The rich flavors of this Mongolian Chicken come together with a crispy golden exterior and a sauce that perfectly balances sweetness, umami, and a touch of heat. It’s an ideal weeknight dish that’s simple to make yet delivers restaurant-level taste.
Whether you’re craving classic takeout or looking for something flavorful that you can cook in under 30 minutes, this dish has you covered. Pair it with steamed rice, sautéed veggies, or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal your whole family will enjoy.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
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¼ cup cornstarch
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup rice vinegar
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½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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¼ cup brown sugar
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (for slurry)
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 green onions, sliced
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large resealable bag, combine chicken strips and ¼ cup cornstarch. Seal and shake to coat evenly.
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Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches, cooking until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add sesame oil. Sauté ginger and garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Stir in rice vinegar, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer.
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In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Add to the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
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Return chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add red pepper flakes if using.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 376 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Mongolian Chicken
Mongolian Chicken is one of those dishes that effortlessly bridges the gap between restaurant-style indulgence and home-cooked comfort. Known for its balance of sweet and savory flavors, crispy chicken texture, and rich, glossy sauce, this dish has become a staple for those who love Asian-inspired cuisine. While many people are more familiar with Mongolian Beef, the chicken variation offers a lighter alternative with all the same flavorful components.
This recipe is quick to prepare, taking around 30 minutes from start to finish, which makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week. It’s customizable, crowd-pleasing, and gives you full control over the ingredients, which is especially important if you’re trying to cut back on sodium or added sugars.
The Origins and Evolution of Mongolian Chicken
Despite its name, Mongolian Chicken doesn’t originate from Mongolia. The dish is actually rooted in American-Chinese cuisine and was popularized in Chinese restaurants in the United States. It’s an adaptation of the more well-known Mongolian Beef, thought to have originated from Taiwanese barbecue restaurants. These establishments created a style of cooking with a sweet soy glaze that mimicked the flavors of traditional stir-fry dishes but catered to Western palates.
Over time, the concept was adapted further by using chicken instead of beef, which not only reduced cooking time but also created a lighter, more approachable version of the dish. It quickly became popular across North America and has since inspired countless variations in home kitchens and restaurants alike.
Flavor Profile and Why It Works
The success of Mongolian Chicken lies in its flavor harmony. The base of the sauce typically combines soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger—ingredients that deliver umami, sweetness, spice, and warmth. These are foundational elements in many Asian dishes and work together beautifully in this context.
The chicken is lightly coated with cornstarch before cooking, which allows it to develop a crispy exterior while remaining juicy on the inside. When added back to the simmering sauce, the crispy coating helps to thicken the sauce and lock in the flavor, creating a glossy, caramelized finish that clings to every bite.
What sets this dish apart is its versatility. It can be as spicy or as mild as you prefer. You can enhance the sweetness or add tanginess with vinegar. Want to bulk it up? Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. The flexibility of Mongolian Chicken makes it one of the most adaptable Asian dishes for home cooks.
Why Make Mongolian Chicken at Home?
One of the biggest advantages of making Mongolian Chicken at home is the ability to control the quality and quantity of the ingredients. Restaurant versions can be overly oily or packed with sodium, whereas a homemade version lets you fine-tune every element to your taste and dietary needs.
It’s also cost-effective. A dish that may cost upwards of $12 to $15 per portion at a restaurant can be made at home for a fraction of the cost. You also get the added bonus of leftovers, which store and reheat wonderfully.
Cooking at home also empowers you to experiment. Add your own twist—swap out the protein, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option, or toss in cashews or sesame seeds for extra texture. Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, the possibilities are nearly endless.
How to Serve Mongolian Chicken
Mongolian Chicken pairs exceptionally well with simple side dishes. Steamed white or jasmine rice is a classic choice that absorbs the rich sauce beautifully. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or even steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli rabe are great alternatives.
Noodles are another favorite pairing. Thin lo mein or soba noodles tossed in sesame oil make a hearty base that complements the saucy chicken. If you’re serving this dish for a dinner party or gathering, consider offering a variety of sides so guests can customize their plates.
The presentation can also be elevated with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice for contrast. If you’re a fan of spice, a drizzle of chili oil or a handful of thinly sliced red chilies adds both visual appeal and heat.
Tips for Perfect Mongolian Chicken Every Time
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Use thin slices of chicken: The thinner the strips, the faster and more evenly they cook. It also ensures maximum surface area for that crispy coating.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches to maintain high heat and crispiness. Overcrowding causes steaming, which leads to soggy chicken.
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Balance the sauce: Taste and adjust. More brown sugar if you like it sweeter, or a dash more vinegar or red pepper flakes if you prefer tang and heat.
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Prep ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready before you start. Stir-frying is fast, and having everything prepped avoids overcooking.
Health Considerations and Customizations
Mongolian Chicken, when made at home, can be tailored to fit a variety of dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, opt for tamari instead of soy sauce. If you’re watching sugar intake, use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol. To reduce fat, bake or air-fry the chicken instead of pan-frying it in oil.
You can also boost the nutritional value by adding more vegetables or substituting chicken for leaner cuts like turkey breast or even tofu for a plant-based version. The sauce is robust enough to flavor a wide range of proteins and vegetables.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container, and when reheating, use a skillet for best results to maintain texture. If you’re using a microwave, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.
Mongolian Chicken can also be frozen, though the texture of the chicken may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in individual portions for easy weeknight meals, and reheat directly in a pan for best results.
Conclusion
Mongolian Chicken is a must-have in your home cooking rotation. It’s rich in flavor, quick to prepare, and endlessly adaptable to suit your personal tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, it delivers on every level—ease, flavor, and satisfaction.
Its balance of sweet, savory, and spicy elements appeals to a wide range of palates, making it an ideal dish to serve for guests or picky eaters alike. And most importantly, making it at home offers you the kind of quality, customization, and comfort that takeout simply can’t match.
From its humble roots in American-Chinese fusion cuisine to its current status as a beloved household favorite, Mongolian Chicken is proof that sometimes, the best meals are the ones you create yourself. Add it to your dinner rotation, and you’ll quickly see why this dish continues to win hearts and appetites around the world.