Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. This recipe features crispy chicken coated in a delicious homemade sauce, making it a perfect choice for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether enjoyed with plain rice or noodles, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends, showcasing the beauty of American-Chinese cooking in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish without the wait.
• Crispy Texture: The chicken is perfectly coated and fried for a satisfying crunch that complements the savory sauce.
• Flavorful Sauce: A blend of soy sauce, sugar, and spices creates a sweet and savory glaze that elevates the dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, noodles, or even stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily adjust spice levels or add your favorite vegetables to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Wok or frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula or tongs

Why These Tools Matter

• Wok or frying pan: Ideal for achieving high heat needed for crispy chicken.
• Mixing bowls: Perfect for marinating chicken and combining sauces without mess.
• Whisk: Ensures ingredients are well blended, especially when making sauces.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 300 grams Boneless chicken (Skinless boneless chicken breast/thigh)
• 2 tsp Soy sauce (Regular soy sauce or light soy sauce)
• 2 tsp Cooking rice grape juice (or rice vinegar)
• 2 tsp Cooking oil (Vegetable oil, sunflower, peanut, or sesame oil)
• 4 tbsp Cornstarch (Or potato starch)

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp Soy sauce (Regular soy sauce or light soy sauce)
• 2 tbsp Brown sugar (Or regular white sugar or honey)
• ¼ cup Chicken stock (Or water or chicken broth)
• ½ tsp Corn starch (or potato starch)

For Stir-Frying

• ½ Onion (Cut thin slices)
• 6-8 Dried chiles (Deseeded whole dried chillies )
• 2 cloves Garlic (Minced or cut thin slices)
• 2 tsp Ginger (Minced or cut thin strips)
• 2-3 Spring onions (Cut 2 pieces)
• 1 Chilli pepper (Or bell pepper, cut thin slices – optional )
• Oil for frying (Sunflower, vegetable, peanut oil, etc.)

How to Make Mongolian Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine the boneless chicken pieces with soy sauce, cooking rice grape juice, cornstarch, and cooking oil. Mix everything well until the chicken is evenly coated. Set it aside to marinate while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the additional soy sauce, brown sugar, chicken stock, and cornstarch until well combined. Ensure that both sugar and cornstarch are fully dissolved. Set this mixture aside as well.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Fill a frying pan with cooking oil up to about 2 inches deep. Heat it to approximately 350°F (180°C). Once hot, carefully add the marinated chicken pieces in batches. Fry them for about 5-6 minutes or until they turn crispy and golden brown. Flip occasionally to ensure even cooking. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

In a wok over medium heat, drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of oil. Add dried chiles and onion slices; sauté for just a few seconds until fragrant. Then add minced garlic and ginger; cook until aromatic but not burnt.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Pour in the prepared Mongolian sauce into the wok. Stir thoroughly and let it cook until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy. Add in the fried chicken pieces along with spring onions and fresh chili slices if using.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Toss everything together gently so each piece of chicken gets well-coated with the delicious sauce. Turn off the heat and serve immediately alongside cooked rice or noodles for an unforgettable meal!

How to Serve Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it as a main course or part of a larger meal, there are plenty of serving options to enhance your dining experience.

With Rice

• Steamed White Rice: Serve the Mongolian Chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice for a classic pairing.
• Fried Rice: For added flavor, consider serving it with vegetable fried rice, which complements the dish beautifully.

With Noodles

• Lo Mein: Toss the chicken with soft lo mein noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Rice Noodles: Use rice noodles for a gluten-free option that still delivers on flavor and texture.

As a Wrap

• Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the chicken into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy handheld meal.
• Tortilla Wraps: Use flour or corn tortillas to wrap up the chicken along with some fresh veggies for a fun twist.

With Vegetables

• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add a side of stir-fried bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
• Pickled Vegetables: Serve with pickled vegetables to add a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the sauce.

How to Perfect Mongolian Chicken

Perfecting Mongolian Chicken involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Marinate Longer: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor absorption.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the overall taste of your dish significantly.
• Control Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F/180°C) before frying for that perfect crispy texture.
• Toss Gently: When mixing the chicken with sauce, toss gently to maintain the crispiness of each piece.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more or fewer dried chilies according to your preference.
• Serve Immediately: For best results, serve Mongolian Chicken right after cooking to retain its crunchiness.

Best Side Dishes for Mongolian Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Mongolian Chicken can enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful mix of rice, vegetables, and eggs stir-fried together makes an excellent complement.
2. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables add texture and are great for sharing.
3. Egg Drop Soup: A comforting bowl of egg drop soup balances out the savory flavors of the chicken.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides color and nutrients while keeping it healthy.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds crunch and a cooling element alongside spicy dishes.
6. Sesame Green Beans: Tossed in sesame oil, these green beans add nuttiness and flavor contrast.
7. Chow Mein Noodles: Crispy chow mein noodles offer additional crunch and soak up any leftover sauce perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mongolian Chicken can be easy, but small mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Using the wrong chicken cuts: Always choose skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs for the best texture. Avoid using chicken with bones or skin, which will alter the dish’s crispiness.
• Skipping the marinade: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can result in bland flavors. Ensure you marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to enhance its taste.
• Overcrowding the pan: Crowding the frying pan can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary to maintain a crispy texture.
• Neglecting to preheat oil: If the oil isn’t hot enough before adding chicken, it may not crisp up well. Use a thermometer or test with a small piece of chicken before frying.
• Not adjusting spice levels: The dried chilies can be very spicy; adjust according to your heat preference. Start with fewer chilies and increase as desired.
• Ignoring cooking times: Under-cooking or overcooking the chicken can affect both safety and texture. Follow cooking times closely and check for doneness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Mongolian Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure it has cooled down before refrigerating to maintain quality.

Freezing Mongolian Chicken

• Place cooled Mongolian Chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification later.

Reheating Mongolian Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot, turning occasionally.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or stock. Add the chicken and cover until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mongolian Chicken?

Mongolian Chicken is a popular Chinese dish featuring crispy coated chicken pieces glazed with a sweet and savory sauce, often served over rice or noodles.

Can I customize my Mongolian Chicken?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition. Adjust spices according to your taste preferences too!

How do I make my Mongolian Chicken less spicy?

To reduce spiciness, use fewer dried chilies or omit them entirely. You can also substitute with bell peppers for added flavor without heat.

Is Mongolian Chicken healthy?

Mongolian Chicken can be part of a balanced diet when made with lean protein and fresh ingredients. Pair it with vegetables for added health benefits.

How long does it take to make Mongolian Chicken?

This dish is quick and easy, taking only about 30 minutes from prep to table, making it perfect for busy weeknights!

Conclusion

Mongolian Chicken is an irresistible dish that combines crispy chicken with an amazing sweet-savory sauce. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors and ingredients easily. Don’t hesitate—try making this delightful recipe at home today!