Quick and Flavor-Packed Mongolian Chicken Recipe – A Restaurant Favorite at Home

Mongolian Chicken is one of those dishes that immediately sweeps you off your feet. The succulent chicken strips, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, are coated in a sweet and savory sauce that’s rich in umami flavor. Imagine biting into a perfect blend of soy, brown sugar, ginger, and a touch of heat from Sriracha—it’s enough to make you crave a second helping before you've even finished your first!

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I recently stumbled upon this incredible Mongolian Chicken recipe from Insanely Good Recipes, and I knew right away it was too good not to share. This recipe offers a fantastic mix of bold flavors and is surprisingly simple to make. It’s a great go-to for busy weeknights when you want a quick but absolutely delicious meal on the table.

The first time I made this dish, I was hooked. The balance of sweetness from the brown sugar with the sharpness of ginger and soy creates a mouthwatering sauce that clings to every piece of chicken. Trust me, once you try it, you'll find yourself making it again and again. So go ahead, hit that follow button for more must-try recipes!

A Brief History of Mongolian Chicken

While the name might suggest Mongolian origins, Mongolian Chicken is more of a Western adaptation of Mongolian-style stir-fry dishes. It shares a lot in common with Mongolian Beef, which was popularized in Chinese-American restaurants. The dish itself isn’t authentically Mongolian but takes inspiration from the flavor profiles found in Chinese cuisine, especially the sweet and savory combinations that make each bite so irresistible.

The Recipe

Here's how you can whip up this incredible Mongolian Chicken at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast tenderloins, cut into thin strips
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ginger puree
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 4 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Coat the Chicken: Start by placing your chicken strips in a large Ziploc bag with the cornstarch. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until the chicken is evenly coated. This gives the chicken a nice crispy texture once cooked.
2. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken strips and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and let it drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
3. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, ginger puree, Sriracha sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Pour this sauce into the same skillet used for the chicken and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Combine: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Throw in the chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice or your favorite side dish. The sticky, flavorful sauce is perfect for spooning over rice, and the chicken stays juicy with every bite!

Recipe Tips:

• For extra crunch: Toss some toasted sesame seeds or cashews on top before serving.
• Spice it up: Add more Sriracha or even some red pepper flakes if you like a little extra heat.
• Sides: Mongolian Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a side of stir-fried veggies.

If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, you can opt for a low-sodium soy sauce or swap the brown sugar for honey or a sugar alternative like Stevia.

Fun Fact:

Did you know that dishes like Mongolian Chicken often feature both ginger and garlic for their medicinal properties? In traditional Chinese medicine, ginger is believed to boost digestion, while garlic is renowned for its antibacterial properties. Together, they not only taste amazing but also bring a boost to your immune system!

I hope you enjoy making this Mongolian Chicken recipe as much as I did. If you do, let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends, and follow me for more delicious dishes coming your way.