Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. This recipe features crispy, coated chicken pieces glazed with a homemade sweet and savory sauce, making it a favorite for many. Perfect for family dinners, quick weeknight meals, or even special occasions, this dish is sure to impress. With its unique flavor profile and simple preparation, Mongolian Chicken is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a taste of takeout at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crispy Texture: The chicken has a wonderfully crispy coating that holds up beautifully against the savory sauce.
• Flavorful Sauce: The homemade sauce combines sweetness and umami, enhancing every bite of chicken.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with plain rice, noodles, or even in wraps for a fun twist.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this flavorful dish that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Mongolian Chicken, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Wok or frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Measuring spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Wok or frying pan: Ideal for frying and achieving the perfect texture on your chicken.
• Mixing bowls: Great for marinating the chicken and combining sauce ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Ensures that your sauce ingredients are well blended for a smooth consistency.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 300 grams Boneless chicken (Skinless boneless chicken breast/thigh)
• 2 tsp Soy sauce (Regular soy sauce or light soy sauce)
• 2 tsp Shao xing grape juice (Cooking rice grape juice or rice vinegar)
• 2 tsp Cooking oil (Vegetable oil, sunflower, peanut, or sesame oil)
• 4 tbsp Cornstarch (Or potato starch)

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp Soy sauce (Regular soy sauce or light soy sauce)
• 2 tbsp Brown sugar (Or regular white sugar or honey)
• ¼ cup Chicken stock (Or water or chicken broth)
• ½ tsp Corn starch (or potato starch)

For Sautéing

• ½ Onion (Cut thin slices)
• 6-8 Dried chilles (Deseeded whole dried chillies)
• 2 cloves Garlic (Minced or cut thin slices)
• 2 tsp Ginger (Minced or cut thin strips)
• 2-3 Spring onions (Cut 2 pieces)
• 1 Chilli pepper (Or bell pepper, cut thin slices (optional))

For Frying

• Oil for frying (Sunflower, vegetable, peanut oil, etc.)

How to Make Mongolian Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine the boneless chicken pieces with soy sauce, Shao Xing grape juice, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated well. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, chicken stock, and cornstarch until completely dissolved. This will create a smooth sauce that will coat the chicken perfectly once cooked.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in your frying pan or wok over medium heat. Once hot (about 350°F/180°C), carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the oil. Fry for about 5–6 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown. Remember to flip them occasionally for even cooking. Once done, remove from oil and let them drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

In the same wok or pan, drizzle in 1–2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add dried chillies and sliced onion; sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Then add minced garlic and ginger; cook lightly until aromatic.

Step 5: Combine with Sauce

Pour in your prepared Mongolian sauce into the wok. Stir well and keep cooking until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy. Add in fried chicken pieces along with fresh chilli slices and spring onions.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Toss everything together carefully to coat each piece of chicken with the delicious sauce. Turn off the heat and serve immediately with plain rice or noodles for an unforgettable meal!

How to Serve Mongolian Chicken

Mongolian Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes. Serving it in delightful ways can elevate your meal experience, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

With Rice

• Steamed White Rice: The classic pairing, steamed white rice absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.
• Fried Rice: Add some vegetables and eggs to create a hearty fried rice complement to your Mongolian Chicken.

With Noodles

• Lo Mein Noodles: Soft boiled noodles tossed with a bit of soy sauce offer a tasty base for the chicken.
• Rice Noodles: These light noodles soak up the sauce well and provide a gluten-free option.

Garnished with Vegetables

• Sautéed Broccoli: A simple sauté adds color and crunch, balancing the dish’s rich flavors.
• Stir-Fried Bell Peppers: Bright bell peppers not only enhance the dish’s presentation but also add a sweet crunch.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Lettuce Cups: Serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy alternative.

How to Perfect Mongolian Chicken

Achieving the perfect Mongolian Chicken requires attention to detail and careful preparation. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Bold Marinade: Allowing the chicken to marinate longer enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Crispy Coating: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying; this helps achieve that golden, crispy texture.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic, ginger, and vegetables will significantly boost flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: Customize the level of sweetness by adjusting brown sugar or honey according to your taste preferences.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to soggy chicken instead of crispy pieces.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture and taste, serve your Mongolian Chicken right after cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Mongolian Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Mongolian Chicken can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Aromatic and fluffy rice that complements the savory sauce perfectly.
2. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic add a crunchy texture and vibrant color.
3. Egg Fried Rice: A flavorful twist on traditional rice, packed with eggs and peas for added nutrition.
4. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with fresh veggies offer a delightful contrast in texture.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds acidity and crunch that balances the richness of the chicken.
6. Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles bring nuttiness and flavor, enhancing your meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mongolian chicken can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Not Marinating Long Enough: Skipping or shortening the marinating time leads to less flavorful chicken. Allow at least 15-30 minutes for the marinade to penetrate the meat.
• Using the Wrong Oil: Using oils with low smoke points can result in burnt flavors. Stick with vegetable, sunflower, or sesame oil for frying to maintain a clean taste.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too much chicken at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy pieces. Fry in batches for crispy results.
• Ignoring Sauce Consistency: If you don’t cook the sauce until it thickens, it may not adhere well to the chicken. Ensure you stir and cook it until glossy.
• Serving Without Garnish: Skipping fresh ingredients like spring onions reduces visual appeal and flavor complexity. Always garnish your dish before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Mongolian chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep the chicken separate from any sides to maintain texture and flavor.

Freezing Mongolian Chicken

• Freeze Mongolian chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• For best quality, use vacuum-sealed bags to minimize air exposure.

Reheating Mongolian Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil, add the chicken, and stir gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mongolian Chicken?

Mongolian Chicken is a popular dish made with crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce, often served with rice or noodles.

How do I make Mongolian Chicken gluten-free?

To make Mongolian Chicken gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I customize Mongolian Chicken?

Yes! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli or adjust spice levels by adding more or fewer chilies according to your preference.

How long does it take to prepare Mongolian Chicken?

You can prepare this dish in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Can I use different proteins in Mongolian Chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with beef, turkey, or lamb if you prefer an alternative protein source.

Conclusion

Mongolian Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices. It’s perfect for quick dinners or impressing guests. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its amazing flavors!

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