Easy Mongolian Chicken
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
This Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a taste of the East in your home kitchen. It's packed with flavor and requires minimal preparation.
Discover the irresistible flavors of Mongolian Chicken with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners
- Sweet and savory sauce that delights the palate
- Can be served with rice or noodles for a complete meal
A Flavorful Adventure
Mongolian Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of Asian cuisine right to your dining table. The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic creates a sweet and savory profile that elevates the humble chicken to a whole new level. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also allows you to experience a touch of culinary adventure from the comfort of your home.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can create a meal that feels gourmet. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe ensures that you don’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. It’s a fantastic way to impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Perfect Pairings
Mongolian Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile meal option. Serve it over steaming white rice or fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, opt for noodles for a delightful twist. The sauce clings to the noodles, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
For a complete meal, consider adding a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad. The crispness of vegetables complements the rich flavors of the chicken, adding both color and nutrition to your plate. A simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar adds a refreshing contrast that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
Leftovers and Storage
If you find yourself with leftovers, you're in for a treat! Mongolian Chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken in individual portions. This way, you can have a quick meal ready at your fingertips anytime. Just make sure to cool the chicken completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped for garnish
Mix and match the ingredients to suit your taste preferences!
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
Thicken the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Enjoy your homemade Mongolian Chicken!
Cooking Tips
To ensure your chicken cooks evenly, make sure to cut it into uniform pieces. This not only helps in achieving consistent cooking but also makes for a more appealing presentation. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to allow for proper browning.
If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. This can enhance the dish’s flavor profile while satisfying those who enjoy a little heat in their meals.
Variations to Try
While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can easily adapt it for other proteins such as beef, shrimp, or tofu. Each variation brings its unique texture and flavor, allowing you to customize the dish according to your preferences. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as different proteins will require different handling.
For a vegetarian-friendly option, consider using a medley of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas as the main ingredient. Toss them in the sauce just as you would the chicken for a vibrant, plant-based meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful.
→ What can I serve with Mongolian Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.
→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Easy Mongolian Chicken
This Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a taste of the East in your home kitchen. It's packed with flavor and requires minimal preparation.
Created by: Veronica Miles
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot with rice or noodles.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 25g