use shrimp instead of chicken; they will cook in just a few minutes!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari and cornstarch with arrowroot for a completely gluten-free option.
- Vegetarian: Use chickpeas or seitan instead of chicken, ensuring a protein-packed dish that satisfies.
- Spicy Addition: Intensify the heat with fresh jalapeños or sriracha, infusing the dish with fiery flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in colorful bell peppers or crunchy broccoli during the last moments of cooking for extra nutrition.
- Sweet Twist: Experiment by adding hoisin or teriyaki sauce along with the soy sauce for a richer, sweeter taste.
- Quinoa Base: For a lighter variation, serve the chicken over quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
With these variations, your Easy Mongolian Chicken can be reinvented to cater to every family member’s preferences!
Expert Tips for Delicious Easy Mongolian Chicken
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Uniform Pieces: Cut chicken into similar sizes for even cooking and consistent crispiness throughout the dish.
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Don’t Overcrowd: Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain the oil temperature; overcrowding will lead to sogginess instead of crispiness.
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Taste Before Mixing: Adjust the spice level by sampling the sauce before adding all the chilies. This ensures it meets your family’s taste preferences.
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Mix Cornstarch Right: When preparing the sauce, ensure cornstarch is well-mixed to avoid lumps, leading to a smooth and glossy sauce for your Mongolian Chicken.
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Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the green onions—they add a burst of freshness and enhance the dish’s overall presentation!
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Custom Flair: Try substituting chicken with shrimp or tofu for delightful variations, ensuring your family’s meals remain exciting and diverse.
How to Store and Freeze Delicious Easy Mongolian Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover Mongolian chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
Meal Prep: For hassle-free weeknights, coat chicken and prepare sauce components in advance, storing them separately until ready to cook.
What to Serve with Delicious Easy Mongolian Chicken?
Creating a delightful dining experience goes beyond just one dish; it’s about the harmony of flavors and textures on the table.
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Steamed White Rice: A classic pairing, the fluffy rice absorbs the savory sauce perfectly, delivering each mouthful with comfort.
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Stir-Fried Vegetables: Crisp veggies like bell peppers and broccoli add color and nutrition, balancing the richness of the chicken.
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Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side, this cool salad with a tangy dressing complements the spiciness of the chicken nicely.
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Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet and creamy treat offers a delightful contrast, rounding out your meal on a satisfying note.
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Ginger Tea: A warm beverage to sip, ginger tea enhances the overall Asian theme while soothing the palate post-meal.
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Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls with a side of dipping sauce make for a lovely appetizer that pairs beautifully with the main dish.
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Sesame Noodles: These noodles provide a delicious, nutty flavor that harmonizes with the Mongolian Chicken’s sweet and spicy profile.
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Asian Beer: A light lager or pale ale brings out the flavors, while its refreshing qualities perfectly contrast with the warm spices.
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Garlic Bread: Yes, garlic bread! It can surprise you as it soaks up the sauce and offers a comforting twist to the meal.
Enjoy crafting a full meal that brings joy and warmth to your family’s dinner table!
Make Ahead Options
These Delicious Easy Mongolian Chicken components are perfect for meal prep, making busy weeknights less hectic! You can coat the chicken in cornstarch with salt and pepper up to 24 hours in advance to ensure optimal crispiness when fried. Additionally, you can prepare the sauce ingredients (whisking together the broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and water) and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. To maintain the quality, keep the sauce mixture sealed in an airtight container. When ready to serve, simply sauté the garlic, ginger, and chilies, add the refrigerated sauce mixture, and then finish cooking the chicken as directed. This way, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!
Delicious Easy Mongolian Chicken Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness and juiciness. Make sure they look fresh without dark spots or unpleasant odors. If you’re looking for a variation, you can easily substitute with tofu, shrimp, or even seitan for a vegetarian option.
How long can I store the leftovers, and what’s the best method?
Leftover Mongolian chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend cooling it to room temperature before sealing to keep it fresh. As for freezing, place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I freeze the dish, and how should I do it?
Making a batch for later? Absolutely! To freeze, place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label it with the date, and it will stay good for up to 3 months. To enjoy it later, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on medium heat for a delicious meal!
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
No worries, this can happen! If your sauce turns out too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up. Stir it over low heat until you achieve your desired consistency. If the flavor needs a little boost, a dash of soy sauce can help restore its delightful sweetness and umami!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Very! This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting soy sauce with a gluten-free version and replacing cornstarch with arrowroot powder. If you have any allergies, such as to garlic or shrimp, feel free to omit those or substitute with safe alternatives. Always check the ingredient labels to ensure your family’s needs are met!
How can I customize this recipe?
The more the merrier! You can easily swap out chicken for tofu, shrimp, or even add veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for added color and nutrition. Don’t hesitate to experiment with hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile or even mix in some freshly sliced jalapeños if you’re craving extra heat.
Delicious Easy Mongolian Chicken for Family Joyful Dinners
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by placing your chicken chunks in a resealable bag with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Shake until they are evenly coated, creating that perfect crispy texture.
- Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn crispy and golden brown. Drain the cooked pieces on paper towels.
- In a measuring cup, whisk together chicken broth, dark brown sugar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and water until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- In the same skillet, add a drizzle more of oil. Sauté ginger, garlic, and dried red chilies for about 30 seconds until they become aromatic and fragrant.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet, bringing it to a boil. Then, add the fried chicken and stir until every piece is well-coated.
- Finish by topping with chopped green onions and serve this scrumptious dish hot over cooked rice.
