Easy Mongolian Chicken
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
Enjoy a quick and delightful dish that brings the flavors of Mongolian cuisine to your kitchen with this Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe.
This Easy Mongolian Chicken combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
- Rich flavors that everyone will enjoy
- Versatile dish that pairs well with rice or noodles
A Taste of Mongolian Cuisine
Mongolian cuisine is known for its rich and bold flavors, often featuring a combination of savory and sweet elements. This Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe captures the essence of traditional Mongolian dishes while making it accessible for home cooks. The marriage of soy sauce and brown sugar creates a delightful balance that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken, making each bite a burst of umami goodness.
In Mongolian cooking, simplicity is key. The use of minimal ingredients allows the flavors to shine through. This dish not only embodies that philosophy but also provides an opportunity to introduce fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic, which are staples in many Asian cuisines. These elements contribute not only to taste but also to the overall health benefits of the dish.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
One of the standout features of this Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe is its quick preparation time. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal ready for your family. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence, yet you still want to enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal.
The straightforward steps and minimal cleanup involved make this recipe a favorite among home cooks. With just a few bowls and a skillet, you can create a restaurant-quality dish without the fuss. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find, meaning you can whip this up on a whim without needing a trip to the specialty store.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Mongolian Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, serve it over fluffy white rice or flavorful fried rice. The grains soak up the savory sauce, creating a delightful texture that complements the tender chicken. Alternatively, you can toss it with noodles for a comforting, hearty dish reminiscent of classic Asian stir-fries.
For a lightened-up option, consider serving the chicken alongside steamed vegetables. Broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers not only add vibrant color to your plate but also provide essential nutrients. This versatility allows you to customize your plate according to dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Sauce and Stir-Fry
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Steps
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic, and ginger.
Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Sauce
Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and stir well. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Enjoy your homemade Easy Mongolian Chicken!
Tips for Success
To ensure your chicken remains juicy and tender, avoid overcooking it during the stir-frying process. Aim for a light sear while maintaining the moisture within the meat. Remember that the chicken will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the heat due to residual heat, so it's okay to take it off just before it’s fully done.
If you’re looking to add more depth to the flavor, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a hint of chili paste to the sauce. These additions can elevate the dish and give it a unique twist that will impress your family and friends.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Easy Mongolian Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When storing, make sure to separate the chicken from any rice or noodles to maintain their texture. This will help prevent the grains from becoming mushy during storage.
When reheating, the microwave is a quick option, but for the best texture, consider using a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water to help steam the chicken and revive the sauce, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as when it was first made.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating.
→ What can I substitute for brown sugar?
You can use white sugar or honey as an alternative.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, feel free to add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Easy Mongolian Chicken
Enjoy a quick and delightful dish that brings the flavors of Mongolian cuisine to your kitchen with this Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe.
Created by: Vanessa Doyle
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Sauce and Stir-Fry
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mix the sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic, and ginger.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and stir well. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 20g