Easy Homemade Mongolian Chicken Recipe for Authentic Flavor

Benefits and Advantages of Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian chicken is a delicious, easy-to-prepare dish that combines savory flavor with health-conscious ingredients. This recipe stands out because it uses simple steps and readily available ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. The lean protein content from the chicken supports muscle health and aids in weight management. Additionally, the use of fresh garlic, ginger, and scallions not only boosts flavor but also provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Mongolian chicken is versatile and can be adapted for various diets, which makes it especially appealing. Its rich yet balanced taste, combined with nutrient-dense components, ensures a satisfying meal that fits well into healthy eating plans. The recipe’s straightforwardness reduces cook time, making it ideal for busy weeknights without compromising on quality or taste. Overall, mongolian chicken is a flavorful, nutritious, and convenient option that shines in versatility and healthfulness.

Essential Ingredients for Mongolian Chicken

The core ingredients for classic Mongolian chicken include:

• 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs recommended for juicier texture)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch for coating
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup water or chicken stock
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with cold water to make slurry for thickening
• 1/2 cup green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces

Substitutes include tofu or seitan for vegan options, and sugar replacements such as stevia for lower calorie versions. Using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari ensures the recipe works well for gluten-sensitive diets.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian chicken can be adapted to a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions by making these substitutions:

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Use firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan instead of chicken. These absorb the classic sauce flavors well.
• Gluten-Free: Replace soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep the sauce gluten-free.
• Low-Calorie/Sugar-Free: Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use natural sugar substitutes such as monk fruit or erythritol.
• Lower Fat: Use less oil or opt for a non-stick pan to reduce added fats.
• Additional Vegetables: Add broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers, or water chestnuts to increase fiber and nutrients without compromising flavor.

These swaps maintain the dish’s integrity while broadening its appeal.

How to Prepare the Perfect Mongolian Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken into thin, bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking. Coat the pieces evenly with cornstarch, shaking off excess.

Step 2: Marinate Briefly

Optionally, marinate chicken with a little soy sauce, salt, pepper, and egg for enhanced flavor and texture for 15–30 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Fry the chicken pieces in batches without overcrowding until golden brown and crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

Remove excess oil, leaving 1 tablespoon in the pan. Quickly sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and water or stock. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and cook until thickened and glossy.

Step 6: Combine and Toss

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, add the white parts of the green onions, and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook briefly to meld flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with green parts of scallions and serve immediately over steamed rice or low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice.

Mastering Mongolian Chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations

For a juicier outcome, use chicken thighs and consider partially freezing the meat before slicing to achieve thinner, more even pieces. Avoid overcrowding while frying by cooking the chicken in batches for consistent crispiness. Incorporate extra aromatics like star anise or red chili flakes for subtle complexity and heat.

Add vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms to balance texture and nutrition. Baking the chicken instead of frying is a lighter alternative; ensure sufficient moisture retention by using thighs and monitoring cooking time closely. Experiment with sweeteners beyond brown sugar, like honey or maple syrup, to affect the sauce’s flavor nuances.

These variations inspire creativity without losing the dish’s authentic balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic elements.

How to Store Mongolian Chicken: Best Practices

Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and flavor of Mongolian chicken while preventing spoilage. After cooking, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C) and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal taste and food safety.

If you wish to store Mongolian chicken for a longer period, divide it into suitable portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove any excess air to avoid freezer burn. Frozen Mongolian chicken can be kept for up to 2 to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot. Adding a splash of water or chicken stock during reheating can help restore the sauce’s texture and prevent it from drying out.

“Storing Mongolian chicken correctly preserves its tender texture and rich sauce, making leftovers just as delicious as freshly cooked.”

Nutritional Value of Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian chicken offers a well-balanced nutritional profile suited for a variety of dietary goals. A typical serving contains roughly 250 to 300 calories, mainly from the lean chicken protein that supports muscle repair and satiety. The fat content is moderate, coming primarily from cooking oil and the chicken itself, providing essential fatty acids necessary for health.

Carbohydrates usually range due to the brown sugar and any accompanying starch-based sides like rice or noodles. Additionally, this dish supplies vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Healthful components like fresh garlic, ginger, and scallions add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Nutritional values can be adjusted by using alternatives such as tofu, reducing sugar, or opting for oil sprays for cooking.

For more information on the benefits of lean protein, see Health Benefits of Chicken.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Mongolian Chicken

Easy Homemade Mongolian Chicken Recipe for Authentic Flavor

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🍛 Experience authentic flavors with this Easy Homemade Mongolian Chicken, perfect for satisfying your takeout cravings.
🥢 With a combination of crispy chicken and a sweet-savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cornstarch
3 tablespoons or 1/3 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup water or chicken stock
2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with cold water (for slurry)
1/2 cup green onions or scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
Optional: broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, peppers, or water chestnuts
Optional: garlic chili paste or dried chili peppers for heat

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Instructions

1. Thinly slice the chicken and coat evenly with cornstarch.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the chicken in batches until browned and crispy. Set aside.
3. In the same pan, remove excess oil, then add minced garlic and ginger, cooking briefly until fragrant.
4. Add sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, and water or chicken stock. Simmer until sugar dissolves.
5. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
6. Return the fried chicken to the pan, add green onions, and toss everything to coat well.
7. If using, add optional vegetables for extra texture and cook until just tender.
8. Serve immediately over steamed rice or low-carb alternatives.

Last Step:

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Notes

🔪 Tip: Partially freeze the chicken for easier slicing into thin, uniform pieces.
🍲 Tip: Avoid overcrowding when frying; cook in batches for best results.
🍽️ Tip: Adding vegetables such as broccoli or bell peppers adds nutrition and texture to the dish.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinating Time: 0 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Chinese-American
• Diet: Varies

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Per serving
• Calories: 210-450 kcal
• Sugar: Varies
• Sodium: ~730 mg
• Fat: 6-15 g
• Saturated Fat: Varies
• Unsaturated Fat: Varies
• Trans Fat: Minimal
• Carbohydrates: 6-46 g
• Fiber: Varies
• Protein: 20-32 g
• Cholesterol: 54-90 mg