Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken

Crispy fried chicken tossed in a sticky, sweet, savory sauce is the star of this Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes using simple ingredients. With its delicious flavors and convenience, it’s a better-than-takeout option that everyone will love.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Sauce
• For Garnishing
• How to Make Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken
• Step 1: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry
• Step 2: Dice the Chicken
• Step 3: Coat the Chicken
• Step 4: Fry the Chicken
• Step 5: Make the Sauce
• Step 6: Combine and Serve
• How to Serve Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken
• Over Steamed Rice
• With Stir-Fried Vegetables
• Inside Lettuce Wraps
• On Noodles
• As a Salad Topping
• With Sesame Seeds
• How to Perfect Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken
• Reheating Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What ingredients are needed for Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken?
• How long does it take to make Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken?
• Can I customize my Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken?
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
• What should I serve with Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish takes only 25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory taste appeals to all ages, ensuring a meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Better Than Takeout: Enjoy restaurant-quality Mongolian chicken at home without the wait or expense.
• Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever cravings strike.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal or pair it with veggies for added nutrition.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to make the process seamless and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Frying pan
• Wire rack or paper towel-lined plate
• Small bowl
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for tossing chicken with cornstarch, ensuring even coating.
• Frying pan: A sturdy frying pan helps achieve crispy chicken with an even cook.
• Wire rack or paper towel-lined plate: Allows excess oil to drain from the fried chicken for a healthier dish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
• ¼ cup cornstarch (or potato starch, add more if needed)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)

For the Sauce

• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 red chili pepper (sliced (optional))
• 5 slices ginger
• 4 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
• ½ cup water (cold)

For Garnishing

• 1 green onion (finely chopped)
• 1 red chili pepper (sliced)

How to Make Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp of cornstarch with ½ cup cold water until the starch has dissolved. Set aside.

Step 2: Dice the Chicken

Dice the chicken thighs into 1.5-inch cubes. Do not pat the chicken dry; moisture is important for coating.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Transfer the diced chicken to a large mixing bowl. Add cornstarch and toss until evenly coated. Set aside and feel free to add more cornstarch if needed.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches in a single layer until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes total. Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Reserve 2 tsp of oil in the pan, discarding the rest.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Stir-fry ginger, garlic, and red chili for about 10 seconds. Then add hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Mix your cornstarch slurry again before adding it to the pan. Stir to combine and simmer until thickened.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Once thickened, add fried chicken back into the pan and toss well to coat evenly with the sauce. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced red chili and chopped green onions—enjoy your quick & easy Mongolian chicken!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some great serving suggestions to enjoy this delicious recipe.

Over Steamed Rice

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice makes a great base for the sticky sauce, soaking up all the flavors.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pairing this dish with colorful stir-fried vegetables adds crunch and nutrition to your meal.

Inside Lettuce Wraps

• Using lettuce leaves as wraps creates a fun, low-carb option. Just spoon in the chicken and enjoy!

On Noodles

• Serve it over cooked noodles, such as lo mein or rice noodles, for a hearty meal that’s full of flavor.

As a Salad Topping

• Use the chicken as a topping on mixed greens, drizzling extra sauce over for added flavor.

With Sesame Seeds

• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Mongolian chicken, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will elevate the flavor profile significantly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry chicken in batches to ensure it gets crispy without steaming.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the brown sugar according to your taste preference for sweetness.
• Keep an Eye on Sauce Thickness: Simmer until just thickened; you don’t want it too thick.
• Garnish Generously: Fresh green onions and chili not only add color but also enhance the dish’s freshness.
• Experiment with Spice: If you like heat, add more red chili or incorporate chili flakes into the sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken

Serving side dishes alongside your Mongolian chicken can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A classic side that adds nutrition and color; simply steam until vibrant green.
2. Fried Rice: This flavorful option complements the dish perfectly, providing additional texture.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with sliced cucumbers dressed in rice vinegar offers a cool contrast.
4. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls are a delightful appetizer that pairs well with Asian dishes.
5. Miso Soup: Light miso soup brings warmth and umami flavors alongside your main course.
6. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with veggies can add depth to your meal while being healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Skipping the cornstarch coating: Not coating the chicken in cornstarch can lead to soggy pieces. Make sure to toss the chicken until evenly coated.
• Using too much oil: Excess oil can make the dish greasy. Use just enough to fry the chicken and reserve some for stir-frying the sauce.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can dry it out. Fry until golden and crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
• Rushing the sauce thickening: Not allowing enough time for the sauce to thicken will leave it watery. Be patient and simmer until it reaches the right consistency.
• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping green onions or chili for garnish can lessen presentation. Always finish with fresh garnishes to enhance flavor and appearance.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Separate servings with parchment paper for easy defrosting.

Reheating Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed for Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken?

You will need chicken thighs, cornstarch, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, water, and green onions.

How long does it take to make Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken?

This dish is quick! It takes about 25 minutes from prep to table.

Can I customize my Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli or adjust spice levels by adding more chili peppers.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken is perfect for meal prep due to its easy storage options and reheating instructions.

What should I serve with Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken?

Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Steamed vegetables also complement this dish well.

Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. The sweet and savory flavors make it a family favorite while being simple enough for busy weeknights. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or adjust seasoning levels. Give this recipe a try; you’ll find it becomes a staple in your kitchen!