Mongolian Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that has taken the world of Asian cuisine by storm. Combining sweet, savory, and slightly spicy elements, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, flavorful dishes. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of creating the best Mongolian chicken, from basic ingredients to tips on how to make it even better. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or an easy Mongolian chicken recipe that can be made in a slow cooker, you’ll find everything you need to know here!
The Essence of Mongolian Chicken
Mongolian chicken draws its inspiration from Mongolian-style barbecue, where meats are grilled with a rich, umami-packed sauce. The dish is often served over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables like mushrooms, creating a balanced and mouth-watering meal. While not directly linked to Mongolia, this dish has evolved into a staple of Asian-inspired chicken recipes, particularly popular in Chinese-American cuisine.
The hallmark of Mongolian chicken lies in its sauce – a tantalizing mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and a hint of spice. When paired with tender chicken, this sauce creates a comforting, sweet-savory dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients for the Best Mongolian Chicken
To prepare the best Mongolian chicken, you’ll need some simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (depending on your preference)
- Cornstarch (for coating the chicken)
- Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
- Vegetable oil (for frying the chicken)
For the Mongolian Sauce:
- Soy sauce (for the savory, salty flavor)
- Brown sugar (to balance out the saltiness with sweetness)
- Ginger (freshly grated for that spicy, aromatic flavor)
- Garlic (for depth and richness)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
- Green onions (for garnish and additional flavor)
- Sesame oil (for a toasted, nutty aroma)
- Rice vinegar (to add a tangy, acidic note)
This combination of ingredients is what makes Mongolian chicken such a beloved dish in many Asian chicken recipes. The balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Mongolian Chicken Recipe
1. Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that each piece gets evenly coated in the sauce. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then, toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch until they are fully coated. The cornstarch will help the chicken get crispy when fried.
2. Fry the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 4-5 minutes per side. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Prepare the Mongolian Sauce
While the chicken is frying, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Stir to dissolve the sugar and mix the ingredients thoroughly. This sauce will form the base of your Mongolian chicken dish.
4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil and pour in the Mongolian sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Then, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until it’s fully coated.
5. Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish by adding chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve your Mongolian chicken with steamed rice or noodles, or try it alongside some Asian vegetables like bok choy or mushrooms for a more complete meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Why Mongolian Chicken is Perfect for Dinner
Mongolian chicken is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons why it’s one of the best Asian dinner recipes with chicken:
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, this easy Mongolian chicken recipe can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer a sweeter or spicier sauce, you can easily adjust the balance of sugar and chili flakes to suit your taste. You can also add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Family-Friendly: The mild yet flavorful taste of Mongolian chicken makes it an excellent choice for family dinners. Kids and adults alike will love this easy Mongolian chicken recipe.
- Perfect with Noodles or Rice: Serve your Mongolian chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or toss it with your favorite noodles. The sauce will absorb into the carbs, making each bite as satisfying as the last.
Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken
If you’re looking for a hands-off version of this recipe, you can make slow cooker Mongolian chicken. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly covered.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
- Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with green onions.
The slow cooker method allows the flavors to really soak into the chicken, making it incredibly tender and full of flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, as it can be made in advance and stored for later use.
Mongolian Ground Chicken
For a lighter version of Mongolian chicken, you can use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts or thighs. Ground chicken cooks quickly and is a great option if you’re looking to make a more streamlined version of the dish.
Simply brown the ground chicken in a skillet, drain any excess fat, and add the Mongolian sauce ingredients to the pan. Simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, then serve over rice or noodles. This Mongolian ground chicken recipe is just as delicious but offers a different texture that’s equally satisfying.
Asian Chicken and Mushroom Recipes
Mushrooms pair wonderfully with the flavors in Mongolian chicken, and adding them to the recipe can elevate it even further. Here’s how to make an Asian chicken and mushroom version:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a skillet and cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until they are softened.
- In a separate bowl, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve with rice or noodles and garnish with green onions.
This version adds depth to the dish, making it even more satisfying while still keeping the flavors of Mongolian chicken front and center.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Mongolian Chicken
The best Mongolian chicken recipe is a fantastic addition to any collection of popular chicken recipes. Whether you’re looking for easy Mongolian chicken, slow cooker Mongolian chicken, or a variation like Mongolian ground chicken, this dish offers flexibility and flavor. It’s a great choice for weeknight dinners, family meals, or any time you want to enjoy an Asian-inspired feast.
By following this easy Mongolian chicken recipe, you can bring the bold, savory tastes of Chinese food chicken recipes into your own kitchen. Add noodles, rice, or even mushrooms for a more customized meal, and enjoy a dinner that’s sure to be loved by all.
