Mongolian Chicken Recipe

If you love the savory, sticky delight of takeout but crave something homemade, Mongolian Chicken is about to become your new obsession. This dish is everything you want in a weeknight meal: juicy pieces of chicken stir-fried until golden, tossed with a glossy, sweet-and-savory sauce, and finished with just the right touch of aromatics and heat. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to a solo dinner upgrade, this crowd-pleasing dish is as fast as it is flavor-packed, and I promise you’ll taste the love in every bite of Mongolian Chicken.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Mongolian Chicken lies in its simplicity – each ingredient plays a starring role, from marinating the chicken to building that iconic sauce. Keep these basics on hand and you’ll be ready to whip up a showstopping dinner any time the craving hits!

• Chicken thigh or breast: Go for boneless, skinless chicken for tender bites that soak up all the flavor.
• Cornstarch: Coating the chicken gives it that signature crispy edge once stir-fried.
• Vegetable oil: Neutral oil is best for achieving a gorgeous sear without overpowering other flavors.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds irresistible aroma and depth to the sauce.
• Fresh ginger: Ginger delivers brightness and a subtle zing that keeps the dish lively.
• Low sodium soy sauce: The umami-rich backbone of the Mongolian Chicken sauce.
• Dark brown sugar: Creates that iconic glossy, sweet finish and caramel notes balancing the savory.
• Water: Thins the sauce to just the right consistency so it coats every morsel.
• Red pepper flakes: A pinch wakes up the whole dish, adding gentle heat – adjust to your preference!
• Green onions: Sliced for a fresh pop of color and crunch at the end.
• Sesame seeds: Sprinkle these on top for a nutty touch that makes the presentation pop.

How to Make Mongolian Chicken

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by dicing your chicken into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in a bowl with cornstarch until evenly coated. This quick step is the secret to that mouthwatering crispy exterior and helps the sauce cling beautifully later.

Step 2: Fry Until Crispy

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden and crispy on all sides, making sure not to crowd the pan. You might need to work in batches for even browning. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same pan, pour off any excess oil, then sauté the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Quickly stir in the soy sauce, dark brown sugar, water, and red pepper flakes. Bring it all to a simmer – you’ll see the sauce bloom into a glossy, luscious glaze.

Step 4: Simmer Chicken in the Sauce

Return the crispy chicken to the pan, tossing gently to coat every piece with the sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and envelopes the chicken in shiny, sticky perfection.

Step 5: Add Fresh Finishing Touches

Scatter in your sliced green onions and give everything a final toss. Just before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds for added crunch and a beautiful finishing touch to your Mongolian Chicken.

How to Serve Mongolian Chicken

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a pretty plate! Finish your Mongolian Chicken with extra green onions and a shower of toasted sesame seeds. If you want a dash more heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes or even thinly sliced red chilies adds eye-catching color and bold flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish practically begs for a side of fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all that incredible sauce. For a lighter touch, pair it with simple steamed broccoli, snap peas, or stir-fried baby bok choy to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, serve the Mongolian Chicken over rice in individual bowls, or spoon it into lettuce cups for a hands-on, appetizer-style twist. You can even tuck leftovers into a wrap with crisp veggies for a killer lunch the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Mongolian Chicken into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge—it’ll keep happily for up to 3 days. The flavor deepens overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the Mongolian Chicken cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to lay the pieces flat so they reheat evenly later on.

Reheating

To bring your Mongolian Chicken back to its glossy glory, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. The microwave works too, but the stovetop is best for preserving that delicious texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast will turn out wonderfully tender as long as you avoid overcooking. Thighs offer a little more juiciness, but both options are perfect for Mongolian Chicken.

Is Mongolian Chicken spicy?

The base recipe has a mild, balanced heat thanks to a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance, or skip it entirely for a kid-friendly, milder meal.

Can I make Mongolian Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular soy sauce with a certified gluten-free tamari, and double-check your other sauce ingredients. The dish comes out every bit as delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family.

What vegetables go well in this dish?

Bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or sliced carrots are all fantastic tossed with the chicken and sauce. Add them during the final simmer so they stay crisp-tender and vibrant.

How do I get the sauce thick and shiny?

The cornstarch on the chicken naturally thickens the sauce as it simmers. For extra gloss, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch into the sauce before adding the chicken—just don’t overdo it, or the sauce could turn gloopy!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever felt the urge to ditch takeout and make something special at home, Mongolian Chicken is the dish for you. It’s easy, deeply satisfying, and full of personality—just like the best homemade meals always are. Go ahead and give it a try; I can’t wait for you to experience how rewarding, and addictive, homemade Mongolian Chicken can be!