Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. This easy-to-make recipe features crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce, making it a standout choice for family dinners, weeknight meals, or even entertaining guests. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can enjoy this restaurant favorite at home in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Flavorful Sauce: The homemade sauce combines sweetness and umami for an irresistible glaze.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with steamed rice or noodles to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or impressing friends with your cooking skills.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easily adjust spice levels or add veggies to fit your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the right kitchen tools on hand. Using the appropriate equipment will make preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Wok or large frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Frying thermometer (optional)
• Slotted spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Wok: Ideal for stir-frying; its shape allows for even cooking and great heat distribution.
• Mixing Bowls: Essential for marinating chicken and mixing sauces without mess.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly, ensuring your sauce is lump-free.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 300 grams Boneless chicken (Skinless boneless chicken breast/thigh)
• 2 tsp Soy sauce (Regular soy sauce or light soy sauce)
• 2 tsp Shao xing grape juice (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 chilles (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 Chicken Marinade

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, Shao Xing grape juice, cornstarch, and cooking oil.
2. Mix everything well until all the chicken is coated evenly. Set aside to marinate.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the additional soy sauce, brown sugar, chicken stock, and cornstarch until smooth.
2. Set the mixture aside while you proceed with frying the chicken.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat enough oil in a frying pan to reach about 2 inches deep over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot (approx. 350°F/180°C), carefully add the marinated chicken pieces in batches.
3. Fry for about 5-6 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown. Flip occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables and Combine Sauce

1. In a wok over medium heat, drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of oil.
2. Add dried chilles and onion slices; sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook briefly until aromatic.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Chicken

1. Pour in the prepared Mongolian sauce; stir well until it begins to thicken slightly.
2. Add the fried chicken along with sliced fresh chilies and spring onions into the wok.

Step 6: Toss Everything Together

1. Gently toss all ingredients until each piece of chicken is well-coated with the glossy sauce.
2. Turn off heat and serve immediately alongside steamed rice or noodles for an enjoyable meal!

How to Serve Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian Chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its sweet and savory glaze makes it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice complements the rich flavors of Mongolian Chicken, allowing the sauce to soak into the rice.

On Noodles

• Serve over egg noodles or rice noodles for a heartier meal. The noodles will absorb the sauce, adding extra flavor with each bite.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use crisp lettuce leaves to wrap portions of Mongolian Chicken for a fresh and crunchy twist. Add some shredded carrots and cucumbers for added texture.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pair with a mix of stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas to add color and nutrition, making the meal more balanced.

As a Filling for Tacos

• Use tortillas as a base, filling them with Mongolian Chicken. Top with fresh cilantro and avocado for a fusion twist on traditional tacos.

Over Quinoa

• For a healthy alternative, serve Mongolian Chicken over quinoa. This adds a nutty flavor and increases the protein content of your meal.

How to Perfect Mongolian Chicken

To make your Mongolian Chicken exceptional, consider these helpful tips that enhance its flavor and texture.

• Marinate Properly: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This ensures that the flavors penetrate deeply into the meat.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and chillies elevate the dish’s taste profile significantly compared to dried or powdered versions.
• Maintain High Heat: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. This creates a crispy coating and prevents the chicken from becoming oily.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust the number of dried chillies based on your heat preference. More chillies will add spiciness, while fewer will keep it mild.
• Add Colorful Veggies: Incorporate vibrant vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added color and crunch in your dish.
• Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve Mongolian Chicken right after cooking while it’s still hot and crispy.

Best Side Dishes for Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian Chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider when planning your meal.

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice made with eggs and mixed vegetables can complement the sweetness of the chicken.
2. Sesame Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli drizzled with sesame oil adds a nutritious touch without overpowering the main dish.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with vinegar dressing provides a cool contrast to the warm chicken.
4. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic offer crunchiness and balance out the dish’s richness.
5. Egg Drop Soup: A warm bowl of egg drop soup makes for an excellent appetizer before diving into your main course.
6. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables create an enjoyable starter that pairs nicely with all Chinese-inspired dishes.
7. Chow Mein: Stir-fried chow mein adds another layer of flavor while providing an additional texture to your meal.
8. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can serve as a refreshing palate cleanser after enjoying this flavorful dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mongolian Chicken, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become tough and dry. To prevent this, monitor cooking time closely and remove the chicken from heat as soon as it reaches a golden brown color.
• Skipping the Marinade: Neglecting to marinate the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always allow your chicken to soak in the marinade for at least 10 minutes for enhanced taste.
• Using Incorrect Oils: Not all oils are suitable for frying. Stick to high smoke point oils like vegetable or peanut oil for frying your chicken to achieve a crispy texture.
• Not Adjusting Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to spice, using too many dried chiles can make the dish overly hot. Adjust the number of chiles according to your heat preference for a balanced flavor.
• Ignoring Sauce Consistency: A sauce that’s too runny won’t cling well to the chicken. Make sure you let it thicken properly before adding the fried chicken for a better coating.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Mongolian Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mongolian Chicken

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Properly stored, it can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Mongolian Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking periodically.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mongolian Chicken?

Mongolian Chicken is a popular American-Chinese dish featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s often served with rice or noodles.

How can I customize my Mongolian Chicken?

You can customize your Mongolian Chicken by adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, or adjusting the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar used in the sauce.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or lamb based on your preference.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To increase heat levels, add more dried chiles or include fresh chili peppers when cooking. Start with a small amount and adjust based on your spice tolerance.

Conclusion

Mongolian Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. With its delightful combination of flavors and textures, it’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or protein options to make this dish truly your own!

---