Quick Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Craving the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout but want a quick and easy homemade solution? Look no further than Mongolian Chicken Quick Easy! This recipe delivers golden chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory glaze, complete with aromatic hints of ginger and garlic. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a dish that perfectly balances crunch and tenderness, sure to satisfy your Chinese food cravings right at home.

I stumbled upon this Mongolian Chicken recipe during a quest to recreate my go-to Chinese restaurant dish, and after some fine-tuning, I nailed it! Now, it’s a staple in my household, loved by both kids and guests alike. A little tip I’ve discovered along the way is to keep the chicken slightly moist before coating it in cornstarch for that extra crunch we all crave in Chinese cuisine.

The secret to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in this dish lies in the careful cooking process. By ensuring your chicken pieces have enough room in the pan to fry properly, you’ll achieve that coveted crispy exterior that holds up beautifully against the flavorful sauce. So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a newbie cook, Mongolian Chicken Quick Easy is a fail-proof way to elevate your homemade Chinese feast in no time!

Quick Benefits

• Quick and Easy: Done in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for satisfying Chinese takeout cravings at home without the long wait times.
• Customizable: Easily adapt this dish to suit various dietary needs by swapping ingredients like soy sauce for tamari and chicken for tofu or seitan without compromising on flavor.
• Complex Flavor Profile: Experience the perfect balance of sweet, savory, salty, and spicy flavors with hints of ginger, garlic, and chili in the thick, gooey sauce that coats the golden chicken chunks.
• Versatile Dish: Pair this Mongolian Chicken with a variety of sides like plain white rice, grilled pineapple, or a cucumber-mango mix to create a full Chinese feast right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Mongolian Chicken Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving Chinese takeout flavors without the wait.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Enjoy the taste of top-notch Mongolian chicken right in your own kitchen with a gooey, sweet, and savory glaze that will leave you wanting more.
• Crunchy Exterior: Learn the secret to achieving an amazing crunchy exterior on your chicken by keeping it slightly damp before adding cornstarch. Each bite will have the perfect crispy texture.
• Balanced Flavor Profile: The sauce combines sweet hoisin and brown sugar with salty soy sauce, zingy ginger, garlic, and a touch of chili for a complex and delicious taste experience.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the recipe to suit dietary preferences or restrictions. Swap out ingredients to make it gluten-free, vegetarian, or even air-fry for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile Pairings: Elevate your meal by serving the Mongolian Chicken with sides like white rice, grilled pineapple, roasted veggies, or a cucumber-mango mix for a complete Chinese feast experience.
• Prep-Ahead Tips: Save time by prepping the chicken and sauce ahead of time, allowing you to have a delicious meal ready in minutes. Leftovers also keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Improved Techniques: Benefit from tried-and-tested cooking techniques, such as avoiding crowding the pan when frying chicken and using the broiler for that perfect balance of crispy and juicy result.

Ingredients for Quick Mongolian Chicken Recipe

• ¼ cup cornstarch (or potato starch as an alternative)
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 1 pound of boneless chicken thighs, without skin
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 5 slices of fresh ginger
• 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• ⅓ cup neutral oil, like vegetable oil

Cornstarch Mix

• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch

Optional Finishes

• Finely chopped green onion (1 piece)
• Sliced red chili pepper

Pro Tips for Quick Mongolian Chicken Recipe

To achieve that perfect crunch on your chicken, remember to keep the chicken slightly damp before coating it with cornstarch. This will help the coating stick properly, ensuring a crispy exterior that can stand up to the flavorful sauce. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the chicken. Cooking in smaller batches gives each piece enough room to fry properly, resulting in that irresistible crunch we all love from Chinese food.

Experiment with different variations of this recipe to suit your dietary needs without compromising on flavor. For a gluten-free option, swap soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free hoisin sauce. Vegetarians can substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan. For a lighter version, consider air-frying the coated chicken instead of pan-frying. The versatile sauce pairs well with various proteins, allowing you to customize this dish to your liking.

How to Make Quick Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Mix cornstarch and water

In a small bowl, combine ½ cup water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, whisking until smooth to create a slurry. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Cut the chicken

Cut the chicken thighs into 4 to 6 pieces, approximately 1.5 inches in size. No need to pat the chicken dry.

Step 3: Dust the chicken

In a large bowl, coat diced chicken with ¼ cup cornstarch until evenly covered. Add more cornstarch if needed. Set aside.

Step 4: Cook the chicken

Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy on both sides. Drain on paper towels or a rack to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Sauté aromatics

Cook garlic, ginger, and sliced chili in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 10 seconds.

Step 6: Prepare the sauce

Combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil in the pan. Stir well, then quickly mix in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer and stir occasionally until the sauce thickens.

Step 7: Combine everything

Return the fried chicken to the pan, coat it with the sauce, then transfer to a serving plate. Top with green onions or chili before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared and cooked the Mongolian Chicken, storing any leftovers properly will help maintain its flavors and textures. You can store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, it is best to do so slowly to prevent the chicken from becoming tough. You can gently heat it up in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.

To make meal prep easier, you can cut and coat the chicken up to 8 hours before cooking and keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready to cook. You can also prepare the sauce ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. If you have extra time before cooking, leaving the coated chicken uncovered in the fridge for about an hour can help remove surface moisture and ensure a crispy coating that stays crunchy even after adding the sauce.

Experimenting with dietary preferences is easy with this dish. For gluten-free options, substitute soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free hoisin sauce. To make it vegetarian, you can swap out the chicken for firm tofu or seitan. For a lighter version, consider air-frying the coated chicken instead of pan-frying. This versatile dish can be paired with sides like white rice, grilled pineapple, roasted veggies, or a cucumber-mango mix to enhance your homemade Chinese feast.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make this Mongolian Chicken dish gluten-free, you can easily substitute the soy sauce with tamari and use a gluten-free hoisin sauce. This simple swap will ensure that the dish remains delicious without compromising on flavor for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.

For a vegetarian twist on this recipe, consider using firm tofu or seitan instead of chicken. These protein alternatives can easily soak up the flavorful sauce and provide a satisfying meat-free option for vegetarians or those looking to reduce their meat consumption. Just ensure the tofu or seitan is cooked through and coated well for a tasty alternative.

To lighten up the dish, you can opt for air-frying the coated chicken instead of pan-frying it. This method will still give you a crispy exterior while using less oil, making it a healthier cooking option. Air-frying can be a great alternative for those looking to cut down on excess oil without sacrificing the crunchiness of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try putting a spin on traditional presentation by serving this Mongolian Chicken in lettuce cups. Fill large, crisp lettuce leaves with a generous scoop of the chicken mixture, garnish with sliced red chili pepper and green onions, and serve as flavorful and refreshing wraps. This light and fresh way of enjoying the dish adds a fun interactive element to your meal that everyone will love.

To elevate the flavors even more, consider adding a side of homemade fried rice with diced vegetables and scrambled eggs. The combination of the savory Mongolian Chicken and the fragrant fried rice creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Chinese takeout. Top it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick, and you’ll have a delicious feast that rivals any restaurant experience.

FAQs for Quick Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Can I make this Mongolian Chicken dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the boneless chicken thighs with firm tofu or seitan. The flavorful sauce and cooking method will still result in a delicious vegetarian alternative.

How long can I store leftovers of this Mongolian Chicken dish?

You can store leftovers of this Mongolian Chicken dish in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, heat them up slowly to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

Can I air-fry the coated chicken instead of pan-frying for a lighter version of this dish?

Yes, you can air-fry the coated chicken instead of pan-frying for a lighter version of this dish. The chicken will still develop a crispy exterior, and the sauce will pair well with the air-fried chicken.

What can I substitute for soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. Additionally, look for gluten-free hoisin sauce to ensure the entire dish is gluten-free.

Conclusion

In just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying Mongolian Chicken Quick Easy dish that will rival your favorite Chinese takeout spot. The combination of flavors in this recipe will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its bold flavors and crunchy texture.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own by customizing it to suit your dietary preferences. With a few simple swaps and adjustments, you can create a version of Mongolian Chicken Quick Easy that suits your needs without compromising on taste. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy the process of cooking up a storm with this delightful recipe.