Mongolian Chicken: Incredible 20-Min Recipe

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Mongolian Chicken has been my go-to weeknight meal for years, ever since I discovered how incredibly simple it is to whip up at home. I still remember the first time I tried to recreate that irresistible sweet and savory glaze from my favorite takeout spot; it felt like magic when it came together perfectly in my own kitchen! The aroma of garlic, ginger, and that tangy sauce filling my house is always a welcome invitation for dinner. This recipe is truly an easy Mongolian chicken dish that anyone can master. If you’ve ever wondered how to make Mongolian chicken that tastes just like the restaurant, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Chicken

This easy Mongolian chicken recipe is a winner for so many reasons! Get ready to add a new favorite to your rotation:

Incredible Flavor: It boasts that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that makes Mongolian chicken so addictive.
Super Quick Prep: With only 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights.
Healthy & Gluten-Free: Using tamari and lean chicken makes this a lighter option, fitting perfectly into a healthy lifestyle.
Budget-Friendly: You get restaurant-quality taste without the hefty takeout price tag, making it incredibly budget-friendly.
Family Favorite: The crowd-pleasing flavors are sure to be a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.
Effortless Cooking: This truly is an easy Mongolian chicken meal that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction.
Versatile Serving: Enjoy it over rice, with noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.

Ingredients for Mongolian Chicken

Gathering these Mongolian chicken ingredients is the first step to creating this amazing dish. You’ll find that each component plays a crucial role in achieving that signature sweet and savory flavor profile:

1 tablespoon Canola Oil – for getting that perfect sear on the chicken
1 pound Chicken Tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces – I prefer tenders for their tenderness, but thighs work too!
Salt, to taste – just a pinch to enhance the chicken’s flavor
Pepper, to taste – freshly ground black pepper adds a nice bite
1 tablespoon Cornstarch – this is key for a light, crispy coating on the chicken and for thickening the sauce
3 cloves Garlic, minced – fresh garlic is non-negotiable for that pungent kick
1 tablespoon Fresh Grated Ginger – ginger adds a warm, zesty zing
1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes or Asian Chili Oil – adjust this to your heat preference for a spicy kick
1/2 cup Water – the base of our delicious sauce
1/4 cup Reduced-Sodium Tamari Sauce (or Soy Sauce) – tamari keeps it gluten-free, but soy sauce is great too!
2 tablespoons Brown Sugar – for that essential touch of sweetness
1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar – adds a pleasant tanginess to balance the flavors
2 stalks Scallions (Green Onions), sliced – for a pop of freshness and color right at the end

How to Make Mongolian Chicken

Ready to create restaurant-quality Mongolian chicken right in your own kitchen? This Mongolian chicken stir fry comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious meal!

Step 1: Prepare the chicken. Cut 1 pound of chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt and pepper, then toss them in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until they’re evenly coated. This cornstarch coating is what helps achieve that perfectly slightly crispy exterior.
Step 2: Sear the chicken. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of canola oil in a large sauté pan or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering hot before adding the chicken. Cook the chicken pieces in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear! Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Build the sauce. In the same pan (no need to clean it!), add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for just 15-30 seconds until they become wonderfully fragrant – be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 4: Simmer the sauce. Pour in 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup tamari sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. This is where that classic sweet, savory, and tangy flavor starts to develop.
Step 5: Thicken the sauce (optional but recommended!). For a thicker, more authentic Mongolian chicken sauce, prepare a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth. Whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened nicely. This step really elevates your Mongolian chicken stir fry.
Step 6: Combine and serve. Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the thickened sauce. Toss everything gently to ensure the chicken is coated beautifully. Stir in the sliced scallions right at the end for a burst of fresh flavor and a nice crunch.
Step 7: Enjoy your delicious homemade Mongolian chicken! Serve immediately over fluffy steamed jasmine rice or in crisp lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

Pro Tips for the Best Mongolian Chicken

Want to elevate your Mongolian chicken game? These simple tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality results every time you make this easy Mongolian chicken dish.

Get Your Pan Hot: For that signature slightly crispy texture on the chicken, make sure your oil is shimmering hot before adding the pieces. This prevents them from steaming and getting soggy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures each piece gets properly seared and golden brown. Overcrowding leads to steaming, which is the enemy of crispy chicken!
Taste and Adjust: The beauty of this homemade Mongolian chicken is its customizability. Taste the sauce before thickening and adjust sweetness, tanginess, or spice to your liking.
Fresh Ginger is Key: While ground ginger can work in a pinch, using fresh grated ginger makes a world of difference in the vibrant flavor of your Mongolian chicken sauce.

What’s the secret to perfect Mongolian chicken?

The secret to truly perfect Mongolian chicken lies in the sauce’s balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, plus achieving that slightly crispy coating on the chicken. Using cornstarch for both the chicken coating and to thicken the sauce is crucial for that authentic texture. For more tips on Asian cooking, check out these Asian cooking tips.

Can I make Mongolian chicken ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some components ahead. You can cut the chicken and mix the sauce ingredients separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat the sauce and then add the cooked chicken.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Mongolian chicken?

A common mistake is overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken, leading to steamed rather than seared pieces. Another pitfall is burning the garlic and ginger; sauté them briefly until fragrant. Lastly, ensure your sauce is thickened properly for that classic glaze. Learn more about proper stir-frying techniques from stir-fry techniques.

Best Ways to Serve Mongolian Chicken

This versatile Mongolian chicken dish is fantastic served in so many ways! For a classic and truly satisfying experience, spoon this savory Mongolian chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine rice. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce, making every bite perfect. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try serving it in crisp lettuce wraps, like butter or iceberg lettuce cups. For a complete meal, pair your Mongolian chicken stir fry with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. You could even serve it alongside some simple egg drop soup for a truly authentic Asian-inspired meal. Discover more Asian recipes here.

Nutrition Facts for Mongolian Chicken

Here are the approximate nutritional values for one serving of this delicious Mongolian chicken recipe:

Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 500mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Homemade Mongolian Chicken

Enjoying this delicious Mongolian chicken doesn’t have to end after the first meal! Proper storage will keep your leftovers tasting great. Once your Mongolian chicken stir fry has cooled down slightly, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and prevents any unwanted odors from transferring. You can store your homemade Mongolian chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, it freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, the best method is to gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir halfway for even heating. This ensures your leftovers are just as tasty as the first time! For more storage tips, see food storage advice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mongolian Chicken

What is Mongolian chicken?

Mongolian chicken is a popular Chinese-American stir-fry dish known for its distinctive sweet, savory, and slightly tangy sauce. It typically features tender pieces of chicken stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and often scallions. The sauce is usually thickened with cornstarch, giving it a glossy finish. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that’s a staple in many Chinese restaurants.

Why is Mongolian chicken popular?

The popularity of Mongolian chicken stems from its incredibly addictive flavor profile – that perfect blend of sweet and savory is universally appealing. It’s also relatively quick and easy to make at home, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option. Plus, the combination of tender chicken and a rich, glossy sauce is incredibly satisfying and reminiscent of restaurant favorites, which explains why it’s a go-to for so many people looking for a delicious and comforting meal. Explore more popular recipes.

Can I make Mongolian chicken with different proteins?

Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, this sauce works wonderfully with other proteins. You can easily substitute beef (like flank steak or sirloin) or pork for a delicious variation. For a vegetarian or vegan option, firm tofu, tempeh, or even hearty vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers can be used. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly for your chosen protein or vegetable.

Is Mongolian chicken spicy?

Traditionally, Mongolian chicken isn’t inherently spicy, though it can have a subtle warmth from ginger and sometimes a hint of chili. The primary flavors are sweet and savory. However, you can easily customize the heat level by increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or chili oil used in the sauce. This recipe lets you control the spice, so you can make it as mild or as fiery as you like! Learn about controlling spice levels in cooking from spice level tips.

Variations of Mongolian Chicken You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered this classic recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative with your Mongolian chicken! There are so many delicious ways to switch things up. For those who love a bit of heat, try making a spicy Mongolian chicken by increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a dash of sriracha to the sauce. If you have a sweeter tooth, you can easily create a sweet Mongolian chicken by adding an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or a touch of honey to the sauce. For a healthier twist, consider using turkey or even thinly sliced flank steak instead of chicken. You could also try a baked version instead of a stir-fry for a different texture, or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.