IRRESISTIBLE MONGOLIAN CHICKEN RECIPE

Craving that irresistible restaurant-style Mongolian Chicken but want to skip the takeout tonight? Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a glistening, flavorful sauce that’s both sweet and savory – a true symphony of flavors. With this foolproof recipe, you can create that magic in your own kitchen, and I promise it’s easier than you think!

What You’ll Need: The Mongolian Chicken Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds, for sprinkling

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. This cornstarch coating is KEY to getting that perfectly crispy exterior.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to sizzle when you add a piece of chicken.
2. Working in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan!), add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to flip the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Mongolian Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This is your thickening agent!
3. Pour the sauce mixture into the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (drain any excess oil first, leaving just a tablespoon or two).
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while whisking continuously. The sauce should thicken quickly. If it doesn’t thicken enough, whisk in a little more cornstarch slurry (made with equal parts cornstarch and water).

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the delicious Mongolian sauce.
2. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the chicken.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
2. Serve immediately over cooked rice. White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice would be fantastic!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Mongolian Chicken

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

When frying the chicken, it’s crucial to work in batches. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature, resulting in chicken that’s steamed instead of fried, and it won’t get that desirable crispy texture. Trust me, patience is key here!

Adjust the Spice Level

The red pepper flakes add a nice kick to the Mongolian Chicken. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount or omit them altogether. If you love heat, feel free to add more!

The Secret to Tender Chicken

Using chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts makes a HUGE difference. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier during the cooking process. Plus, they have a richer flavor that complements the sauce beautifully.

Make it a Complete Meal

Serve your Mongolian Chicken with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. You could also add some extra veggies directly to the stir-fry like bell peppers or snap peas.

Mongolian Chicken Variations: Let’s Get Creative!

Mongolian Beef

Want to switch things up? This recipe works beautifully with beef! Simply substitute thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin for the chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly – beef will cook faster than chicken.

Vegetarian Mongolian

For a vegetarian option, try using tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into cubes and follow the same coating and frying instructions. The sauce is naturally vegetarian!

Mongolian Shrimp

Shrimp cooks very quickly, so adjust the frying time accordingly. You’ll only need to cook the shrimp for a couple of minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Add them to the sauce at the very end to prevent overcooking.

What to Serve with Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Steamed rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
• Stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
• Egg rolls or spring rolls
• A simple green salad

More Delicious Asian-Inspired Recipes to Try

If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, you’ll definitely want to check out these other amazing recipes:

• Honey Pepper Chicken: A sweet and peppery delight that’s incredibly easy to make.
• Honey Garlic Chicken: Another quick and easy chicken recipe with a sticky, sweet, and garlicky sauce.
• Chicken Chow Mein: A classic takeout favorite that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
• Chicken Chow Mein: A delicious and satisfying noodle dish.
• Chicken & Green Bean Stir-fry: A healthy and flavorful stir-fry that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
• Chicken And Green Bean Stir-fry: A fast and tasty meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Mongolian Chicken

Leftover Mongolian Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a few minutes, or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Mongolian Chicken Recipe

This homemade Mongolian Chicken recipe is a game-changer! It’s quick, easy, and customizable to your liking. Once you try it, you’ll never order takeout again. Enjoy!