Mongolian Chicken is a crispy and flavorful dish made by stir-frying chicken breast in a sweet and savory sauce. 🐔 This restaurant favorite is even better when made at home! The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and a hint of garlic and ginger makes this dish absolutely irresistible. It’s easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight, and can be served with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Mongolian cuisine from your own kitchen! 🌿

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup + 2 teaspoons cornstarch, divided

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic

• 1 teaspoon minced ginger

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• ⅓ cup water

• ½ cup dark brown sugar

• ½ cup green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Place the sliced chicken and ¼ cup cornstarch into a resealable plastic bag. Shake the bag to coat the chicken evenly.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over high heat. Add the chicken to the pan in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.

   • Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

   • Add soy sauce, sesame oil, water, and brown sugar to the pan and bring to a simmer.

   • Mix the remaining 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir into the sauce. Bring to a boil and cook for 30-60 seconds until thickened.

4. Finish the Dish:

   • Add the chicken and green onions to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the Mongolian chicken over steamed rice or cauliflower rice, and enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: 452 kcal per serving

• Carbohydrates: 46g

• Protein: 32g

• Fat: 15g

• Saturated Fat: 9g

• Cholesterol: 90mg

• Sodium: 739mg

• Potassium: 652mg

• Sugar: 27g

• Vitamin A: 165IU

• Vitamin C: 4mg

• Calcium: 44mg

• Iron: 1.6mg

Why Choose Mongolian Chicken for Your Dinner?

The beauty of Mongolian Chicken lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s an ideal dish for anyone who loves flavorful, quick-cooking meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. The chicken is cooked until crispy on the outside but juicy and tender on the inside, creating a perfect texture contrast. The sauce, rich with the umami of soy sauce and the sweet kick of brown sugar, complements the chicken beautifully, making each bite irresistible.

This dish can easily be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and can be paired with rice or cauliflower rice for a more low-carb option. The rich flavors of the sauce combined with the freshness of green onions make it a delightful meal that feels gourmet but is quick enough to make on a busy weekday evening.

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory

Mongolian Chicken is defined by its sauce, which strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The soy sauce provides a deep, salty umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of brown sugar. The addition of toasted sesame oil gives the dish a warm, nutty undertone, while the garlic and ginger add a fragrant, aromatic layer that rounds out the flavor profile.

The richness of the sauce is thickened with cornstarch, ensuring that it clings to the chicken in a satisfying way without being too runny. When the sauce is simmered to perfection, it becomes glossy and velvety, giving the dish its signature mouthwatering appeal. Every bite of Mongolian Chicken offers a delightful contrast between the crispy chicken and the thick, flavorful sauce.

How to Make Mongolian Chicken

The preparation of Mongolian Chicken is straightforward and doesn’t require any special culinary skills. First, the chicken breast is sliced thinly and coated in cornstarch, which helps to create a crispy exterior when fried. This step ensures that the chicken has a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat inside.

Next, the chicken is stir-fried in vegetable oil, getting a nice brown on both sides. This process only takes a few minutes, making the dish a great option for a quick meal. Once the chicken is cooked, it’s set aside to rest while the sauce is prepared in the same pan. The garlic and ginger are cooked briefly, releasing their flavors into the hot oil, before the soy sauce, sesame oil, water, and brown sugar are added to create the sauce.

To thicken the sauce, a mixture of cornstarch and water is added. This step ensures that the sauce will cling to the chicken, creating a rich, glossy finish. After a quick simmer, the chicken and green onions are added to the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Finally, the dish is served over steamed rice or cauliflower rice, making for a satisfying and complete meal. The crispy chicken and flavorful sauce are the stars of the dish, while the rice provides a simple and complementary base.

The Health Benefits of Mongolian Chicken

While Mongolian Chicken is certainly indulgent, it also offers a good amount of protein from the chicken breast, which is an excellent source of lean protein. The dish contains a decent amount of potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy muscle function, and it also provides a modest amount of iron. For those mindful of their carbohydrate intake, Mongolian Chicken can easily be paired with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, making it a low-carb alternative.

The recipe can be customized to suit specific dietary needs. For example, you could reduce the sugar content if you’re aiming for a lighter version. Additionally, substituting the vegetable oil with a healthier option, such as olive oil or avocado oil, can make the dish a bit more heart-healthy. If you want to add some vegetables for extra nutrition, you can easily stir in bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli, which will also absorb the delicious sauce.

Pairing Mongolian Chicken with Sides

Mongolian Chicken can be served with a variety of sides, depending on your preferences and dietary goals. For a traditional pairing, steamed rice is an excellent choice. The rice will soak up the savory sauce, balancing the rich flavor of the chicken. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works wonderfully. It has a similar texture to regular rice and acts as a perfect vehicle for the sauce without adding too many carbs.

If you’re looking to round out the meal with vegetables, consider sautéing some bok choy, snow peas, or bell peppers. These vegetables will complement the dish’s savory profile and add a touch of freshness. Alternatively, a simple side of steamed broccoli or a mixed green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

The Versatility of Mongolian Chicken

One of the best things about Mongolian Chicken is its versatility. While the recipe as written is absolutely delicious, it can be easily adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. For a spicier version, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of ginger or opt for a sweeter sauce by adding a little more brown sugar.

Mongolian Chicken is also a great base for experimenting with different proteins. While chicken breast is the traditional choice, you can substitute it with boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option. Alternatively, shrimp, beef, or even tofu can be used in place of chicken for different flavor experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mongolian Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that will transport you to the heart of Mongolian cuisine from the comfort of your own kitchen. The crispy chicken, combined with a sweet and savory sauce, creates a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or serving it at a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. With its balance of flavors, versatility, and quick preparation time, Mongolian Chicken is a fantastic meal that everyone will love. Give it a try, and enjoy the incredible taste of this restaurant-quality dish right at home!