Mongolian Chicken

This Mongolian Chicken recipe is a delightful stir-fry featuring crispy slices of chicken breast coated in a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, it brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen. With its mouthwatering flavors and simple preparation, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, ginger, and sesame oil creates an irresistible taste that will impress everyone.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it as a filling for tacos; the possibilities are endless!
• Healthier Alternative: Made with lean chicken breast and low sodium soy sauce, this recipe keeps health in mind without sacrificing flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the sweet sauce and crispy textures of this dish.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Mongolian chicken, gather your tools for a smoother cooking experience. Having everything ready will help you keep things organized and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pan
• Resealable plastic bag
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Tongs or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pan: A wide surface allows for even cooking and browning of the chicken.
• Resealable plastic bag: This makes coating the chicken with cornstarch easy and mess-free.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure a balanced flavor in your sauce.

Ingredients

This Mongolian chicken is crispy slices of chicken breast stir fried in a sweet and savory sauce. A restaurant favorite that tastes even better when you make it at home!

Ingredients:
– 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
– 1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons cornstarch (divided use)
– 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon minced ginger
– 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
– 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
– 1/3 cup water
– 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup green onions (cut into 1 inch pieces)
– Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Mongolian Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Place the chicken and 1/4 cup cornstarch in a resealable plastic bag. Shake well to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over high heat until shimmering.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the coated chicken to the pan in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
* If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels.
Add minced garlic and ginger to the same pan. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Then add soy sauce, sesame oil, water, and dark brown sugar. Bring it to a simmer.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Mix the remaining cornstarch (2 teaspoons) with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth.
Add this mixture to the simmering sauce and bring it to a boil. Boil for about 30-60 seconds until thickened.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken back into the pan along with green onions. Toss everything together until well coated with sauce.
Serve hot over rice if desired! Enjoy your homemade Mongolian Chicken!

How to Serve Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

With Steamed Rice

• Serve the Mongolian chicken over fluffy steamed rice for a classic combination. The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce, making each bite delightful.

In a Wrap

• Use lettuce leaves or tortillas to create wraps filled with Mongolian chicken and fresh veggies. This adds a crunchy texture and makes for a fun, portable meal.

Over Noodles

• Place the Mongolian chicken on a bed of cooked noodles, such as soba or rice noodles. The noodles soak up the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor of your dish.

As a Salad

• Toss the Mongolian chicken with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a fresh salad. Drizzle with sesame dressing for added flavor.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair it with stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli. This adds color and nutrition to your plate while complementing the savory chicken.

How to Perfect Mongolian Chicken

To achieve a restaurant-quality Mongolian chicken at home, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients – Using fresh chicken and vegetables enhances the flavor and texture of your dish.
• Use High Heat – Cooking over high heat helps achieve that perfect crispy texture on the chicken.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Adjust Sweetness – Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference for sweetness.
• Prep Ahead – Prepare all ingredients in advance so you can cook quickly without stress.
• Garnish Generously – Adding extra green onions or sesame seeds as garnish elevates both the look and taste of your dish.

Best Side Dishes for Mongolian Chicken

Complement your Mongolian chicken with these tasty side dishes that will round out your meal beautifully.

1. Fried Rice – A flavorful mix of vegetables and rice stir-fried together provides an excellent base for your chicken.
2. Vegetable Spring Rolls – Crispy spring rolls filled with veggies make for a delightful appetizer or side.
3. Garlic Broccoli – Sautéed broccoli tossed in garlic adds a healthy touch to your meal while keeping it vibrant.
4. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with vinegar balances the richness of the chicken.
5. Quinoa Pilaf – A nutty quinoa pilaf can serve as a nutritious alternative to rice, adding texture and flavor.
6. Miso Soup – Light yet flavorful miso soup is an excellent starter that complements Asian dishes well.
7. Pickled Vegetables – Tangy pickles provide a burst of flavor that contrasts nicely with sweet sauces.
8. Steamed Dumplings – Soft dumplings filled with vegetables or meat are perfect for dipping into leftover sauce from your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Mongolian Chicken dish from good to great. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Overcrowding the Pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This can lead to steaming instead of browning, which affects the texture. Cook in batches if necessary.

• Skipping the Cornstarch Coating: Failing to coat the chicken in cornstarch can result in a soggy finish. The cornstarch helps create that desirable crispy texture while frying.

• Neglecting Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. This step enhances the overall flavor, making your dish more enjoyable.

• Underestimating Cooking Time: Each piece of chicken should be cooked until it’s nicely browned, which typically takes 3-4 minutes per side. Rushing this step can lead to undercooked chicken.

• Ignoring Sauce Thickness: If your sauce isn’t thickening, ensure you mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the sauce. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth finish.

• Serving Without Sides: Mongolian Chicken is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles. Don’t skip these sides for a balanced meal!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
• Allow the dish to cool before sealing it in containers.

Freezing Mongolian Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Best if consumed within 2 months.
• Label containers with date for tracking freshness.

Reheating Mongolian Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring occasionally until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Mongolian Chicken, we’ve got answers!

What is Mongolian Chicken?

Mongolian Chicken is a stir-fried dish featuring crispy chicken slices coated in a sweet and savory sauce, often served with rice or noodles.

How do I make Mongolian Chicken spicy?

To add spice to your Mongolian Chicken, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers into the sauce during cooking.

Can I customize the vegetables in my Mongolian Chicken?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is Mongolian Chicken healthy?

With lean chicken breast and the option of adding various vegetables, Mongolian Chicken can be a healthy choice when served over whole grains like brown rice.

Final Thoughts

This Mongolian Chicken recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting sweetness levels. Try it out today and impress your family with this delightful dish!