Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken

Crispy fried chicken tossed in a sticky, sweet, savory sauce. This Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken is not just better-than-takeout; it’s also made with simple ingredients in 25 minutes or less! Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish will quickly become a favorite at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in 25 minutes!
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a mouthwatering taste that rivals any restaurant dish.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the sweet and savory flavors, making it perfect for families.
• Easy to Customize: Adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer chili peppers according to your preference.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare this dish efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Wok or large pan
• Tongs
• Wire rack or paper towels
• Small bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to coat the chicken evenly with cornstarch without making a mess.
• Wok or large pan: Offers enough surface area for frying the chicken in batches while ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
• ¼ cup cornstarch (or as needed, or sub with potato starch)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)

For the Sauce

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 red chili pepper (sliced, optional)
• 5 slices ginger
• 4 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp regular soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (or sub with potato starch)
• ½ cup water

For Garnish

• 1 green onion (finely chopped)
• 1 red chili pepper (sliced)

How to Make Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch and ½ cup water until well combined. This is your cornstarch slurry. Set aside.

Step 2: Dice the Chicken Thighs

Dice chicken thighs into 1.5-inch pieces, about 4-6 pieces per thigh. Avoid patting the chicken dry as moisture is needed for the next step.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken with Cornstarch

In a large mixing bowl, add diced chicken thighs followed by ¼ cup cornstarch. Toss gently with tongs until each piece is coated in cornstarch. If the starch falls off easily, feel free to add more.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

In a large pan or wok on medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil. Fry chicken in small batches until golden brown on both sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from pan and transfer to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

On medium heat, add ginger, garlic, and red chili to the pan. Fry for about 10 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6: Prepare the Sauce

Add hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil and mix well before adding cornstarch slurry. Stir everything until combined and simmer to thicken.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Toss in fried chicken pieces into the sauce mixture and mix everything together thoroughly. Remove from heat and transfer to serving dish. Optionally garnish with sliced red chili and green onions if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken

Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a comforting and filling meal. The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair your Mongolian chicken with colorful stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. This adds crunch and nutrition to your plate.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, serve the chicken in crunchy lettuce leaves. This makes for a fun and interactive meal that’s perfect for parties.

Topped on Noodles

• Spoon the chicken over cooked egg noodles or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired pasta dish. The sauce clings wonderfully to the noodles.

As a Salad Topping

• Add slices of the Mongolian chicken on top of mixed greens and drizzle with your favorite dressing. This creates a hearty salad with a savory twist.

With Spring Rolls

• Serve alongside fresh spring rolls filled with veggies and shrimp or tofu. It complements the flavors and offers a delightful textural contrast.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken

To ensure your Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken is as delicious as possible, follow these simple tips.

• Choose High-Quality Chicken: Use fresh skinless boneless chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch helps create that crispy texture when frying.
• Preheat Your Oil: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to avoid sogginess.
• Control Heat Levels: Adjust the heat as needed during cooking to prevent burning while allowing proper cooking time.
• Mix Sauce Well: Always stir your sauce ingredients thoroughly before adding them to ensure even flavor distribution.
• Garnish for Presentation: Adding green onions or sliced chili on top not only enhances flavor but also makes your dish visually appealing.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken

Complementing your Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken with tasty side dishes can take your meal to new heights. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Lightly fragrant rice that pairs perfectly with savory sauces.
2. Vegetable Fried Rice: A colorful mix of vegetables fried with rice; it’s flavorful and satisfying.
3. Garlic Green Beans: Crisp green beans sautéed with garlic add crunch and freshness to your meal.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers, sesame oil, and vinegar balances out the richness of the chicken.
5. Miso Soup: A warm soup made from miso paste, tofu, and seaweed complements the flavors nicely.
6. Sesame Noodles: Cold or warm noodles tossed in sesame sauce provide an additional layer of flavor and texture.
7. Roasted Broccoli: Simple roasted broccoli drizzled with olive oil offers a healthy side full of nutrients.
8. Spring Roll Platter: An assortment of spring rolls filled with veggies or shrimp gives an enjoyable crunchy addition to the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, especially when trying a new recipe like Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.

• Ignoring the cornstarch coating: Not coating the chicken properly can lead to uneven texture. Ensure each piece is well-coated for that crispy finish.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in smaller batches for even cooking.
• Skipping the ginger and garlic: These ingredients add essential flavor. Don’t skip them; they are crucial for that authentic taste.
• Not letting the sauce thicken: Rushing the sauce can leave it runny. Allow it to simmer until it reaches your desired thickness for better adherence to the chicken.
• Using low-quality soy sauce: A good soy sauce is key for flavor depth. Opt for high-quality soy sauce to enhance your dish’s overall taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a lid. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth. Stir-fry chicken until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe quick?

This recipe uses simple ingredients and takes only 25 minutes from prep to table, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I substitute other proteins in Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken?

Absolutely! You can use beef, turkey, or lamb instead of chicken for different flavors.

How do I make this dish spicier?

You can increase the amount of red chili pepper or add a dash of chili flakes to amp up the heat level.

What should I serve with Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken?

Pair it with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

Quick & Easy Mongolian Chicken is not just delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level. It’s an easy way to bring authentic flavors into your home kitchen without breaking a sweat. Give it a try!