Mongolian Chicken is a flavorful Asian-inspired dish that combines tender strips of chicken with a glossy, sweet-savory sauce made from soy, garlic, and ginger. With a hint of caramelized richness and the fresh bite of scallions, this dish brings restaurant-quality taste to your own kitchen in just 30 minutes. Whether you serve it with steamed rice or stir-fried noodles, this recipe is a satisfying and family-friendly dinner that’s both simple and irresistible.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 400 g chicken breast, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower)

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color)

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for depth)

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons water

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or lemon juice)

• ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

For Serving

• 2 spring onions, sliced into rings

• Sesame seeds (optional)

• Steamed rice or Asian noodles

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken
   Toss the chicken strips in cornstarch until evenly coated.
   In a hot skillet or wok, heat the oil and cook the chicken in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside.

2. Make the sauce
   In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds.
   Add soy sauces, hoisin, brown sugar, water, vinegar, and sesame oil.
   Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

3. Combine
   Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss to coat thoroughly in the sauce.
   Let it simmer for 2–3 more minutes.

4. Serve
   Garnish with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with hot rice or noodles.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 380–420 kcal

• Protein: 30–35 g

• Fat: 12–15 g

• Carbohydrates: 25–30 g

• Sugar: 10–12 g

• Sodium: 800–1000 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

Mongolian Chicken is a beloved dish that combines tender strips of chicken with a rich, sweet-savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and ginger. This recipe is incredibly easy to make at home and delivers the kind of flavors you’d expect from your favorite Chinese restaurant. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or entertaining guests with a flavorful homemade takeout-style dinner, Mongolian Chicken will never disappoint.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With minimal ingredients and fast cooking time, it’s perfect for busy nights when you need something both comforting and quick. It’s naturally gluten-free if you use tamari, and can easily be adapted for low-carb or keto lifestyles by reducing the sugar. Serve it over steamed rice, jasmine rice, or stir-fried noodles for a hearty meal.

Cooking Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15–20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 2–3

The Origins and Popularity of Mongolian Chicken

Despite the name, Mongolian Chicken is not actually a traditional Mongolian dish. Its roots are in American-Chinese cuisine, a style known for adapting traditional Asian flavors for Western palates. The dish is inspired by the iconic Mongolian Beef, which was popularized in Chinese-American restaurants, particularly in the United States.

Mongolian Chicken came about as a lighter variation of its beef counterpart, appealing to those who prefer poultry. It quickly gained popularity thanks to its irresistible sauce and quick preparation time. Today, it’s a go-to menu item at Asian bistros and a highly searched recipe for home cooks looking to recreate restaurant-style food at home.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple steps.

• Restaurant Quality: Tastes just like takeout but made in your own kitchen.

• Family-Friendly: Sweet and savory flavors kids and adults love.

• Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive pantry staples and chicken breast.

• Versatile: Can be served with rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps.

Health Benefits

While Mongolian Chicken is indulgent in flavor, it can also be part of a balanced diet when prepared mindfully. Using lean chicken breast reduces saturated fat content, and the inclusion of garlic and ginger offers natural anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Additionally:

• Garlic may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

• Ginger supports digestion and has antimicrobial properties.

• Chicken is a lean source of protein that supports muscle health.

• Rice vinegar helps aid digestion and balances the richness of the sauce.

To make this dish healthier, you can pan-sear the chicken instead of deep frying, reduce the amount of brown sugar, and pair it with steamed vegetables like bok choy or broccoli.

Serving Suggestions

Mongolian Chicken is incredibly flexible when it comes to how you serve it. Here are some popular ways to enjoy it:

• Classic: Over a bed of jasmine or white rice

• Low-carb: Served in lettuce wraps or with cauliflower rice

• Comforting: Paired with garlic noodles or lo mein

• Balanced: Alongside steamed broccoli or snow peas

• Party style: As an appetizer with toothpicks and extra sauce

Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or even a drizzle of chili oil for extra kick and presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Thin strips cook quickly. Overcooking makes the meat tough.

• Not Coating Properly: Cornstarch helps crisp the chicken and thicken the sauce. Don’t skip it.

• Overloading the Pan: Cook in batches to ensure even browning.

• Scrambling the Eggs: If making a version with eggs or thickeners, don’t add them over high heat.

• Burning the Garlic: Always sauté garlic on medium heat. Burnt garlic gives a bitter taste.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mongolian Chicken with light, aromatic accompaniments to complement its bold flavor profile:

• Drinks: Jasmine tea, ginger ale, white wine (like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc), or Asian beer

• Side dishes: Cucumber salad, stir-fried baby bok choy, edamame, or miso soup

• Sauces: Extra hoisin, chili garlic sauce, or a squeeze of lime for brightness

• Desserts: Mango sticky rice, sesame balls, or green tea ice cream

Cooking Tips

• Use high heat for quick stir-frying and searing the chicken evenly.

• Chill the chicken strips for 10 minutes before tossing with cornstarch—this helps with crisping.

• Don’t crowd the pan or the chicken will steam instead of crisp. Use a wok or large skillet.

• Make extra sauce if serving with rice—it’s too good to waste.

• Double the recipe for meal prep; it reheats beautifully.

Similar Recipes to Try

• Mongolian Beef – The original version made with flank steak

• General Tso’s Chicken – A spicier, deep-fried version with tangy sauce

• Orange Chicken – Crispy chicken in a sweet citrus glaze

• Sweet and Sour Chicken – Tangy pineapple sauce with peppers

• Kung Pao Chicken – Spicy stir-fry with peanuts and bell peppers

• Teriyaki Chicken – Japanese-style sweet soy glaze with sesame and green onions

Variations to Try

• Spicy Mongolian Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce.

• Low-Sugar Version: Use monk fruit sweetener or erythritol in place of sugar.

• Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or seitan instead of chicken.

• Seafood Twist: Try shrimp or scallops for a Mongolian seafood stir-fry.

• Sticky Mongolian Wings: Toss baked chicken wings in the Mongolian sauce.

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure hoisin is GF-certified.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Chicken Breast: Lean, tender, and cooks quickly. Make sure to slice evenly for even cooking.

• Soy Sauce: The heart of the flavor—adds umami and saltiness.

• Brown Sugar: Balances out the saltiness and creates that signature sticky glaze.

• Ginger & Garlic: Aromatics that elevate the sauce and add depth.

• Cornstarch: Essential for crisping the chicken and thickening the sauce.

Conclusion

Mongolian Chicken is one of those magical recipes that looks and tastes like it took hours to make—but it’s ready in 30 minutes or less. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, last-minute dinner guests, or just when you’re craving something comforting and flavorful. With its bold sauce, tender chicken, and versatility, it’s easy to see why this dish has become a worldwide favorite.

From picky eaters to flavor seekers, Mongolian Chicken delivers every time. Once you make it at home, you’ll think twice before ordering takeout again. The flavors are rich, the process is simple, and the results are restaurant-quality.