Quick & Zesty Mongolian Chicken Recipe that Sizzles

Weeknight dinners demand speedy solutions that don’t compromise on taste.

This quick and flavorful 30-minute Mongolian chicken recipe delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors in record time.

Tender chicken pieces dance in a glossy, savory sauce that clings perfectly to each morsel.

Soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar create a symphony of sweet and umami notes that will tantalize your palate.

The recipe comes together faster than ordering takeout, making it a smart choice for busy home cooks.

Crisp green onions scattered on top add a fresh, vibrant finish that elevates the entire dish.

Bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table with this simple yet stunning meal.

Why Mongolian Chicken Delivers Flavor

• Discover why this Mongolian Chicken recipe will become your new favorite!
• Whip up a restaurant-quality meal in just half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you want delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Learn simple cooking steps that transform basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dish, making you feel like a confident home chef with minimal cooking skills required.
• Adjust spice levels and ingredients to match your taste preferences, creating a personalized meal that suits your family’s unique palate and dietary needs.
• Deliver a stunning Asian-inspired dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a professional kitchen, guaranteed to wow friends and family at any gathering.

Mongolian Chicken Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender meat that provides the foundation for this flavorful Mongolian-style dish.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates a crispy exterior for the chicken and helps thicken the sauce.

• Ginger, Garlic, Red Chili: Provide depth of flavor and add a spicy kick to the dish.

• Hoisin Sauce, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Sesame Oil: Combine to create a rich, sweet, and savory sauce that coats the chicken.

• Vegetable Oil: Allows for even and crispy frying of the chicken pieces.

• Red Chili Slices, Green Onions: Add a fresh, colorful finish and extra flavor to the dish.

Tools for Mongolian Chicken Prep

• Wok or Large Pan: Essential for frying chicken and cooking sauce with even heat distribution.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for coating chicken pieces with cornstarch.
• Small Bowl: Used for preparing cornstarch slurry.
• Wire Rack or Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Helps drain excess oil from fried chicken.
• Cutting Board: Needed for dicing chicken thighs.
• Sharp Knife: For precise chicken cutting.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and tossing chicken.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Cooking Mongolian Chicken Fast

Step 1: Create Cornstarch Magic

Whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth.

This magical mixture will help create a glossy, thick sauce that clings perfectly to your chicken.

Step 2: Chop Chicken Chunks

Slice chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces that will crisp up beautifully and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Keep the pieces slightly moist for better coating.

Step 3: Dust Chicken In Cornstarch

Tumble chicken pieces in a mixing bowl with cornstarch.

Gently toss until each piece gets a light, even coating that will create a crispy exterior when fried.

Step 4: Sizzle Golden Chicken

Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.

Fry chicken in small batches, creating golden-brown pieces that are crispy on the outside and juicy inside.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

Lower heat and quickly sauté ginger, garlic, and red chili.

These ingredients will release their incredible fragrance and form the flavor foundation of your dish.

Step 6: Build Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Hoisin sauce
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Sesame oil

Stir ingredients together to create a rich, complex sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 7: Thicken Sauce Perfection

Add the prepared cornstarch mixture to the pan.

Stir continuously until the sauce transforms into a glossy, clingy consistency that will beautifully coat the chicken.

Step 8: Marry Chicken And Sauce

Gently toss fried chicken pieces in the bubbling sauce, ensuring each piece gets completely covered in the delectable coating.

Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Sprinkle chopped green onions and additional red chili slices on top for a pop of color and extra zing.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Mongolian Chicken Tips

• Ensure each chicken piece is evenly dusted with cornstarch for a crispy, golden exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
• Cook chicken in small quantities to maintain high oil temperature, preventing soggy and greasy results.
• Gradually add cornstarch slurry and stir constantly to achieve the perfect sauce consistency without lumps.
• Adjust red chili quantity based on personal heat preference, creating a customized taste experience.
• Let fried chicken sit briefly on paper towels to absorb excess oil, maintaining the crisp texture and reducing greasiness.

Mongolian Chicken Flavor Swaps

• Gluten-Free Mongolian Chicken: Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use gluten-free cornstarch and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free for celiac-friendly option.
• Spicy Korean-Style Variation: Add gochujang paste for intense heat. Include grated Korean red pepper flakes and swap brown sugar with honey for deeper flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute chicken with cauliflower florets. Use almond flour instead of cornstarch for coating. Reduce brown sugar or replace with erythritol for keto-friendly approach.
• Vegetarian Tofu Alternative: Swap chicken with extra-firm tofu. Press tofu to remove moisture, cube, and follow same coating and frying technique. Use vegetable broth instead of additional sauces for balanced taste.

Serving Mongolian Chicken Ideas

• Cozy Family Feast: Perfect for family dinners, this Mongolian chicken brings warmth and excitement to the table with its rich, tangy flavors.
• Weeknight Dinner Champion: Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, this dish saves time while delivering restaurant-quality taste that everyone will love.
• Rice Bowl Companion: Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Excellent as a shared appetizer during sports events or movie nights, offering a spicy kick that keeps guests coming back for more.

Mongolian Chicken Storage Solutions

• Store leftover Mongolian chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer chicken to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing for longer to maintain quality.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

FAQs

• Why use chicken thighs for this recipe?

Chicken thighs have higher fat content and remain juicier compared to chicken breasts, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result when frying.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, increase the amount of red chili or add additional chili flakes to boost the heat level according to your preference.

• Is a wok necessary for cooking this dish?

While a wok is ideal for even heat distribution, a large skillet or frying pan works perfectly fine for preparing Mongolian chicken.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy?

Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) and avoid overcrowding the pan when frying, which helps maintain the chicken’s crispy exterior.

Quick and Flavorful 30-Minute Mongolian Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Mongolian chicken delights diners with bold Asian-inspired flavors. Tender meat glazed in sweet-savory sauce promises a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) skinless boneless chicken thighs

Coating and Cooking Oil:

• 1/4 cup cornstarch (or potato starch)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or potato starch)

Sauce and Aromatics:

• 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 slices ginger
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 red chili pepper, sliced (optional)
• 1 red chili pepper, sliced

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Instructions

1. Create a cornstarch mixture by whisking water and cornstarch in a small vessel until smooth and translucent, then reserve for later use.
2. Transform chicken thighs into uniform 1.5-inch cubes, maintaining slight surface moisture for optimal coating adhesion.
3. Envelop chicken pieces completely in cornstarch, ensuring each morsel is uniformly dusted and no raw surfaces remain visible.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a spacious wok or skillet at medium-high temperature around 375°F. Fry chicken fragments in controlled batches, achieving a crisp golden exterior within 6-7 minutes.
5. Transfer crispy chicken fragments onto paper towels, allowing excess oil drainage while maintaining crispness.
6. Reduce cooking temperature to medium, then introduce aromatic elements like ginger, garlic, and red chili, releasing their intense fragrances for approximately 15 seconds.
7. Incorporate liquid seasonings including hoisin, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
8. Reintegrate reserved cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until achieving a glossy, thickened consistency within 2-3 minutes.
9. Gently fold fried chicken pieces into the luxurious sauce, ensuring complete and even coating.
10. Elevate presentation by scattering chopped green onions and additional chili slices, serving immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking, preventing some pieces from becoming overcooked or undercooked.
• Use high-quality chicken thighs with minimal fat for a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for perfect golden-brown chicken without burning.
• Pat chicken slightly with paper towels before coating to help cornstarch adhere better and create a crispier texture.
• Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder for gluten-free diets, maintaining the same thickening properties.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat if you prefer a spicier version of the dish.
• Reduce brown sugar for a less sweet sauce or use honey as a healthier alternative sweetener.
• Swap chicken thighs with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly protein option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mongolian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg