Mongolian Chicken is a dish full of flavor, texture, and warmth. It combines tender, crispy chicken with a savory-sweet sauce that is both easy to make and satisfying to eat. Perfect for a family dinner or a weeknight treat, this dish brings a taste of Chinese cuisine to your home in just 25 minutes.
In this article, we will explore the key ingredients, step-by-step directions, and some frequently asked questions to help you make the perfect Mongolian Chicken. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive in!
The Perfect Mongolian Chicken: A Step-By-Step Guide
What is Mongolian Chicken?
Mongolian Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its sweet, salty, and savory flavors. It typically involves boneless chicken that is stir-fried and then tossed in a sauce made of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and optional chili flakes for a little heat. The crispy chicken is glazed in the sauce, making it rich, sticky, and absolutely delicious. While it’s a great dish to make on its own, it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.
This recipe offers an easy way to recreate the dish in your own kitchen, with straightforward ingredients and a quick cooking time.
Ingredients for Mongolian Chicken
For this recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Each one plays an important role in building the rich, flavorful sauce that makes Mongolian Chicken so irresistible. Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thinly: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. Slicing them thinly helps them cook quickly and evenly, while still staying tender.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: This will help coat the chicken, giving it that crispy texture when fried.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: Used for frying the chicken, vegetable oil has a neutral flavor and can withstand high heat.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic provides a fragrant and savory foundation for the sauce.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium): Soy sauce is the base of the sauce, adding a savory umami flavor. Using low sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: The brown sugar balances out the salty soy sauce, giving the sauce its signature sweetness.
- 1/4 cup water: Water is used to help thin the sauce slightly, making it perfect for coating the chicken.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated: Ginger adds a spicy, aromatic kick to the dish, making it more complex and flavorful.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat, add red pepper flakes. This is optional, depending on your preference.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): These add freshness and a pop of color to the finished dish.
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving): Rice or noodles serve as the perfect base to soak up the savory sauce.
Directions and Preparation Method
This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight. Follow these simple steps for a delicious homemade Mongolian Chicken.
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts thinly. This helps ensure the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, and it also allows the sauce to cling to every piece. Next, coat the sliced chicken in cornstarch. Make sure to shake off any excess cornstarch to avoid clumping. The cornstarch will create a crispy crust when the chicken is fried.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent the chicken from getting crispy. Cook each batch for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden and crispy. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds. You’ll start to smell the aromatic flavors as they cook. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Now it’s time to make the sauce. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. Let the chicken simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further and the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve the Mongolian Chicken over cooked rice or noodles to soak up the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can! Chicken thighs have more fat, which can make them even juicier and more flavorful. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as chicken thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While this dish is best served fresh to maintain the crispiness of the chicken, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to cook, simply heat the sauce and fry the chicken.
3. How can I make Mongolian Chicken spicier? To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add fresh sliced chili peppers for an extra kick.
4. Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar? Yes, you can use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar as alternatives. Keep in mind that these sweeteners may alter the flavor slightly, but they will still provide the necessary sweetness for the sauce.
5. Can I use gluten-free soy sauce? Absolutely! If you’re gluten-sensitive or following a gluten-free diet, simply swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free variety. Tamari is a great gluten-free option that will work well in this recipe.
Conclusion
Mongolian Chicken is a quick, easy, and delicious dish that combines crispy chicken with a flavorful, savory-sweet sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and a 25-minute cooking time, you can enjoy a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it over rice or noodles, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
The beauty of Mongolian Chicken lies in its versatility—you can adjust the sweetness, spiciness, and texture to suit your taste. Whether you prefer it mild or with a bit of heat, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this popular dish in the comfort of your home!