Mongolian Chicken Recipe

Mongolian Chicken is a flavorful Chinese inspired American dish that has crispy chicken stir fried in a sticky sweet savory sauce.  It’s a delicious easy recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes.

This is the ultimate comfort food from your favourite local chinese restaurant, made from home. Served over rice or noodles, it’s a salty-sweet meal that can be made gluten free.

This easy Mongolian chicken recipe will become a popular dish and family favorite. You’ll love the tasty juicy chicken inside and the crispy texture covered in a mouthwatering sauce.

I’m sure this delicious mongolian chicken recipe become a regular in your weekly rotation.

For another 30 minute chicken recipe, try our Baked Pnako Chicken!

What is Mongolian Chicken?

First appearing in Taiwan in the 50’s, the ‘Mongolian’ term comes from the way it’s made, not for how it tastes. Just like General Tso’s Chicken, it’s not actually from China.

The stir-frying method over a large open surface, is loosely similar to Mongolian barbecue tradition.

Mongolian Chicken is a variation of Mongolian Beef recipe, and both are popular Chinese dishes served at American restaurants. This Chinese-American dish features Mongolian sauce consisting of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and chilies.

Ingredients Required

How to Make Mongolian Chicken

As always, scroll down for the printable recipe card for full directions.

1. The first step is to prepare the recipe. Get out all the ingredients, measure. and chop. You also need to get these three parts ready:
   • Add the chicken, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch to a medium bowl. Mix so that the chicken pieces are well coated. Set aside.
   • Mix the sauce ingredients into another bowl, and set aside.
   • Make the cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, and set aside.
     
     
2. In a wok (frying pan or large skillet) on medium heat, add 2 tbsp oil. Once heated, fry chicken pieces while stirring continuously. The chicken is cooked when it’s golden brown on all sides, and is cooked evenly on the inside. This takes about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken onto a plate.
   
   
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the pan; add garlic and ginger. Sauté on medium-high heat for a few seconds, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
   
   
4. Add dried red chilies and half of the cut spring onions.
   
   
   
5. Turn back to medium and add the fried chicken pieces. Mix continuously and sauté the chicken for 1 minute.
   
   
6. Add the Mongolian sauce to the chicken mixture, and mix to combine.
   
   
7. Add the corn starch slurry to the pan, and cook until the sauce thickens a little bit.
   
   
8. Plate and garnish with sesame seeds and the rest of the chopped green onions and red chilies.

Recipe Variations

• Protein: Instead of chicken, you can also use beef or tofu as your protein.
• Add Veggies: mushrooms, broccoli, green beans, bell peppers, and zucchini goes well with this Mongolian chicken recipe.
• Spice: Add some spice with red hot sauce, chili peppers or red pepper flakes.

What to Serve with this Recipe

Like our One Pot Moroccan Chicken Stew, this Mongolian chicken recipes go perfectly with plain white rice or steamed rice. You can also serve this easy mongolian chicken recipe over brown rice, or cauliflower rice.

When pairing with other dishes, think of your another restaurant favourite. Homemade versions always come from what we love when eating out.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days.
• Reheat leftovers in the microwave or add back to the pan and flash fry to reheat. If it’s too dry the next day, add a bit of chicken broth and mix well. It will liven back up the dish.

More Asian Inspired Recipes:

• Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
• Easy Wonton Soup
• Oriental Chicken Salad
• Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
• Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
• Slow Cooker Orange Chicken
• Ramen Noodle Salad