Homemade Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Mongolian Chicken is a dish that perfectly embodies the balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors that Chinese-American cuisine is known for. With tender pieces of chicken coated in a glossy, slightly sticky sauce, this stir-fry is simple yet satisfying. The dish is characterized by its rich sauce made from soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, and ginger, with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. While it may not have roots in traditional Mongolian cuisine, it has become a popular favorite in Chinese restaurants across the United States.

Mongolian Chicken stands out for its bold flavors and versatility, making it a fantastic option for both weeknight dinners and special meals. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just beginning your culinary journey, Mongolian Chicken is an approachable dish that will leave you and your guests craving more.

Ingredients Required for Mongolian Chicken

To create this delicious dish, you’ll need a few essential ingredients:

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Chicken breasts are lean and tender, while thighs offer a juicier option.

• Soy Sauce and Dark Soy Sauce: These form the base of the sauce, adding depth and umami.

• Hoisin Sauce: Adds a slightly sweet and savory flavor that enhances the sauce.

• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and helps create the sticky glaze.

• Garlic and Ginger: Essential aromatics that bring warmth and flavor to the dish.

• Cornstarch: Used to coat the chicken for a crispy texture when stir-fried.

• Green Onions: Adds freshness and a bit of crunch to the final dish.

• Red Chilies (Optional): For those who enjoy a bit of heat, red chilies can be added for a spicy kick.

• Oil for Stir-Frying: Any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil works well.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Mongolian Chicken

Here’s how to make Mongolian Chicken at home:

Marinating the Chicken

Begin by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix soy sauce and a little cornstarch. Toss the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This will help the chicken stay tender while cooking and give it a light coating for a crispier texture.

Preparing the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water. Mix until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth. Set it aside for later.

Stir-Frying the Chicken

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a generous amount of oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, stir-fry the chicken in batches, ensuring each piece gets a nice sear. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Coating the Chicken in the Sauce

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the prepared sauce and let it simmer until it starts to thicken. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and toss to coat each piece in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and the sauce to become slightly sticky.

Tips for Perfecting Mongolian Chicken

How to Achieve Tender Chicken

Marinating the chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch is key to keeping it tender during cooking. Don’t skip this step! Also, be careful not to overcook the chicken, as this can make it tough.

Balancing Sweet and Savory Flavors

Mongolian Chicken is all about balance. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar. If you like a richer, more savory flavor, add a touch more soy sauce or hoisin.

Adjusting the Spice Level

For those who love heat, add red chilies or a splash of Sriracha to the sauce. If you’re not a fan of spice, simply omit the chilies altogether.

Why Mongolian Chicken is a Crowd Favorite

This dish has a little bit of everything: tender chicken, a flavorful sauce, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It's also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great go-to recipe for busy weeknights. Plus, its flavors are universally appealing, so it’s a great dish to serve for family dinners, gatherings, or even casual date nights.

Nutritional Breakdown of Mongolian Chicken

While Mongolian Chicken is rich in flavor, it can also be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. A typical serving provides a good source of protein from the chicken, and the sauce—while sweet—can be adjusted for a lighter option. Here are some ideas for making it a bit healthier:

• Reduce Sugar: Use less brown sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey.
• Opt for Leaner Cuts: Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner meal.
• Serve with Veggies: Pair with steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy to boost the nutritional value of the meal.

What Sets Mongolian Chicken Apart from Other Stir-Fry Dishes

The secret to Mongolian Chicken’s unique flavor lies in its sauce. Unlike other stir-fries that lean heavily on soy sauce or oyster sauce, Mongolian Chicken is characterized by its sweeter, thicker sauce. The use of garlic, ginger, and green onions further enhances its depth, while hoisin sauce adds richness and a slight tang.

Variations on Mongolian Chicken

If you’re looking to customize your Mongolian Chicken, here are some variations to try:

• Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives: Tofu or mushrooms make excellent substitutes for chicken. Fry them until crispy and toss them in the sauce for a delicious plant-based version.
• Lower-Sugar Version: Reduce the sugar by half, or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
• Gluten-Free Modifications: Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to make the dish gluten-free. Also, check that the cornstarch you use is labeled gluten-free.\

Serving Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian Chicken is traditionally served over a bed of steamed rice, which soaks up the sauce and makes for a satisfying meal. If you’re looking for alternatives, try serving it with:

• Fried Rice: Adds extra flavor and texture to the dish.
• Noodles: Lo mein or rice noodles work wonderfully with the sauce.
• Vegetables: Stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or bok choy provide a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Top the dish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or even crispy fried onions for added texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Mongolian Chicken

Overcooking the Chicken

Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough, so be sure to cook it just until it’s done—no more than a few minutes per side.

Using Too Much Sauce

It’s easy to go overboard with the sauce, but you want just enough to coat the chicken without making the dish overly wet. Let the sauce thicken slightly before adding the chicken back in to ensure it clings to the meat.

Not Letting the Sauce Thicken Properly

The sauce should be sticky and cling to the chicken, not watery. Simmer it long enough to reduce and thicken before tossing it with the chicken.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Mongolian Chicken stores well, making it great for leftovers. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, do so in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. This method helps keep the chicken tender and the sauce from separating. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken.

The Influence of Mongolian Cuisine on Modern Chinese Dishes

Despite its name, Mongolian Chicken doesn’t have roots in traditional Mongolian cuisine. Instead, it’s a Chinese-American creation, inspired by the flavors of Northern Chinese cuisine. The dish, like Mongolian Beef, was adapted to suit American tastes, with a sweeter sauce and a milder flavor profile compared to authentic Chinese stir-fries.

Pairing Mongolian Chicken with Other Chinese-American Favorites

For a complete meal, pair Mongolian Chicken with complementary dishes like spring rolls, dumplings, or a bowl of hot and sour soup. These classic Chinese-American dishes balance out the flavors and textures, creating a satisfying dining experience.

Making Mongolian Chicken for Meal Prepping

Mongolian Chicken can easily be made ahead for meal prep. Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately from any side dishes like rice or noodles to keep everything fresh. When ready to eat, simply reheat and assemble.

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Conclusion

Mongolian Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines bold flavors with tender chicken in a sweet and savory sauce. Its simplicity, yet rich taste, makes it a popular choice for home cooks looking to recreate Chinese-American takeout at home. Whether you’re a fan of classic stir-fries or looking for something new, Mongolian Chicken is sure to satisfy.

FAQs

1. Can I make Mongolian Chicken with beef or pork instead? Yes! Mongolian Beef is a popular alternative, and pork works well too. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. What can I use if I don’t have hoisin sauce? You can substitute hoisin with a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and a bit of peanut butter to achieve a similar flavor.

3. How do I make the dish spicier? Add more red chilies, a splash of Sriracha, or some chili flakes to increase the heat.

4. Can I bake the chicken instead of stir-frying? Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F until cooked through and crispy. Then, toss it in the sauce.

5. Is Mongolian Chicken authentic to traditional Mongolian cuisine? No, Mongolian Chicken is a Chinese-American dish and does not have roots in traditional Mongolian cuisine.