Name: Easy Mongolian Chicken: Sweet, Savory, Spicy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/2 cup green onions, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this unforgettable Mongolian Chicken recipe. A Flavorful Delight Awaits! This dish embodies everything you love about takeout classic—crispy chicken, a rich garlicky sauce, and just the right hint of sweetness and spice. It’s surprisingly simple to whip up in your own kitchen. Whether you’re trying it for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, Mongolian Chicken will quickly become a go-to favorite in your repertoire.

A Flavorful Delight Awaits! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Mongolian Chicken lies in its uncomplicated yet essential list of ingredients. Each one contributes a unique touch, whether it’s a kick of heat, a pop of color, or savory depth. Pull these together and you’re well on your way to sharing the joy of A Flavorful Delight Awaits!

Chicken thighs: Go for boneless, skinless thighs—they stay juicy and soak up flavor beautifully.
Cornstarch: Don’t skip this! It’s the secret to that irresistibly crispy, golden coating.
Vegetable oil: Pick a neutral oil for frying; it lets the chicken’s flavor shine.
Green onions: These vibrant rings add color and crunch, brightening every bite.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic turns up the aroma and adds depth to your sauce.
Fresh ginger: Zesty, fragrant ginger is the backbone of this dish’s signature flavor.
Soy sauce: Choose a good-quality soy sauce for savory richness in every mouthful.
Brown sugar: This brings balance, offsetting the saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
Rice vinegar: A splash lifts the sauce, lending gentle tang to the final flavor profile.
Sesame oil: Just a drizzle rounds out the sauce with nutty aroma.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Like it spicy? Add these for a welcome kick and warmth.

How to Make Easy Mongolian Chicken: Sweet, Savory, Spicy

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Start by slicing your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into inviting, bite-sized pieces. This step isn’t just for convenience—it ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, delivering a perfect crispy texture. Give the chicken a tumble in a generous dusting of cornstarch, making sure every piece is coated. The cornstarch will form the golden, crunchy shell that makes Mongolian Chicken such a pleasure. Don’t rush this process! A thorough coating is your first promise that A Flavorful Delight Awaits!

Step 2: Marinating the Chicken

This step is the little extra that takes your dish from good to outstanding. Allow the coated chicken to rest for 15 to 30 minutes; it lets the cornstarch settle and stick, leading to extra crunch when it hits the skillet. For those who crave even more depth, a splash of soy sauce added during this quick rest works wonders. You’re building layers of texture and flavor before you even turn on the heat—because A Flavorful Delight Awaits!

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

Get your skillet piping hot and pour in the vegetable oil. Fry the chicken in batches if needed, making sure not to crowd the pan. This is key for a crispy finish—not a soggy bite in sight! Let each piece become golden and cooked through, turning occasionally with tongs or a spatula. The aroma alone will have people drifting into the kitchen, wondering what A Flavorful Delight Awaits!

Step 4: Making the Sauce

Don’t rinse that skillet! Instead, toss in your green onions, freshly minced garlic, and ginger. Sauté them for just a couple of minutes to release their fragrance—your kitchen will smell absolutely divine. In a separate bowl, blend together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce into the skillet and let it bubble gently. The flavors come together in seconds, promising you that A Flavorful Delight Awaits!

Step 5: Combining Ingredients

Slide your golden chicken back into the pan, tossing everything so the pieces are enveloped in glossy sauce. Let it simmer together for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to every piece. This is where magic happens—the chicken soaks up all that sweet, savory, garlicky goodness. Take a deep breath, and get ready to serve, knowing that A Flavorful Delight Awaits!

How to Serve Easy Mongolian Chicken: Sweet, Savory, Spicy

Garnishes

Sprinkle Mongolian Chicken with extra chopped green onions for a pop of fresh color and contrasting crunch. Toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra sesame oil over the top will enhance the nutty undertones. If you want to turn up the heat, a dusting of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili crisp on the side is always welcome—after all, A Flavorful Delight Awaits!

Side Dishes

The classic companion is a fluffy bowl of steamed white rice, perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce. For a lighter touch, try serving with jasmine rice or cauliflower rice. Stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy are ideal for bringing a fresh, green balance to your meal. With these sides, A Flavorful Delight Awaits every time you sit down at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not wow your guests by serving Mongolian Chicken in lettuce cups for a handheld treat? It’s also excellent tucked into a warm bao bun or thrown over a salad of mixed greens. For family-style gatherings, pile high onto a platter and surround with bright veggies or shaved carrots. However you present it, rest assured that A Flavorful Delight Awaits in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Mongolian Chicken to an airtight container and pop it into the fridge as soon as it cools. It will keep well for up to three days, which is perfect for quick lunches or tomorrow’s dinner. Just remember, the sauce may thicken or set a bit overnight, but that makes it even tastier the next day—a true testament to how well A Flavorful Delight Awaits!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Mongolian Chicken! Simply let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe bags or containers. This dish holds up for up to two months in the freezer, making it a smart meal prep option. When you crave a quick dinner, just thaw overnight—and A Flavorful Delight Awaits whenever you’re ready.

Reheating

For the best taste and texture, reheat your chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. A splash of water or chicken broth helps loosen the sauce and restores its glossy shine. You can use the microwave for speed, but the stovetop method brings back that coveted crispy edge. However you choose to reheat, know that A Flavorful Delight Awaits again and again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs offer juiciness and rich flavor, chicken breast works just as well if you prefer a leaner cut. Just keep a close eye on cook time to make sure the chicken stays tender and doesn’t dry out.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Mongolian Chicken can easily be made gluten-free by swapping traditional soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check your cornstarch and other condiments to ensure they meet gluten-free standards.

How can I make this dish healthier?

For a lighter version, use less oil for pan-frying or opt for air frying the chicken pieces instead. You can also reduce the sugar in the sauce or add extra vegetables to stretch the dish’s nutrition—A Flavorful Delight Awaits in every variation!

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Mongolian Chicken is delicious with extras like bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots added to the skillet when you sauté the aromatics. Not only do they bring beautiful color, but they also add crunch and nutrition.

What’s the best way to reheat Mongolian Chicken?

Warm it gently in a skillet with a little water to loosen the sauce, or cover and microwave in short bursts until heated through. Heating slowly helps keep the chicken moist and prevents the sauce from over-reducing.

Final Thoughts

No matter your experience in the kitchen, this Mongolian Chicken is proof that A Flavorful Delight Awaits, every time you step up to the stove. Gather your ingredients, turn on some music, and treat yourself or loved ones to a dinner that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and joy. Go ahead—your new favorite meal is just a few simple steps away!

Easy Mongolian Chicken: Sweet, Savory, Spicy

★★★★★

5.1 from 28 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make a flavorful Mongolian Chicken recipe that will delight your taste buds with its perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken: Cut chicken into pieces, coat with cornstarch.
Marinating the Chicken: Optionally marinate chicken with soy sauce for 15-30 minutes.
Cooking the Chicken: Fry coated chicken in oil until golden brown.
Making the Sauce: Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger. Mix soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper. Simmer sauce.
Combining Ingredients: Add chicken to sauce, cook until coated and thickened.