Easy Mongolian Chicken
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
This Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that will satisfy your cravings for Asian cuisine without the fuss. Perfectly tender chicken is coated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce, making it an instant family favorite.
This recipe for Easy Mongolian Chicken brings together delicious flavors that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Mongolia. It's a dish that combines simplicity with satisfying tastes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare in just 25 minutes
- Savory and sweet sauce that tantalizes your taste buds
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep
A Taste of Mongolia at Home
Mongolian Chicken is a popular dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. This easy recipe captures the essence of Mongolian flavors without the need for complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The combination of savory soy sauce with the sweetness of brown sugar creates a delightful balance that enhances the tender chicken. Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
One of the best things about this Easy Mongolian Chicken is its versatility. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences. If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce. Alternatively, you can incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and texture. This adaptability makes it a fantastic choice for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
Perfect Pairings
When it comes to serving Easy Mongolian Chicken, the options are plentiful. A classic choice is to serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, allowing the grains to soak up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, you can opt for noodles, which provide a delightful chewiness that complements the dish beautifully. For a lighter option, consider serving it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the sauce.
To elevate your dining experience, pair this dish with a chilled glass of white wine or a light Asian beer. The crispness of these beverages will enhance the flavors of the chicken and provide a refreshing contrast. For non-alcoholic options, try serving green tea or sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a refreshing touch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers after preparing this Easy Mongolian Chicken, you're in luck! The flavors of the dish only improve after a day in the refrigerator, making it an excellent meal prep option. Store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it as mentioned above. This makes it a convenient option for busy days when you don't have time to cook from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Gather all your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce
Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Combine
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through.
Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Enjoy your delicious Easy Mongolian Chicken with your favorite side!
Nutritional Benefits
Easy Mongolian Chicken not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides nutritional benefits. Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Coupled with the healthful ingredients in the sauce, such as garlic and ginger, this dish also offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These ingredients can contribute to overall health and wellness, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
Additionally, by customizing your dish with vegetables, you can increase its fiber and vitamin content. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can add a crunchy texture and a boost of nutrients, enhancing both the flavor and health benefits of your meal.
Making It Your Own
One of the joys of cooking is the ability to experiment and make recipes your own. With Easy Mongolian Chicken, you can be creative with the ingredients. Try incorporating different proteins like beef or tofu for a variation on the classic. You can also experiment with various sweeteners, such as honey or agave, for a unique twist on the sauce.
Don't forget about garnishing! Adding fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime can brighten up the dish and add an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless, and each modification allows you to tailor the dish to your personal taste.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but it's best to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.
→ What can I serve with Mongolian Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.
→ Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for heat.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Easy Mongolian Chicken
This Easy Mongolian Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that will satisfy your cravings for Asian cuisine without the fuss. Perfectly tender chicken is coated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce, making it an instant family favorite.
Created by: Noemi Turner
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
How-To Steps
Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 27g