Easy Mongolian Chicken

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

This Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a popular dish at home. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Fiona Carter

Created by

Fiona Carter

Last updated on 2025-12-21T08:40:53.548Z

This Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe is inspired by the classic Mongolian beef dish, but with a twist! Tender chicken cooked in a sweet and savory sauce makes it a family favorite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and simple preparation with minimal ingredients
  • Sweet and savory flavors that tantalize the taste buds
  • Perfect for serving with rice or noodles for a complete meal

How to Choose the Best Chicken

When selecting chicken for your Mongolian Chicken recipe, it’s essential to choose high-quality meat. Opt for fresh chicken breasts with a pink hue and minimal blemishes. Avoid any chicken that appears gray or has an off smell, as this indicates spoilage. If possible, consider purchasing organic or free-range chicken for a more flavorful and juicy result.

Additionally, slicing the chicken against the grain will ensure tender pieces that absorb the sauce beautifully. To make the cooking process even easier, you can buy pre-sliced chicken breast or ask your butcher to slice it for you. This small step can save you time and effort, making your weeknight dinner even quicker to prepare.

Variations to Try

While this Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe is delicious as is, there are numerous variations you can try to make it your own. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to the sauce. Alternatively, you could incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a colorful and nutritious addition.

Another variation could involve swapping out chicken for beef or tofu, making the dish adaptable for different dietary preferences. Each protein will absorb the sweet and savory sauce differently, creating a unique flavor profile that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Serving Suggestions

Mongolian Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, enhancing your meal experience. Serve it over fluffy white rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, you can opt for noodles, such as lo mein or rice noodles, for a delightful twist.

For a complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad. This not only balances the flavors but also adds color and nutrition to your plate. Don't forget to offer extra green onions as a garnish, as they add a fresh bite that complements the dish beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
  • Green onions for garnish

These ingredients will create a deliciously sticky sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Make the Sauce

In a bowl, combine the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

Combine Chicken and Sauce

Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.

Thicken the Sauce

Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Serve

Garnish with green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Enjoy your homemade Easy Mongolian Chicken!

Tips for Meal Prep

This Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts. You can easily double the recipe and store leftovers in airtight containers. The dish holds up well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

To reheat, simply microwave the chicken until warmed through or stir-fry it quickly in a skillet. This ensures that you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without spending time cooking each day. Pair the reheated chicken with freshly made rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that feels like a treat.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Mongolian Chicken, storing it properly is key to maintaining its flavor and texture. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help prevent moisture build-up, which can make the chicken soggy.

For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken in a freezer-safe container. It can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This way, you can have a delicious meal ready to go with minimal effort.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef or tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

→ What can I serve with Mongolian Chicken?

Serve it with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete meal.

Easy Mongolian Chicken

This Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a popular dish at home. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Fiona Carter

Recipe Type: Global Flavors

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken

  1. 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
  2. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  3. 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  4. 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  5. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  6. 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  7. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  8. 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
  9. Green onions for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 02

In a bowl, combine the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

Step 03

Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 04

Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 05

Garnish with green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 30g